Tooth Extractions Shalimar FL
When is it necessary to remove a Tooth?
You and Charles W. Elwell, Jr., DMD may determine that you need a tooth extraction for any number of reasons. Some teeth are extracted because they are severely decayed; others may have advanced periodontal disease, or have broken in a way that cannot be repaired. Other teeth may need removal because they are poorly positioned in the mouth (such as impacted teeth), or in preparation for orthodontic treatment.
The removal of a single tooth can lead to problems related to your chewing ability, problems with your jaw joint, and shifting teeth, which can have a major impact on your dental health.
Dr. Elwell will discuss alternatives to extractions as well as replacement of the extracted tooth if it is indicated.
Do You Need a Tooth Extraction?
Contact us with any questions or to schedule a consultation!
What is involved during Surgery?
Extractions are performed many times with local anesthesia (numbing the area of tooth, gum tissue and bone with lidocaine or equivalent). Many times this will be augmented with the pain-relieving and anxiety reduction effects of IV sedation.
During the extraction process, you will feel the pressure. This is from the process of firmly rocking the tooth in order to widen the socket for removal.
You feel the pressure without pain as the anesthetic has numbed the nerves stopping the transference of pain, yet the nerves that transmit pressure are not profoundly affected.
What does Sectioning a tooth mean?
Some teeth require sectioning. This is a very common procedure done when a tooth is so firmly anchored in its socket or the root is curved and the socket can’t expand enough to remove it. The doctor simply cuts the tooth into sections then removes each section one at a time.
What Happens After Tooth Extraction
After tooth extraction, it’s important for a blood clot to form to stop bleeding and begin the healing process. Bite on a gauze pad for 30-45 minutes immediately after the appointment. If the bleeding or oozing still persists, place another gauze pad and bite firmly for another 30 minutes. You may have to do this several times to limit the flow of blood. A gauze placed in crushed ice will further help to stop socket oozing.
After the blood clot forms, it is important to not disturb or dislodge the clot. Do not rinse vigorously and do not smoke. Limit exercise for the next 24 hours, as this increases blood pressure and may cause more bleeding from the extraction site.
After the tooth is extracted you may feel some pain and experience some swelling. An ice pack or an unopened bag of frozen peas or corn applied to the area will keep swelling to a minimum. Take pain medications as prescribed. The swelling usually subsides after 48 hours.
Use pain medication as directed. Call our office if the medication doesn’t seem to be working. If an antibiotic is prescribed, continue to take them for the indicated length of time, even if signs and symptoms of infection are gone. Drink lots of fluids and eat nutritious, soft food on the day of the extraction. You can eat normally as soon as you are comfortable, noting that crumbly foods such as chips and crackers maybe not good choices for 2 or 3 weeks.
It is important to resume your normal oral hygiene routine after 24 hours. This should include brushing and flossing your teeth at least once a day. This will speed healing and help keep your mouth fresh and clean. If Chlorhexidine rinse is prescribed this may start the next day after surgery.
After a few days, you should begin to feel fine and can resume your normal activities. If you have heavy bleeding, severe pain, continued swelling for 2-3 days, or a reaction to the medication, call our office.
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Associates, PLLC
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Highly recommend Dr. Elwell and staff. Extremely knowledgeable and professional.
- Orlando T
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Every member of staff was kind and professional throughout every appointment. Dr. Charles Elwell completed all wisdom teeth extraction smoothly and safely. I have no complaints. Anna was especially helpful and sweet! You’ll be lucky to be helped by her!
- Marcus R
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Thank you! I was apprehensive (I’m a coward with medical procedures); but you all made this the easiest surgery I’ve ever had (have had other dental work and two C-sections). I appreciate it, and may God bless you all.
- Melissa K
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Excellent care and an awesome doctor.
- Mark P
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
The staff was so friendly and put me at ease during all my visits. The entire facility seems very clean and sterile. Thank you for an effortless and wonderful experience!
- Caroline S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Excellent service and very helpful people
- Daniela M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
This is THE best oral surgeon I have ever been to! My son had to have 2 of his bottom teeth removed for orthodontic purposes. We first attempted this at his normal dentist. He got freaked out by the needle and we were referred to an oral surgeon in Gulf Breeze (oral surgeon #1). We told them upfront the issue my son had at the dentist so they would be aware he is very nervous around needles. After the consultation appointment, we went back for the procedure. They took my son back and within 2 minutes they brought it back out saying he refused service and they would not perform any procedure on him. He again got very nervous and scared as soon as he saw the needle for the IV. We were then referred to a different oral surgeon (oral surgeon #2) who specializes in outpatient procedures in Pensacola. At the consultation appointment with him, we discovered it was going to be way too costly for us to attempt this option. After 6 months of consultation appointments and unable to get past putting the IV in, we felt all hope was lost. I searched on google and found Dr. Elwell. After reading the different reviews I gave him a call. It was THE best decision I could have ever made. The ladies at the front desk are so nice and helpful. I never felt like I was bothering them or interrupting their day as I did at the previous oral surgeon offices. The nurses were great with my son, they built a great rapport with him before any procedure was ever done. Dr. Elwell was absolutely outstanding. He really went above and beyond to first understand the situation and what lead us to his office. He made sure both of us knew exactly what to expect. He then took extra preparation steps to make sure my son was relaxed and comfortable before the procedure. 30 minutes later it was done! I would definitely recommend this office to anyone needing any kind of oral surgery done. Him and his staff really made it very easy for both me and my son and we are both extremely grateful.
- Susan H
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Very sweet people
- Flo R
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Will recommend to friends. The entire Staff was very accommodating.
- Harmon M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
The whole process went very well and easy
- Rafael H
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Fast, easy, staff is nice and friendly, doctor is a cool guy.
- Jesse C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Very friendly staff, the procedure was better than I expected and recovery has been fast.
- Troy C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
It was an amazing experience
- Conner P
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I’ve only been here three times and every time it was a great experience, it was super quick and easy to check in for an appointment.
- Angel T
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Great place for any dental needs. Would highly recommend.
- Dravey T
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
If you want the best surgeon and staff in this area, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is the place to go!! Doctor Elwell is a phenomenal surgeon! Staff really care and work hard to meet your needs!! Highly recommend!!!
- Connie D
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Outstanding and gets my highest recommendation,,,
- Dan L
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
The staff is wonderful. Professional and personable. Provided with easy and complete after surgery instructions. Completely satisfied with my whole experience. Thanks to all.
- Richard B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I’d definitely recommend
- Jim B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Great overall experience Dr Elwell and staff are amazing
- Bruce kennedy S