Tooth Extraction in Fort Lauderdale and Lighthouse Point, FL
Is a decayed or impacted tooth causing a lot of trouble? Our dentists in Fort Lauderdale and Lighthouse Point, FL, at Florida Smiles Dental may recommend having it removed. Tooth extractions help protect you from more serious oral health issues while also easing discomfort!
Reasons You Might Need a Tooth Removed
Our dental team makes every effort to save your natural teeth. But in some cases, these teeth have to be extracted. We might determine this for:
- Impacted wisdom teeth
- Advanced tooth decay
- Severe tooth fractures
- Overcrowding
- Loosened teeth due to advanced gum disease
Benefits of Tooth Extractions
Needing a tooth removed may not seem ideal. But it does have some benefits, including quick pain relief. In other cases, a tooth extraction cuts down on bacteria that cause infections, preventing additional harm and lowering your risk of a widespread infection. Removing a severely decayed or damaged tooth — and replacing it — also helps boost your smile!
Types of Tooth Extractions
Not all tooth removals are the same. Some are simple and quick procedures, while others are more complicated. A few of the main types of extractions we do include the following.
Simple Tooth Extractions
These are straightforward procedures that involve taking out a tooth from the socket without having to go below the gumline. They’re usually done to remove extra teeth, overcrowded teeth, or broken teeth. We might also perform a simple extraction for a decayed tooth or loose teeth from periodontal disease.
Non-Simple or Surgical Tooth Extractions
This process is a bit more complicated than a simple tooth removal. These procedures involve going below the gumline to remove a tooth using surgical instruments. We may recommend this type if we need to remove the tips of tooth roots or longer roots. Surgical tooth extractions are also done when a tooth fractures under the gums.
Wisdom Teeth Removal
Are wisdom teeth causing you pain? These teeth can get stuck below the surface of your gums, causing pressure and soreness. We can surgically extract impacted wisdom teeth, alleviating discomfort. Our dentists may also recommend this to prevent wisdom teeth from affecting your current teeth.
What to Expect During a Tooth Extraction
What happens when you come in for a tooth extraction in Fort Lauderdale and Lighthouse Point, FL? That partly depends on the type you need. Simple extractions might only require local anesthesia. But surgical extractions, including wisdom teeth removal, may involve general anesthesia. You won’t be aware of what’s going on during your procedure.
What to Expect After Tooth Removal
When you have a tooth extracted, you might experience side effects, like:
- Swelling
- Soreness
- Bleeding
- Bruising on gums
Our dental team will give you instructions to help your tooth heal properly. This typically includes eating softer foods at first and ensuring the treated site is clean at all times. We may ask you to use straws and avoid touching the site.
FAQs on Tooth Extraction
Does it hurt?
You shouldn’t feel anything during your procedure once the local anesthesia kicks in. If you have general anesthesia, you’ll be asleep throughout the extraction. You might feel some pain when the anesthesia wears off.
What options are there for replacing a tooth?
You may want to explore tooth replacement options to prevent chewing difficulties or improve your smile. A few options we can discuss with you include:
- Dental implants
- Partial or full dentures
- Dental bridge
Should I avoid certain foods after having a tooth removed?
Yes, you should stick to softer foods, like yogurt and rice, right after your extraction. We’ll let you know when it’s safe to resume your usual diet. Avoid having anything sticky, hard, or chewy, since this can irritate your jaw.
How long does healing take?
That depends on the type of tooth that’s removed. The site where a molar was may take a few months or more to completely heal. But having other teeth removed might take a few weeks for healing to occur.
Will I need someone to drive me home?
If you receive local anesthesia only, you’ll typically be fine to drive yourself home. But if your procedure involves sedation or general anesthesia, you will need someone to take you home and stay with you for a few hours. We’ll let you know in advance so you can plan accordingly.
Visit Our Dentist for Tooth Removal
Do you have a tooth that’s severely decayed or damaged? At Florida Smiles Dental, we offer tooth extraction in Fort Lauderdale and Lighthouse Point, FL. Whether you have an impacted wisdom tooth or extensive decay, we can do an extraction to help prevent additional dental problems!
