Let’s be real: hearing the two words “tooth extraction” can cause some patients to freeze in their tracks. The reality is that even though it’s often perceived as daunting, extraction is a routine dental procedure aimed at resolving various issues that compromise the health and integrity of a tooth. Our Greater Jacksonville, FL dentists are also well-versed in both simple and surgical extractions so you’re in excellent hands.
Here’s when tooth removal is the best route to take and how we can help you restore your smile after the procedure is complete.
Why Tooth Extraction is Needed
Pulling a tooth becomes necessary when there’s a dental issue that compromises not only health but functionality as well. A few of the most include severe tooth decay, advanced gum disease leading to tooth instability, and impacted wisdom teeth.
When you have extensive decay or damage where the tooth cannot be effectively restored through procedures like fillings or root canals, extraction may be the most viable option to prevent further spread of infection and preserve overall oral health. Similarly, can cause pain, infection, and misalignment of surrounding teeth, often requiring extraction to alleviate discomfort and prevent complications.
Signs indicating the need for tooth extraction typically manifest as persistent symptoms and observable changes in oral health. What might start out as nagging but manageable, can become downright disruptive to your day if you don’t see our dentists in time.
Certain underlying issues may cause patients to experience:
- Ongoing discomfort in the affected tooth or surrounding area
- Swelling, inflammation, and tenderness in the gums around the tooth
- Gum recession or mobility of the tooth
- Jaw pain
- Bad breath
Dental X-rays play a crucial role in diagnosing the extent of tooth damage or impaction, guiding the decision-making process regarding extraction. Consulting with our team upon experiencing any of these symptoms is essential for timely evaluation and appropriate treatment planning.
What to Expect During Tooth Extraction
Preparing for the tooth extraction procedure involves an initial consultation with one of our dentists to assess the specific condition of the affected tooth and discuss whether any conservative treatments can be performed first. If a surgical procedure is needed, patients may receive detailed pre-op instructions, which may include dietary restrictions, medication adjustments, and preparations for anesthesia or sedation.
The extraction itself typically begins with the administration of local anesthesia to numb the affected area and minimize discomfort. Our dentists then remove the tooth using either surgical or simple extraction techniques, depending on factors such as tooth condition, position, and accessibility. From start to finish, it’s fairly straightforward and if you’re in for a simple extraction, it is relatively brief.
Following the extraction, patients receive post-operative care instructions to manage pain, swelling, and bleeding, as well as to promote proper healing and recovery.
Restoring Your Smile After Tooth Extraction
Once the area where the extraction occurred has healed, that’s when smile restoration becomes the primary concern for many patients. Dentures offer a popular option for replacing missing teeth, providing a removable prosthetic solution that mimics the appearance and function of natural teeth.
Depending on the extent of tooth loss, patients may opt for partial dentures, which replace multiple missing teeth while preserving existing healthy teeth, or full dentures, which replace all teeth in a dental arch. Dentures are custom-made to fit the patient’s mouth comfortably and securely, allowing for improved speech and chewing. Immediate dentures can also be placed after extraction to act as a placeholder for the permanent appliance.
If you’re interested in a more permanent solution that doesn’t need to be adjusted over time, dental implants are surgically placed into the jawbone, where they fuse with the surrounding bone tissue. By comparison, dentures rest on top of the gums and may require adhesives for added stability. This integration provides a strong foundation for dental crowns or even overdentures, which are attached to the implants for a secure and natural-looking restoration.
No matter which option you choose, our skilled dentists can help you beautifully and seamlessly restore both the function and appearance of your smile.
Have Your Tooth (or Teeth) Evaluated
Does something feel “off” in your jaw or around a certain tooth? Our dentists serving Jacksonville, Orange Park, and surrounding areas, can take a closer look to determine whether extraction is the right course of action. Call one of our Quality Dentures & Implants locations today to request an appointment.
