Tooth Extraction Services In Delray Beach
Tooth extractions can be necessary for a variety of reasons, ranging from simply giving room for teeth to straighten out or due to decay. While having a tooth extraction is necessary, it’s natural for individuals to feel anxious or nervous about it. However, when our dentist in Delray Beach, Florida, at Norton Dental Arts recommends tooth extraction, we don’t take it lightly. Our recommendation to extract a tooth typically stems from the necessity to maintain or improve your oral health.
When it comes to tooth extractions in Delray Beach, our team at Norton Dental Arts always prioritizes your comfort. We use modern tooth extraction methods that are designed to make the procedure quick, efficient, and as painless as possible. By using the latest techniques and technology, we aim to minimize discomfort and provide you with a smooth, stress-free experience. Your well-being and oral health are our top priority, and we are committed to providing you with the highest level of care throughout every dental service we provide, including teeth extractions. If you have any questions or concerns about your tooth extraction procedure, don’t hesitate to contact us by calling our Delray Beach office at (561) 278-0362 or our Lantana office at (561) 588-1919! In addition to tooth extractions, we also provide emergency dental care for those unexpected situations that require prompt attention.
When Is Tooth Extraction A Must?
There are several reasons why a tooth extraction may be required, though this decision is never taken lightly by our dentists. Removing a tooth unnecessarily can increase the risk of infection and may cause surrounding teeth to shift or loss of bone density in the jaw. However, in certain situations, pulling a tooth is necessary to protect your overall oral health and prevent more serious issues from developing.
- Impacted Teeth – When a tooth is blocked from fully coming through the gum line, it becomes impacted. Impacted teeth can lead to various issues such as pain, swelling, and infection. When this occurs, extracting the tooth is necessary to prevent further complications.
- Wisdom Teeth – Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last teeth to develop, usually appearing between ages 16 and 20. If the jaw isn’t big enough to accommodate them, wisdom teeth can become impacted or misaligned. Often impacted or misaligned, wisdom teeth can cause overcrowding, pain, and damage to adjacent teeth. They can also become embedded in nerves within the jaw and cause other issues. Wisdom tooth extraction is commonly recommended to avoid these issues and to maintain overall oral health in the long run.
- Severe Decay – When tooth decay reaches an advanced stage, it begins to affect the tooth structure. While simple forms of tooth decay can be repaired with a filling or root canal, when it affects the integrity of the tooth it is considered to be beyond repair. This is when extraction may be the only option to prevent the spread of infection and protect the surrounding teeth.
- Dental Correction – In some cases, teeth may need to be removed as part of orthodontic treatment to create space and help the surrounding teeth properly align to create a healthier bite.
- Advanced Periodontal Disease – This type of gum disease is often severe and can cause the bone and tissues supporting the teeth to deteriorate beyond repair. When these are too compromised, extraction may be necessary to prevent further damage.
- Fractured Teeth/Roots – A tooth or its roots can sometimes fracture beyond repair, due to decay or trauma, making it impossible to save the tooth. In such cases, having the tooth pulled is required to prevent infection or additional oral health issues in the future.
- Severe Mobility of Teeth – In some cases, teeth become excessively loose due to bone loss or advanced periodontal disease. When this happens, extraction may be required to prevent pain, infection, and further damage to the jawbone.
- Infection or Abscess – Having an infection or abscess is a serious condition that must be corrected. If it cannot be resolved with root canal treatment or other methods, extracting the tooth may be the best course of action to eliminate the infection and protect your oral health.
Pre Teeth Extraction Instructions
Following these instructions before having a tooth pulled is important to ensuring that the procedure goes smoothly and helps minimize any potential complications afterward. Adhering to these instructions can greatly improve your overall experience and recovery process.
Do:
- It may be beneficial to have a friend or family member drive you home after the appointment, as you may be numb and experiencing a bit of pain as your local anesthetic wears off.
- Inform your dentist of any medications, supplements, or allergies you are taking. Some medications or vitamin supplements may affect the procedure.
- Be sure to ask questions and clarify any information that you’re unsure about.
Don’t:
- Smoke or chew tobacco for at least 24 hours prior to the extraction procedure.
- Eat a heavy meal right before the appointment, in case you experience any nausea during or after the procedure.
- Drink alcohol or take aspirin, as these can increase bleeding after the extraction is finished.
Vitamins To Avoid Before Tooth Extraction
Before having a tooth pulled, it’s recommended to avoid certain vitamins and supplements that can increase the risk of bleeding after the tooth is pulled and during the healing process. Specifically, you should avoid taking Vitamin E 400 IU for five days prior to the procedure. Additionally, it’s recommended to avoid supplements that can affect blood clotting and healing like:
- Garlic
- Magnesium
- Selenium
- CoQ10
- Glucosamine
- Lycopene
- Omega-3 fish oil
- Vitamin A complex
- Ginkgo biloba
- Ginseng
- Ginger
What To Expect After A Tooth Is Pulled
After having a tooth pulled, a dentist in Delray Beach from our team will place a piece of gauze over the extraction site and ask you to bite down. This firm, steady pressure helps slow the bleeding, allowing a blood clot to form, which is a normal and essential part of the healing process after having a tooth pulled. The blood clot promotes healing and reduces the risk of complications like dry sockets. Once the bleeding has slowed, you can remove the gauze, however it is completely normal to experience some light bleeding may continue for the first 24 hours.
It’s normal to experience some discomfort after having a tooth pulled. To manage this, our dentists may recommend taking an over the counter painkiller and, in some cases, an antibiotic to prevent infection. Applying ice packs to the face can also help reduce swelling that results from having the tooth pulled. Reducing swelling will also help with any discomfort. Typically, the discomfort should begin to lessen within two to three days. However, if you are experiencing persistent or worsening pain, it’s important to contact our office immediately for further evaluation.
Tooth Extraction After Care
Following aftercare instructions is an essential part of having a smooth recovery following a tooth extraction. Here’s what you need to do to promote healing and reduce the risk of post extraction complications:
- Get Plenty Of Rest – Rest is crucial for optimal recovery, especially during the first 24 hours after the extraction. It’s important to take it easy and avoid strenuous activities, especially those that could raise your heart rate, as they can cause bleeding.
- Change The Gauze As Necessary – After having your tooth extracted, leave the first gauze in place for at least a few hours to allow the blood clot to form. After that, you can change the gauze as needed to keep the area clean.
- Avoid Rinsing – It’s important to resist the urge to rinse, swish, or gargle while the extraction site is still clotting, especially during the first day after extraction. These common oral care procedures can dislodge the clot and delay healing.
- Do Not Use Straws – Using a straw creates pressure and suction in the mouth, which can dislodge the blood clot. Avoid straws for at least the first two weeks until the area has healed fully.
- Do Not Spit – Like using a straw, spitting creates pressure and suction within the mouth that can disturb the blood clot. Avoid spitting to help the area heal properly.
- Do Not Smoke – Smoking creates similar pressure in the mouth as using a straw, and it can also delay healing and promote infection. It’s especially important to avoid smoking as much as possible during the first couple of days after the extraction.
- Take Pain Relievers – Over-the-counter pain relievers can help reduce pain and inflammation. However, it’s important to follow your dentist’s recommendations on what to take.
- Use Cold Compresses – Applying an ice pack or a towel-wrapped bag of ice to the cheek area where the tooth was extracted for 10–20 minutes at a time can help reduce pain and swelling.
- Elevate The Head – When sleeping, use extra pillows to keep your head elevated to help with bleeding and swelling. Lying too flat can cause blood to pool and prolong healing time.
- Take Any Prescribed Medications – If your dentist prescribes medication, such as antibiotics, be sure to complete the full course of treatment to ensure proper healing. This is especially for more complex extractions.
How Much Does A Tooth Extraction Cost?
The cost of tooth extraction can depend on several factors, including the type of extraction required and the number of teeth that need to be extracted. On average, the typical cost for a tooth extraction is approximately $395. However, prices may differ depending on the complexity of the extraction and your specific dental needs.
Can I Have A Tooth Pulled Before Surgery?
Tooth extraction due to infection is often required as a preventative measure before surgery to avoid potential complications, therefore yes, it is possible to have a tooth extracted before having surgery. Ideally, any necessary dental work should be completed as soon as possible, and most doctors recommending it be done at least four weeks before surgery to ensure it is healed and not at risk of infection. If dental complications arise too close to the planned surgery date, it could result in the surgery being delayed to make sure the recovery after surgery is not jeopardized by a tooth infection.
Contact Us for Teeth Extraction Near You
If you’re in need of a tooth extraction in Delray Beach, Norton Dental Arts is here to ensure your comfort every step of the way. Our modern techniques make the procedure as quick and painless as possible. Your well-being is our priority, and we’re committed to providing the highest level of care. Have questions or concerns about your extraction? Contact our Delray Beach, Florida office at (561) 278-0362 or our Lantana office at (561) 588-1919 today! Let us help you achieve a smooth, stress-free dental experience.