Does Splitting Teeth Make Extraction Easier?

Posted on 6/23/2018 by Dr McMurray

There are different types of dental extractions. As oral surgeons, we are well versed in the many types of extractions so we can help our patients, no matter what type of extraction they need. One of the common practices that we use to help with surgical extractions is that of splitting the tooth.

This allows us to break the tooth up slightly so we can slide out one part of the tooth at a time. This makes the process a lot less uncomfortable for most of our patients, and also improves healing.

Why Does Splitting Teeth Help?

Splitting teeth is simply breaking each extracted tooth up into smaller pieces. Those pieces are able to slide out of the hole the tooth was in easier than the whole tooth coming out at once. Teeth are often irregularly shaped, and that is not including when they have tartar or decay on them.

This can make the outside of the tooth jagged, leaving behind scratches, cuts, or even the potential for an infection as a whole tooth is removed. By splitting the tooth, we can take out smaller bits at first, leaving plenty of room for anything jagged to come out without causing damage as it slides out.

There are many different ways of removing a tooth. While we will always do what we can to help save your tooth, some teeth simply are beyond repair. In those instances, sometimes splitting the tooth makes it easier on you to have it removed.

It increases the chance of your tooth coming out without complication, and allows you to heal more quickly. Plus, there is nearly no chance of socket damage if we split the tooth. For more information, or to schedule a consultation with us, call our office today.

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