Tooth Extractions
When faced with the possibility of extraction, the idea can be daunting. However, modern tooth extraction is very straightforward. Our Winter Park dentist always employs a calming touch, using instruments to lift the tooth away gently—don’t think of it as having a tooth “pulled.”
Of course, we always try to save a tooth when we can, but if you must lose a tooth to decay or trauma, we offer a variety of tooth replacement options to restore your bite function and your smile appearance. And during the extraction process, we are with you every step of the way. It is always our goal to keep you comfortable during all dental treatments.
Reasons You Might Need a Tooth Extraction
Decay & Trauma
Severe decay that leads to breakage below the gum line and trauma that threatens the stability of your tooth means you may benefit from a tooth extraction.
In this case, we offer a variety of tooth-replacement options, including dental implants and bridges. Drs. Bryant and Kathleen Anderson can also provide bone grafting treatment to keep your jawbone viable for future tooth replacement. This is a vital step because your remaining teeth will begin to migrate toward smile gaps, which can throw off your bite.
Before Orthodontics
If your teeth are twisted and overlapping, your jaw may not be large enough to support a full row of teeth. In this case, extraction before clear aligners or braces is a pre-treatment that leads to a better outcome. Your missing tooth does not create a smile gap but instead helps your orthodontic treatment to give you straight teeth that fit your jaw.
Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom tooth removal is designed to ease your pain and prevent infection when these teeth encroach on your needed teeth or fail to erupt fully. You do not need your wisdom teeth to enjoy a fully functioning smile. And in many cases, your wisdom teeth threaten your oral health and well being.
What To Expect from a Tooth Extraction
NUMBING THE AREA
If a tooth or teeth require extraction, our dentist will first give the patient an anesthetic injection in the surrounding area of the tooth. The tooth is then gently loosened from the bone. You will not feel pain during this process, but you will likely experience the sensation of pressure that is being put on your tooth and bone.
At Anderson Family Dental, our team offers various options for sedation dentistry in order to ensure every patient is as comfortable as possible during the procedure. If you have questions or concerns about the sedation dentistry options available during your tooth extraction, please discuss your questions and concerns with the dentist during your next visit.
Sedation Dentistry
We always want you to feel comfortable when under our care, which is why we offer sedation dentistry. Options include nitrous oxide for relaxation and oral sedation for easy care that you’re likely not to remember. Our Winter Park dentists can help you choose which option is best for you.
Instructions for Care After a Tooth Extraction
Your dentist will provide specific instructions following your extraction. It will take a few days to fully recover.
For the first 24 hours, do not rinse your mouth, drink from a straw or eat solid foods. You may also notice some mild soreness and swelling for a few days after your tooth extraction. These issues are easily treatable with over-the-counter medications.