Why Do Oral Surgeons Split Teeth Before Extracting Them?
Posted on 12/1/2025 by Wheaton Oral Surgery
Have you ever wondered why your oral surgeon might split a tooth in half before removing it? While it might seem unnecessary, there are actually several good reasons for this practice. Let's delve into the world of oral surgery and explore the rationale behind splitting teeth before extraction.
Reasons for Splitting Teeth
There are several situations where splitting a tooth becomes beneficial:
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Limited Access: When a tooth is heavily broken down due to decay or trauma, accessing the roots for extraction can be challenging. Splitting the tooth allows for better visualization and easier removal of each root individually.
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Curved Roots: Some teeth, like molars, have curved roots. Splitting the tooth helps to avoid fracturing the roots during extraction, which can lead to complications like bone damage and infection.
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Impacted Teeth: Wisdom teeth are often impacted, meaning they are stuck in the jawbone and haven't fully erupted. Splitting these teeth allows for easier removal in sections, minimizing the risk of damage to surrounding structures.
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Root Canal Treatment: If a tooth has undergone root canal treatment, the filling material can make it more brittle and prone to fracture during extraction. Splitting the tooth reduces the stress on the weakened tooth and facilitates a safer removal.
Benefits of Splitting Teeth
Splitting teeth before extraction offers several benefits for both patients and oral surgeons:
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Reduced Risk of Complications: By improving access and minimizing stress on the tooth, splitting decreases the chance of complications like root fracture, bone damage, and infection.
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Faster Healing: Smaller tooth sections are easier to remove, leading to less surgical trauma and faster healing times for patients.
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Improved Accuracy: Splitting allows for more precise removal of each root, ensuring all fragments are extracted and minimizing the risk of leaving behind remnants that could cause future problems.
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Enhanced Comfort: By minimizing the need for excessive force during extraction, splitting can lead to a more comfortable experience for the patient.
Conclusion
Splitting teeth before extraction is a valuable technique in oral surgery. By improving access, minimizing stress on the tooth, and reducing the risk of complications, this practice contributes to a safer and more efficient extraction process for both patients and oral surgeons.
If you have any questions or concerns about tooth extraction, don't hesitate to consult your dentist or oral surgeon. They will be happy to discuss your individual situation and explain the best course of action for your oral care needs.
About Us - Naperville, IL • Wheaton Oral Surgery Visit this page for more information about our doctors & team, our technology & services at our Naperville oral surgery practice. Call today! Wheaton Oral Surgery and Implant Center, 2323 Naperville Rd, STE 160, Naperville, IL 60563 ~ (331) 204-0314 ~ wheatonoralsurgery.com ~ 12/3/2025 ~ Tags: oral surgeon Naperville IL ~
Have you ever wondered why your oral surgeon might split a tooth in half before removing it? While it might seem unnecessary, there are actually several good reasons for this practice. Let's delve into the world of oral surgery and explore the rationale behind splitting teeth before extraction.