Tooth Extractions – Vero Beach, FL
The Last Resort for Badly Damaged Teeth
If your permanent teeth are lost, new ones won’t grow in their place. As such, when there’s an emergency, we always strive to repair your damaged teeth whenever possible. Sadly, some teeth are simply too far gone and can’t be salvaged no matter what steps are taken, leaving tooth extraction as the only option. The procedure is more comfortable than you might think; in fact, many of our patients say they don’t feel anything while it’s being performed! Find out if you need a tooth extraction by calling our office and scheduling an appointment with Dr. Adam or Dr. Giuliana.
Why Choose Premier Dental for Tooth Extractions?
- Sedation for Reducing Dental Anxiety
- Same-Day Emergency Appointments
- Advanced Training and Technology
Reasons Why Tooth Extractions Are Necessary
A tooth extraction may be unavoidable in the following situations:
- One of your teeth has a very large cavity, and the remaining dental structure isn’t strong enough for a crown.
- There’s an advanced infection that might affect the rest of your mouth if the tooth isn’t removed.
- Your teeth are loose due to untreated gum disease.
- You are planning on getting dentures, but some of the teeth that need to be replaced are still in your mouth.
The Process of Removing a Tooth
If you ask what the extraction process will look like, the answer will depend on whether you’re undergoing a simple extraction or a surgical one.
A simple extraction is carried out with forceps and an instrument called an elevator. After the tooth has been loosened, it is slowly wiggled back and forth until it slips out of the mouth. You can usually get a simple extraction if the problematic tooth has completely erupted and can be seen above the gums.
On the other hand, certain teeth – such as those that never break through the gums – might need to be extracted surgically. In cases where a tooth proves especially hard to remove, it might be divided into two or more pieces first.
Before any type of extraction is performed, your mouth will need to be numbed with a local anesthetic. It may also sometimes be necessary to use a form of dental sedation to keep you in a calm, relaxed state during the procedure.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
After your extraction, a blood clot will form over the socket. Said blood clot plays a vital role in the healing process, so make sure you keep it safe by not doing anything that could dislodge it. (Examples include smoking, spitting, and drinking through a straw.)
Here are a few other things you can do to take care of your smile after an extraction:
- Sleep with an extra pillow in order to keep your head elevated.
- Only eat soft or liquid foods. Do not try to bite or chew hard foods, as doing so could lead to bleeding.
- Keep swelling down by applying a cold pack to the area for 15 minutes at a time.