Do you have one or more cavities or tooth damage that causes pain? We provide tooth extraction treatment in Sarasota, FL, to help patients with severe decay, impaction, and damage.
Many patients may think that extractions are highly painful, uncomfortable treatments. At Integrated Dental, we use anesthesia and dental sedation for pain-free treatments. We also monitor patients throughout treatment for their comfort.
Continue reading to learn more about what happens during tooth extraction treatment in our Sarasota dental office. Extractions are important general dentistry services we offer to new and existing patients in Sarasota, Florida.
Reasons for Tooth Extractions
Our dentists may have several reasons why they recommend removing a tooth. Tooth extractions are usually considered when other treatments, like fillings or root canals, cannot save the tooth. We’ll remove these types of problem teeth:
- Dental Decay: Tooth decay can cause cavities, pits, or holes in the enamel, which is the hard outer layer of your teeth. In many cases, our team can treat decay with a root canal. This procedure removes infected tissue and nerves from inside the tooth and seals it with a filling to protect it. However, if the tooth is too damaged or the infection is severe, a tooth extraction may be the best way to prevent further problems and protect your oral health.
- Impacted Teeth: Sometimes a tooth cannot fully grow in and becomes stuck in the gums or jawbone. This is called an impacted tooth. Impacted teeth can push against nearby teeth, cause pain, and lead to infections. Wisdom teeth are the most common teeth to become impacted, and removing them is often necessary to avoid damage to other teeth and relieve discomfort.
- Tooth Damage: We may need to remove teeth that are severely damaged from injury, decay, or infection. Damaged teeth can make it hard to chew, speak, or bite properly. Removing these teeth can help reduce pain, prevent further dental problems, and restore balance to your bite.
We may recommend replacing your extracted tooth depending on your needs.
Removing Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of molars located at the back of the mouth. They typically emerge in late adolescence or early adulthood, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. It’ become a common practice to remove wisdom teeth because they have a high risk of impacting your dental health.
But not everyone will need wisdom teeth removal. Removing them when patients are in their late teens is a preventive measure to avoid future complications. Our dental care team will monitor the development of your wisdom teeth through exams and X-rays. We may remove wisdom teeth for many reasons:
- Impacted Wisdom Teeth: Most people don’t have enough room in their jaws for wisdom teeth to fully grow. When this happens, the teeth become impacted and stay trapped under the gums or bone. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, swelling, and infections that spread to nearby teeth and gums. They may also damage the roots of neighboring teeth.
- Misalignment: Wisdom teeth often grow in at odd angles, which can push against surrounding teeth. This misalignment can crowd or shift teeth that are already in place, undoing the results of orthodontic treatment like braces. Over time, this crowding can make it harder to clean your teeth and increase the risk of decay or gum disease.
- Tooth Decay: It can be hard to brush and floss your wisdom teeth because they’re located at the very back of the mouth. Food and bacteria can easily build up on their surfaces, leading to tooth decay and cavities. If left untreated, decay can spread to neighboring teeth and cause more serious damage.
- Gum Inflammation: When wisdom teeth only partially break through the gums, they can create a small flap of tissue. Food and bacteria often get trapped under this flap and cause painful swelling and infection. This condition can make it hard to chew, swallow, or even open your mouth fully.
- Sinus Issues: The roots of the upper wisdom teeth sit very close to the sinus cavities, the open spaces located behind your cheeks and forehead. As wisdom teeth begin to grow and push upward, their roots can press against these delicate areas. This pressure can create uncomfortable symptoms such as sinus headaches and facial pain.
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The Tooth Extraction Process in Sarasota, FL
We make sure patients are comfortable during their extraction treatment. If you need a simple extraction, we first numb the tooth with a local anesthetic and then remove the tooth. Our dentist or oral surgeon conducts simple extractions to remove teeth above the gum line.
But if you have a tooth that is at or below the gum line, we need to perform surgical extractions. We may use general anesthesia and dental sedation so you won’t feel pain during treatment.
Once you’ve healed from your extraction, we often recommend dental implants or implant-secured restorations. We can also provide traditional dental bridges and dentures. These restorations make it easier for patients to eat the foods they love and restore their smile’s appearance.
Post-extraction Care
After extracting a tooth or teeth, our dentist will place a gauze over the extraction site to help stop the bleeding. The gauze will keep the site from opening and disturbing the blood clot. This also prevents dry socket, or a painful complication that can occur when the blood clot fails to properly form.
For the first 24 hours after the extraction, avoid rinsing your mouth or spitting forcefully. The motion can dislodge the blood clot that forms in the extraction site and delay healing. Gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water after the first 24 hours to keep the extraction site clean and prevent infection.
Rest and avoid strenuous activities and smoking for the first 24 hours after the extraction. Stick to soft foods and avoid hard, crunchy, or spicy foods as well. Contact us immediately if you experience excessive bleeding, severe pain, swelling, or signs of infection.
Request a Consultation
Do you have constant tooth pain and discomfort? Get a tooth extraction in Sarasota, FL, today. Contact our dental office for comfortable care today at 941-398-0609 or request an appointment on our website.