While you hear the word “extraction” in reference to a dental procedure, it simply means removing a tooth. Sometimes, the extraction is simple as well.
With a simple extraction, the tooth can come straight out. That is not always the case. Sometimes the tooth needs to be broken up, which is known as “sectioning”. Not all extractions require sectioning, but many do. Here is what you need to know.
Sectioning
While sectioning might sound a bit dramatic, it is really a simple procedure. With sectioning, the tooth is broken into pieces. Then the pieces are removed until the entire tooth is gone. Most of the time the sectioning is done with a dental drill. The patient will not feel it, but it is possible to hear the drill and maybe some other sounds.
Reasons
The main reason that we will decide to section a tooth is because of the amount of force that is needed to extract a tooth. With sectioning, there is less force used, so that will be easier on your jaw and gums. Also, we will sometimes section a tooth because it is damaged. A decayed or cracked tooth will sometimes need to be sectioned to be able to easily remove all of it. If the tooth is broken, we might decide that sectioning is a good idea so that we will be able to better control how the tooth is removed.
While extracting a tooth may seem like something that could be a bit scary, it is extremely common. If you are worried about the procedure, you might want to ask us about sedation. Once the procedure is over, we will give you instructions on what you need to do to take care of your mouth while you heal. With or without sectioning, you will be back to your old self soon.