While we work
to preserve the teeth you were born with for as long as possible through regular preventive and general dental services, there are some cases when tooth
extraction must occur. In these instances, we are pleased to provide comfortable and efficient tooth extractions
in Jacksonville. Keep reading to learn more about the most common type of procedure and what you can expect if
you or a loved one need to have one or more teeth extracted.
If you have failing teeth due to decay, injury, or disease, you may need to have several of them removed to protect your oral and overall health. Contact us as soon as possible after accident or injury for urgent dental care. We may be able to save a damaged tooth. Before tooth removal, we will discuss replacement before extraction to ensure that a plan is in place so you do not have to spend any extra time without a complete smile. If the teeth have erupted outside of the gum line and are healthy enough to remove with forceps, a simple extraction will be recommended. A surgical extraction occurs when the tooth is broken, impacted, or has not erupted. This procedure involves opening the gums and removing the tooth in pieces.
The most common type of extraction is that of the wisdom teeth, or the third molars which may appear in late adolescence or on into adulthood. There is rarely enough space in the gum line for the wisdom teeth to emerge without issue, and impacted wisdom teeth can become infected or put pressure on the surrounding teeth, causing them to move out of alignment. Removing wisdom teeth prevents infection and protects the other molars. These teeth are not necessary for proper oral function, so they do not need to be replaced.
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When a tooth needs to be replaced, as is the case of anything other than a wisdom tooth, we may recommend extraction site preservation if a dental implant is the next step. This procedure keeps the tooth’s socket in place to ensure that the implant post can be placed in the coming weeks. Otherwise, the area may collapse -- affecting aesthetics and also making effective replacement more difficult. Donor tissue is placed into the site immediately after extraction to keep it healthy and preserve the area for the future placement of a dental implant.
Once the extraction has occurred, our emergency dentists will send you home with instructions to help you ease through a speedy recovery. Avoiding a dry socket is of primary concern. The blood clot that covers the extraction site must remain where it is to promote quick healing and keep you out of pain. Maintaining a soft foods diet is important for dry socket preservation (scrambled eggs, yogurt, fruit smoothies are good options), and you should take extra care when brushing and flossing around the treatment site. Make sure to take all medications exactly as prescribed, and rest and relax until you feel ready to resume normal activities. Should symptoms worsen or not improve after several days, do not hesitate to let us know.
Learning you need a tooth extraction in Jacksonville isn’t likely causing you to get excited about your next appointment. Although your dentist will never recommend this type of procedure unless it is absolutely necessary, the idea of having a tooth removed from your mouth likely has you wondering about the procedure and aftercare involved. Below you will find a list of common questions asked by patients about the tooth extraction process. If you have additional questions or would like to schedule another appointment to discuss your concerns, please contact our office.
If you are having your wisdom teeth extracted, no, it is not necessary to have these teeth replaced. However, for any other tooth that needs to be removed, it is vital that you and your dentist in Jacksonville discuss viable options to restore your smile. Bone loss can begin quickly after a tooth is extracted. To prevent further problems (i.e., tooth and bone loss, shifting teeth), we may recommend extraction site preservation if a dental implant is to be put into place in the weeks following your tooth removal. This procedure prevents the socket from collapsing, allowing the implant to fit firmly into place.
Depending on the type of extraction you need, and the number of teeth being removed, your recovery time can vary. A smaller, more visible tooth will likely take less time to heal than the area left behind from an extracted molar. The average timeline looks something like the following:
Once you have a tooth extracted, it is imperative that you do everything you can to avoid infection or a dry socket. In most cases, these procedures are successful and pose no complications. However, should you notice any of the following signs, be sure to contact our office as soon as possible:
When undergoing a tooth extraction, you can rest assured your dental insurance company will likely cover a portion of the treatment. Whether it is identified as a minor or major restorative procedure is dependent upon your individual plan. No matter if they cover 50% or 80% of the total cost, our team is here to help you identify ways to pay the remaining balance. You may opt to pay with cash, check, or a major credit card, or you can inquire about flexible financing through CareCredit.