Dental Extractions in Stuart, FL

Dr. Tyler, as a restorative specialist (prosthodontist), is committed to saving teeth whenever possible. Through root canals and crowns, teeth can be saved that you may think can only be removed. Consult Dr. Tyler before having any teeth removed. When a tooth is deemed non-restorable, dental extraction is necessary.

When you get a tooth “pulled,” it is called an extraction. Extraction means to have a tooth removed from its socket, usually because of decay, disease, trauma, or crowding. When a tooth has been damaged to the point that the tooth cannot be repaired, a dental extraction is indicated.

During the extraction procedure, Dr. Tyler will provide profound local anesthesia to maintain your comfort. Depending on the type or complexity of the extraction or your level of anxiety about the procedure, you may be referred to an oral surgeon, who is a specialist in extractions and can provide you with options for deeper sedation.

There are two types of dental extractions, a simple extraction, and a surgical extraction. A simple extraction consists of an extraction done on a tooth that is visible in the mouth, meaning no incision or tooth-sectioning is needed to be able to see it or extract it. During a simple extraction, the dentist will loosen the tooth with an elevator, then will proceed to remove the tooth with the use of another instrument called forceps. On the other hand, a surgical extraction requires an incision and are sometimes referred to an oral surgeon depending on complexity. This type of extraction is more invasive and is performed on a tooth that has not come out (like some wisdom teeth) or one that may have broken off leaving only a piece inside the gums.

There should be no need to worry about feeling pain during dental extraction. The anesthesia should prevent any pain; you could feel pressure but not pain. You will experience some soreness after the surgery once the anesthesia wears off and the healing process begins. This is why it is recommended to take some pain medication, like Ibuprofen, before the anesthesia wears off. Dr. Tyler and his team will provide proper instructions for use of any pain medication.

The blood clot that forms in the tooth socket is an important part of the normal healing process. You should avoid doing things that might disturb the clot. If the blood clot is disturbed and breaks down, you can get a dry socket. Dry sockets can be extremely painful. To lower your risk of a dry socket, be very careful to not do anything that can disturb the clot. For the first 24 hours after extraction, do not suck, spit, slurp, or any other action that creates suction in your mouth and puts pressure on your blood clot. This means no drinking through straws; no smoking (smoking can also prevent your gums from healing properly); no sucking on candy, popsicles, lollipops, etc.; no slurping on soups; and do not rinse your mouth with too much force.

Click here for further post-operative instructions for tooth extraction.

Bone grafting (socket preservation) can provide a framework for maintenance of the blood clot in a socket and aids in the healing process after an extraction. Bone loss occurs in and around the socket after a tooth is removed. Therefore, if replacement of the tooth with a dental implant is desired, then preserving the bone is often indicated.

Professional dental hygiene visits and regular dental exams will help keep your mouth healthy helping prevent you from needed a future dental extraction.

For any further questions about dental extractions please do not hesitate to ask us.

Call us today at 772.286.1606 to schedule an appointment.