Dental Extraction in Melbourne, FL
Tooth extraction is a common dental procedure that removes a damaged or problematic tooth to alleviate pain and prevent complications. In 2018, over 48% of Florida adults aged 18 and older had a tooth extracted due to tooth decay or gum disease.
While there are many reasons that a tooth might need to be extracted, removing permanent teeth is often a last resort for teeth that cannot be repaired. However, if you need a tooth pulled, rest assured that the experts at Designing Smiles Dentistry in Melbourne, FL are well-equipped to provide compassionate, quality dental care that will have you smiling in no time.
When Is A Tooth Extraction Needed?
Extraction is needed for various reasons. Typically, a tooth is extracted only when issues arising from tooth or gum damage could lead to further complications. The following are common circumstances that may demand tooth removal:
- Trauma or injury from an accident or sports injury can severely damage or dislodge a tooth, sometimes prompting its removal.
- Severe decay can lead to tooth extraction when the tooth is extensively damaged or if root canal therapy is not an option.
- Gum disease, if it has progressed to an advanced stage, can lead to tooth instability and tooth loss.
- Impaction occurs when a tooth, often wisdom teeth, doesn’t have enough space to emerge properly, requiring extraction.
- Overcrowding may lead to tooth extraction as part of orthodontic treatment. In this case, removing the tooth creates space for the remaining teeth to align properly.
In addition to these scenarios, children may need a tooth pulled if their baby teeth do not fall out on their own.
Using digital radiographs, we will evaluate your teeth to determine if an extraction is needed. If so, we use these images to plan your treatment.
Simple vs. Complex Extraction
The extraction process depends on the type of extraction needed: simple or complex.
Simple Extraction
Simple tooth extraction is a relatively straightforward procedure performed on a tooth that is visible in the mouth and can be easily accessed by dental instruments. We typically use local anesthesia to numb the area surrounding the tooth, making the extraction process painless. Using specialized tools like dental forceps, Dr. Apel will grasp and gently rock the tooth back and forth until it loosens in its socket. Once the tooth is sufficiently loosened, he can lift it out.
Simple extractions are commonly used for damaged or decayed teeth and to create space before orthodontic treatment. Because the tooth is easier to access and remove, recovery is usually quicker and less uncomfortable than surgical extraction.
Surgical Extraction
Surgical tooth extraction is performed when a tooth is not easily accessible or has not fully erupted from the gumline. This type of extraction may involve making an incision in the gum tissue to access the tooth or even removing a small portion of the bone. In some cases, the tooth may need to be removed in sections.
Surgical extractions are commonly used for impacted wisdom teeth, severely broken teeth, or teeth with complex root structures. Patients undergoing surgical extractions may receive local anesthesia and, in some cases, sedation to ensure comfort during the procedure.
Recovery from surgical extractions may take a bit longer and involve some swelling and discomfort, but it is manageable with proper aftercare measures.
For both simple and complex extractions, Dr. Apel will clean and disinfect the socket once the tooth has been removed. In some cases—especially for complex extractions—you will need stitches to help control bleeding and encourage a blood clot to form.
How Painful Is Tooth Removal?
A common patient concern is how painful their procedure will be. At Designing Smiles Dentistry, one of our goals is to make your treatment as painless as possible. We use the most modern anesthesia techniques to make sure that you have a comfortable experience.
How Long Does a Tooth Extraction Take?
The length of your procedure will depend on how many teeth need to be removed, the location of the tooth in your mouth, the condition of the tooth, and the type of extraction. While some extractions take only 10 minutes, others can take about an hour. Before your procedure, Dr. Apel will explain what to expect for your specific case, including procedure details and aftercare guidelines.
Healing and Aftercare Measures
When Dr. Apel finishes removing your tooth, he will instruct you to bite on gauze for 45 minutes. If bleeding or oozing persists, insert another gauze pad and bite firmly for another 30 minutes. Each patient is different, so you may need to do this several times. Placing pressure on the extraction site helps a blood clot form, stopping the bleeding and beginning the healing process. The blood clot is crucial to the healing process, as it protects your nerves and bone from infection. If a blood clot doesn’t form, then your nerves and bone remain exposed, resulting in a painful condition called a dry socket.
If Dr. Apel has prescribed an antibiotic or painkiller, be sure to take the medication exactly as directed. Over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen and ice packs can also help manage pain and reduce swelling. Additionally, you should prioritize rest, avoiding strenuous activity until you have healed.
Remember the 4 S’s
Additional post-op measures help ensure proper healing and aid in a speedy recovery. After your extraction procedure, it is important to refrain from the 4 S’s:
- Spitting
- Smoking
- Sucking through a straw
- Soda
These 4 S’s can dislodge your blood clot, causing a dry socket. Avoiding them ensures proper healing, allowing you to recover more quickly.
While every patient responds differently to dental procedures, most recover fully in a few days, as long as aftercare instructions are followed.
Tooth Replacement After Extraction
Losing a tooth can make certain daily habits more challenging. If you have a gap in your smile, it can be more difficult to eat your favorite foods, speak articulately, and smile proudly. At Designing Smiles Dentistry, we offer different options to replace your missing teeth, including dental implants and bridges.
Mini dental implants, in particular, are a popular replacement option, and for good reason. These small devices are half the size of conventional dental implants, making them ideal for those with narrow jawbones or low bone density. Mini implants are also long-lasting and durable, rivaling the effectiveness of their larger predecessors while boasting a lower price tag. Unlike conventional implants, mini implants allow for a quick recovery and immediate results due to their simplified placement procedure.
Can a Tooth Be Replaced on the Same Day as an Extraction?
Dr. Apel is an experienced implant dentist who leverages the benefits of mini dental implants to provide superior tooth replacement options. With a mini dental implant, tooth replacement is possible the same day that we remove your tooth. If there is adequate space in your jawbone, Dr. Apel can place a mini implant immediately.
For patients with less jawbone density, Dr. Apel can perform a bone grafting procedure to prevent the bone from shrinking after extraction and strengthen the site for a future implant. Once healed, Dr. Apel can place the mini implant in a single minimally invasive procedure.
Tooth Extraction for a Healthier Smile
With a patient-centered approach, Dr. Apel and his team at Designing Smiles Dentistry ensure a stress-free and comfortable tooth extraction experience. If you or a loved one needs a tooth removed in Melbourne, FL, rest assured that we will provide expert dentistry and compassionate care. From tooth extraction to mini dental implant placement, Dr. Apel can address all your dental needs.
If you need a tooth extracted or additional dental care, don’t delay. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
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