Removing Troubled Teeth For Better Oral Health
When they’re necessary, tooth extractions benefit your oral health in many ways. Depending on the situation, this procedure can protect your other teeth, get you out of pain after an injury, or even make it easier to get orthodontic work. And while it’s common to feel a bit anxious beforehand, Dr. Russo has performed hundreds of tooth extractions in Orlando over the years and makes the procedure easier than you might expect. If you think you may need a tooth extraction or have any questions, contact us anytime. After doing a thorough evaluation, Dr. Russo will create the perfect treatment plan for your needs, including tooth extractions in Orlando, FL.
WHY CHOOSE JOHN E. RUSSO, DMD FOR TOOTH EXTRACTIONS?
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Why Do You Need a Tooth Extraction?
Here are some common reasons for needing an extraction:
- Wisdom teeth that pose a risk to the adjacent teeth
- As a solution for overcrowding, especially before orthodontic treatment
- When advanced gum disease has caused the teeth to become loose
- Before getting dentures
- When you call an emergency dentist in Orlando to treat an injury or accident
- For a severe cavity or fracture that can’t be repaired with a filling or crown
What is the Tooth Extraction Procedure Like?
There are two main types of tooth extractions: simple and surgical. The first step before either type of procedure is fully numbing the area to make sure you don’t feel pain (although you will feel pressure).
A simple extraction is recommended when a tooth is in one whole piece and has fully come through the gums (i.e. it’s not impacted). After loosening the tooth, Dr. Russo will use a pair of forceps to grasp it and remove it from its socket.
A surgical extraction is often done for impacted wisdom teeth or teeth that have broken into several pieces. Many patients do well with sedation for these procedures. The first step is making an incision in the gums to access the tooth. Once it’s removed, we’ll place stitches in the area to help it heal.
Lastly, we’ll discuss pain medication and give you post-operative instructions for caring for the area at home.
Post-Operative and Aftercare Guidelines
You can expect mild to moderate tenderness and bleeding in the area for a day or two, but most of the initial discomfort will subside in 24 hours and then improve further from there.
To help the extraction site heal as quickly and comfortably as possible, it’s important to follow your aftercare guidelines closely and give us a call right away with any concerns. Each patient is different and will get personalized instructions, but here are some general tips to use after an extraction:
- Take 1 or 2 days off to rest.
- Don’t smoke, spit or use a straw while the area is healing.
- Take pain medication as directed.
- For swelling and inflammation, you can gently apply an ice pack in 10-minute intervals to the outside of your lip or cheek.
- Avoid carbonated beverages and hard or crunchy foods.
- Keep the area clean, gently and carefully. Continue to brush twice a day, taking care not to get your bristles directly into the socket. After the first 24 hours, gently rinse out your mouth with salt water a few times a day.
Tooth Extraction Frequently Asked Questions
Do you still have questions about tooth extractions? We want our patients to have all the information they need to feel confident about our dental services. That’s why we’ve included the answers to the most frequently asked questions about getting a tooth extraction in Orlando. Read on to satisfy your curiosity about tooth extractions to give yourself peace of mind.
Why am I still having pain after a tooth extraction?
Tooth extractions are actually much more comfortable than you may think, however, there is some slight soreness after the procedure. This is completely normal, and it can be managed with pain medication. You will notice your discomfort getting better after each day. But, if it gets worse, contact our dental office right away for treatment! You could have a potential dry socket, or other complications, which is why it’s important to visit our dental office.
What is a dry socket and how is it treated?
After your extraction, it’s vital that you follow our aftercare instructions. However, if you disregard our information about recovery and smoking tobacco products, you will create a dry socket. This occurs when your socket cannot heal properly because it isn’t getting enough blood flow, which leads to serious pain. If this occurs, call Dr. Russo immediately for treatment. He will clean out the area and provide you with medication to get your smile back on track.
Why do wisdom teeth need to be extracted?
Wisdom teeth get their name because they typically grow in once you’re older! Humans once required their third sets of molars to bite and chew tough foods that were hunted and gathered. However, over time, and after eating processed food, we no longer require wisdom teeth. In fact, the jaw usually cannot accommodate an extra set of molars, which is why wisdom teeth need to be extracted before they cause serious issues. They can crowd your smile, become impacted, and cause serious pain without extraction.
How much will my tooth extraction cost?
Because no two smiles are the same, it’s difficult to provide you with a precise cost estimate without examining your mouth first. The best way to know the price of your treatment is to schedule a visit with our dental office. Dr. Russo will carefully examine your mouth and the affected area before developing your personalized treatment plan that includes the cost. From there, you’ll have a better idea of the price of your extraction and you can get out of pain as soon as possible!
If you have any additional questions, please don’t hesitate to contact our dental office today!