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.

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.