By Advanced Dental Care of Florida
Dental Implants in Florida
Tooth extractions are the most common surgical procedure in America, with more than 20 million extractions performed annually. Yet it's probably one of the most dreaded procedures and is the brunt of many jokes. If you need one or more tooth extractions, don't put them off because of fear or dread. The problem will only worsen and can become hazardous to your health.
Tooth extractions are usually painless and the procedure goes quickly. If you need an affordable quality tooth extraction, call our Florida office for an appointment.
How Do I Determine If I Need a Tooth Extracted?
Your Florida dentist will determine if you need to have a tooth pulled, but obvious indicators can be decay, damage, impaction, or an abscess. Even if the problem isn't obvious to you, if you're having pain, swelling, discomfort, or any other symptom that's unusual for you, call your Florida dentist for an appointment. When you come in for your evaluation, your dentist will inspect the problematic tooth and the surrounding area and determine what's causing the issue. We'll take X-rays as necessary to determine our treatment regimen, and then we'll advise you of the results.
Is There Only One Type of Tooth Extraction?
There are two types of tooth extractions: a simple extraction and a surgical extraction. When you treat a tooth problem early, a simple extraction may be sufficient. However, if you wait and the problem worsens, you may need a surgical extraction.
Simple Extraction
A simple extraction is performed on a tooth that's both accessible and visible. It removes a tooth that has become unsalvageable and helps restore functionality to the area. A simple extraction can be used on a decayed or damaged tooth that's not abscessed.
Your dentist will administer a local anesthetic to the area around the tooth that's to be removed, then gently loosen and remove the tooth. Aftercare for a simple extraction is relatively easy and recovery is usually quick.
Surgical Extraction
When a tooth is impacted, abscessed, or not readily accessible, your dentist will probably recommend a surgical extraction. They're often performed on impacted wisdom teeth or other types of teeth that haven't fully erupted. Your Florida dentist may perform the surgical extraction or refer you to a local oral surgeon.
During a surgical extraction, you may receive a local anesthetic, sedation, or general anesthesia, depending on the severity of the procedure and the amount of medication you'll need to ensure your comfort. You should arrange for someone to drive you home afterward.
Rather than remove your tooth like we would do for a simple extraction, your oral surgeon will make a small incision in your gums so that they can access the tooth. Then, they'll remove it surgically in one piece or they'll divide it into sections if necessary. Each patient is unique, so each procedure will be unique. You may need one or more stitches after your procedure, and you'll need more recovery time than you would for a simple extraction. You'll receive aftercare instructions that you should follow carefully. You shouldn't have any problems, but if you do, be sure to contact our Florida office immediately.
Aftercare Instructions
Following your aftercare instructions carefully will provide the shortest and best healing for your extraction:
- After 24 hours, begin rinsing with warm salt water several times daily
- Keep biting down on the gauze pad until the bleeding has stopped, and replace the gauze as necessary
- Avoid using a straw for at least 24 hours so you don't dislodge the clot and develop a condition known as dry socket
- Manage your pain with over-the-counter analgesics, and contact our office if you have severe pain
- Avoid strenuous activity for at least 24 hours, and don't smoke, spit, rinse forcefully, or engage in strenuous activities because these things can dislodge your clot
- Maintain good oral hygiene but avoid the site for the first 24 hours
After the initial 24 hours, you can clean the area with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Your dentist will provide aftercare instructions that are tailored to your unique need. If you experience excessive pain or bleeding, be sure to call our Florida office immediately.
Need a Tooth Extraction?
If you think one or more of your teeth need to be extracted, call Advanced Dental Care of Florida at , and we can help you. Tooth extractions are one of the most common procedures we perform, and they alleviate the pain caused by damaged, decayed, or impacted teeth. We're among the best in the area for extractions, and we're sure you'll be happy with your procedure.
Keep your beautiful smile and good oral health by keeping your teeth healthy and pain-free. Call us today.
We look forward to working with you.