Tooth Extractions in Boca Raton
Tooth Extraction Near You
When a general dentist or oral surgeon removes an unhealthy tooth from its bony socket, that is called a tooth extraction. This can be a critical step in order to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Extractions can be straightforward (simple) or more complicated – this depends on the patient at hand.
Our amazing dentists near you, Dr. Scott Harris and Dr. Vanessa Short, are here to help you on your next chapter of your dental adventure. Get in touch to learn more.
Types of Tooth Extractions
Simple
Simple tooth extractions are performed on a tooth that is visible when you smile, meaning it is easily accessible. It is straightforward and generally has the following steps to it:
- Numbing: The dentist will inject local anesthetic which freezes the unhealthy tooth, ensuring that treatment would be as comfortable as possible.
- Loosening: The dentist may use a dental elevator in order to gently loosen the tooth in the socket.
- Removal: The dentist will use dental forceps to remove the now-loosened tooth.
The appointment does not take long and is completed with minimal discomfort. The recovery process will not require much downtime.
Surgical
Tooth extractions become surgical extractions for teeth cut into several pieces, stuck in the gums (impacted), or otherwise inaccessible. It is typically an oral surgeon who conducts the extraction.
A surgical extraction involves a few more steps:
- Incision: An incision is made in the surrounding gum tissue to visualize the whole tooth.
- Sectioning: If the tooth is too challenging to pull out as a whole tooth, then it will be sectioned into smaller pieces for removal.
Closure: The tissue and area will be closed with stitches. This closes the access and prevents infection and debris.
Surgical extractions are generally for the wisdom teeth (the last molars to emerge), which are mostly removed because of pains from infections, spacing of teeth, or improper alignment.
When is it Necessary to Extract a Tooth?
The following are the reasons that the teeth need to be extracted:
- Teeth that are too damaged to be restored will be extracted.
- Advanced gum disease may have caused teeth problems requiring their extraction.
- For orthodontic purposes
- For abscesses (sac of pus)
- To extract impacted wisdom teeth.
After the Appointment
Once your visit concludes, your dentist in Boca Raton will provide guidelines to ensure a full recovery. This can include carefully bite down on some gauze to control any bleeding, avoiding hard, chewy, or sticky foods; instead, consume soft foods until the area has healed. Thirdly, take prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication as instructed by your dentist.
Although extractions may seem intimidating, they are common procedures designed to improve your oral health. By following your dentist’s recovery instructions, you’ll be back to feeling better in no time!
Schedule a Consultation at Harris Dentistry
If you’re unsure whether you require tooth extraction near you, we advise you to get in touch with us. We’re available via email, phone, or you can come by our physical location. Your oral wellness matters to every one of our team members, and we are here to ensure any pain is alleviated so you can enjoy your smile once more. We anticipate hearing from you soon.
