TOOTH EXTRACTIONS – PANAMA CITY, FL
COMFORTABLE EXTRACTIONS TO PROTECT YOUR WHOLE SMILE
Our dentists will always choose to save a natural tooth when possible, but they also know that there are some cases where an extraction is absolutely necessary. In these situations, our dental team will make sure you feel comfortable and relaxed at all times while the tooth is safely removed, and afterward, we can discuss your various tooth replacement options. To learn more about tooth extractions from our Panama City, FL dentist or any of our other treatment options, get in touch with our dental office today.
WHY CHOOSE BALDWIN FAMILY DENTAL FOR TOOTH EXTRACTIONS?
- MULTIPLE SEDATION OPTIONS OFFERED
- A DENTAL OFFICE FOCUSED ON PATIENT COMFORT
- SAME-DAY EMERGENCY APPOINTMENTS
Reasons Why Tooth Extractions Are Necessary
A tooth extraction may be necessary for a variety of reasons, with a common one being severe tooth decay or damage that cannot be repaired with a filling or crown. It may also be necessary if a tooth is causing overcrowding in the mouth or if it is impacted, meaning it is stuck below the gum line and cannot fully emerge.
Additionally, a tooth may need to be extracted if it is causing an infection that cannot be treated with antibiotics, or if it is at risk of infection due to a compromised immune system. An extraction is sometimes recommended before certain medical treatments, such as chemotherapy or an organ transplant, to prevent potential complications.
The Process of Removing a Tooth
Removing a tooth involves several steps to ensure that the comfort and health of the patient is well taken care of.
First, the dentist will numb the area surrounding the tooth with a local anesthetic to minimize discomfort during the procedure. We can offer sedation options to help the patient relax even more.
Once the area is numb, the dentist will use special tools to gently loosen the tooth from the socket and remove it. If the tooth is impacted or stuck within the jawbone, your dentist may need to make incisions in the gum tissue to access it.
After the tooth is removed, the dentist will place a gauze pad over the extraction site to help stop bleeding and encourage clotting. They will also provide instructions on how to care for the extraction site and prescribe pain medications or antibiotics if needed (more about this below).
WISDOM TOOTH EXTRACTIONS
While most tooth extractions are a last resort, wisdom teeth are typically removed as a preventive measure. When it becomes apparent that your wisdom teeth aren’t going to be able to erupt properly, it’s better to have them removed as soon as possible before they start causing pain and inflicting damage on the neighboring teeth. Wisdom teeth normally erupt between the ages of 17 and 25, so make sure that any young adults in your family are visiting us on a normal basis. That way, we can keep an eye on their wisdom teeth and perform an extraction before any serious issues arise.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
Proper aftercare is crucial to promote healing and prevent complications after a tooth extraction. A patient should avoid drinking alcohol, smoking, and using straws for at least 24 hours after the procedure. They should also not rinse their mouth or brush the extraction site for the first day.
After 24 hours, a patient should rinse their mouth gently with warm saltwater to promote healing and lower the chance of infection. They can resume brushing like normal, being careful to avoid the extraction site. Soreness and swelling can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers or medication as prescribed by the dentist. Patients should also avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods and instead have soft, easy-to-chew items for the first few days. If any concerns or complications arise (bleeding that doesn’t stop after the first day, an increase in pain, or a fever), the patient should contact their dentist immediately.