Oral Surgery & Extractions
Surgical (sectional) extraction
A gentle surgical approach for teeth that can't be lifted out whole.
Why
Tooth can't be lifted whole
Visit
One procedure
Anaesthetic
Local (sedation optional)
Stitches
Often, dissolving
Overview
Some teeth — broken at the gumline, heavily filled, curved-rooted or impacted — can't be removed in one piece. A surgical extraction raises a little gum and may divide the tooth into sections so it can be removed with minimal force and the least trauma to surrounding bone. It's still done comfortably under local anaesthetic.
Common questions
Why is it 'surgical'?
It simply means a small flap of gum is raised, and the tooth may be sectioned, rather than lifted out whole.
Is recovery different from a simple extraction?
Swelling and tenderness can be a little more noticeable for the first few days, but the aftercare and healing timeline are very similar.
Will I need stitches?
Often a few dissolving stitches help the gum heal; they soften and disappear over one to two weeks.
Dr Rick Iskandar · Reviewed June 2026