By John E. Russo, DMD | July 13, 2025
Ideally, permanent teeth should last a lifetime. At some point, however, you may have to have a tooth removed due to untreatable decay, injury, or gum disease. Dr. John E. Russo is your go-to dentist in Orlando, Florida, for tooth extraction. These FAQs provide greater insight into the oral extraction process, needs, and benefits.
When is it necessary to have a tooth extracted?
Dr. Russo may recommend oral extraction for the following reasons:
- Teeth are overcrowded
- A tooth is too severely damaged by decay to save
- A tooth has suffered severe bone loss due to gum disease
- To remove impacted wisdom teeth
How can tooth extraction help my oral health?
Extracting a severely decayed or infected tooth will relieve painful symptoms and prevent the infection from spreading to nearby healthy teeth or entering your bloodstream and infecting vital organs. In the case of overcrowding, extracting one or two teeth can improve your alignment and relieve painful chewing. Extractions are generally a last resort for teeth with irreparable damage due to decay, injury, or gum disease.
How are teeth extracted?
There are basically two types of extractions: simple extraction and surgical extraction. Both are done under anesthesia to avoid pain. If the tooth is accessible above the gumline, Dr. Russo may use forceps to loosen and pull it out. If the tooth is impacted, he will resort to surgical extraction. This involves making a small incision in your gum, removing any bone covering the tooth, and using forceps to remove the tooth. Dr. Russo will take x-rays of your tooth to determine its position and the depth of its roots to help decide the best way to remove it.
What can I expect after a tooth extraction?
It’s normal to have pain, swelling, or slight bleeding from the extraction site after an oral extraction. The bleeding should stop on its own within 24 hours, and you can take OTC medication to relieve pain or swelling. A blood clot should form in your gum at the extraction site to help heal. Take care not to dislodge this blood clot, which can cause a painful condition called dry socket. Contact Dr. Russo immediately if you have nausea, vomiting, chest pain, or signs of infection.
How can I expedite healing after a tooth extraction?
We’ll give you detailed instructions for post-op care of the extraction site. By following these instructions, you should have no problem with your recovery. The following tips can also help with your recovery:
- Take pain relievers as needed
- Use ice packs on your cheek to reduce swelling
- Rinse with warm salt water to ease pain and swelling
- Avoid spitting, smoking, or the use of straws during the healing process
- Eat a soft food or liquid diet for several days to avoid chewing
- Rest for 3 to 4 days to give your mouth time to heal
Where can I go for tooth extraction?
For safe and effective extraction services in Orlando, FL, contact the John E. Russo, D.M.D. Family and Cosmetic Dentistry team at (407) 470-1224.
