A surgical extraction is one in which the doctor has to remove gum tissue or bone in order to extract the tooth. An x-ray will be necessary to know if you need a surgical extraction or not. Removing some wisdom teeth, severely broken down teeth, and root tips or teeth with long-curved roots are some examples of cases in which surgical extractions are necessary.

The first step is to administer a local anesthetic to numb the area around the extraction. The doctor will use a topical numbing gel for a couple of minutes prior to injecting the anesthetic to minimize the discomfort from the injection. Afterward, a small incision will be made to the gum line in order to remove the tooth. After removing the tooth, the doctor will then close the incision with stitches. These stitches will heal and dissolve on their own. The doctor will provide post-treatment instruction for a speedy recovery and to prevent complications.