Surgical extractions are done by most general dentists. It’s a great service to their patients. But could they be performed faster and more smoothly?
How about 5-10 minutes or less? Possibly 15 minutes at the most, without sedation except perhaps nitrous oxide. (I strongly encourage oral or IV sedation but that’s another topic.)
Attached are pictures of teeth removed in 5-10 minutes by general dentists or D-4 students with the methods we recommend in our courses. We can include “erupted” maxillary third molars. Courses are with models (Continuum 1) or patient treatment (Continuum 3).
A mini-flap reflection of soft tissue can be done in 15-20 seconds. Then elevator/forcep, if possible, depending on how much tooth there is. Accurate molar sectioning in 20-30 seconds. Get the individual molar roots loosening quickly.
Some other techniques may be needed, such as skinny bur excision into the PDL around single roots and then using one or more of the five recommended root retrieval instrument.
Your high-speed bur may not be able to cut deep enough – in which case there is an easy, inexpensive, viable, hand-piece alternative you already have.
See Continuum 1 is with life-like models in-person or on Zoom. Continuum 3 is patient treatment. Continuum 4 is third molars.
