Have you ever had a tooth that was so badly damaged that it couldn't be saved? If so, you may have been faced with the prospect of having the tooth extracted. While tooth extractions are common procedures, they can be complex, especially when the tooth is severely broken or decayed. In these cases, your oral surgeon may recommend splitting the tooth before removing it.
Why Split a Tooth?
There are several reasons why an oral surgeon might choose to split a tooth before extracting it. Here are a few of the most common reasons:
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Accessibility: When a tooth is broken below the gum line, it can be difficult to access and remove in one piece. Splitting the tooth allows the oral surgeon to remove each section individually, reducing the risk of damage to surrounding teeth and bone.
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Strength: Severely broken or decayed teeth can be very weak and prone to further fracture during extraction. Splitting the tooth helps to minimize the risk of this happening, making the extraction process safer and more predictable.
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Preservation: In some cases, splitting a tooth can help to preserve healthy tooth structure. This can be important if the patient wants to have a dental implant placed in the future.
How is a Tooth Split?
The process of splitting a tooth is typically performed under local anesthesia. The oral surgeon will use a specialized drill to carefully cut the tooth into two or more sections. Once the tooth is split, each section can be removed individually using forceps.
Recovery After Tooth Splitting
After the tooth is extracted, you can expect some swelling and discomfort. Your oral surgeon will prescribe pain medication to help you manage these symptoms. You should also avoid strenuous activity and eat soft foods for the first few days after surgery. Most patients recover from tooth extraction within a week or two.
Conclusion
Splitting a tooth can be a valuable technique for making tooth extractions safer and more efficient. If you have a tooth that needs to be extracted, be sure to discuss the option of splitting the tooth with your oral surgeon.
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Have you ever had a tooth that was so badly damaged that it couldn't be saved? If so, you may have been faced with the prospect of having the tooth extracted. While tooth extractions are common procedures, they can be complex, especially when the tooth is severely broken or decayed. In these cases, your oral surgeon may recommend splitting the tooth before removing it.