Tooth Extractions Ponte Vedra Beach
We Work Hard to Put You at Ease and Restore Your Healthy Smile
Think you might need a tooth extraction in Ponte Vedra Beach? Perhaps you are experiencing severe tooth decay, wisdom tooth pain, or a tooth infection? Maybe you sustained an injury? Or, perhaps, you need teeth removed for orthodontic treatment.
Regardless of the reason, many patients feel anxious about this dental care procedure. This is why Dr. Perry, Dr. De Bonis, and our highly trained team are committed to putting you at ease. We’ll ensure you feel as little discomfort as possible.
Why Choose Ponte Vedra Family Dentistry for Tooth Extractions?
- Welcoming Team and Comfortable Dental Office Atmosphere
- Soothing Dental Sedation Available
- Personalized Dental Treatment Plans
Should I Get My Tooth Pulled?
Yes, you should have your tooth pulled if the following applies to your circumstances:
- Severe decay-causing bacteria has reached the pulp of the tooth and caused an infection.
- To avoid periodontal disease which is an infection of the gums, periodontal ligaments, alveolar bone, and other structures surrounding the teeth.
- Extraction of one or several teeth may be necessary to eliminate the overcrowding in the mouth. This is typically a patient who has to undergo orthodontic treatment and there is no room for the teeth to move and realign.
- If your tooth was damaged from walking into something or being involved in a particular accident that damaged it beyond repair.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction
With their late introduction to our mouths, often we see that these teeth need to be removed to allow room for the others. These are also called your fourth set of molars. To help preserve your smile, it is recommended that wisdom teeth are regularly checked and removed if needed.
What to Expect Following Tooth Extraction
You’ll need special care immediately following an extraction surgery. This includes consistent pressure on the extraction site. There are a few things you can do at home to lessen your discomfort as the anesthesia wears off. Try the following to promote proper healing:
- In the first 24 hours following your tooth extraction, make use of the gauze you receive in the dental office. Bite down on it to maintain pressure on the surgical area until the bleeding lessens.
- When you arrive home, keep your head and neck elevated. Reduce your activity level as much as you are able. This helps lessen bleeding after tooth removal.
- After 48 hours, begin rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater. Do this every 1-2 hours. Do NOT use mouthwash during this time. Most contain alcohol and will irritate your surgical extraction site.
- Oral hygiene is important. You’ll want to take extra care to keep your mouth clean after having a tooth pulled. Brush carefully around your surgical site. Avoid brushing your sutures.
- Eat carefully and stick to soft foods.
- It’s important to stay hydrated and drink lots of water. Do NOT use a straw while you are healing (approximately 5-7 days).
- Facial swelling is common. Place ice packs on your face near the extraction site as needed.
- Take your prescribed medications according to the directives you receive from your dentist. If you have a reaction to the medication, such as itching or swelling, stop taking the medication. You should also visit the emergency room.
- Refrain from using tobacco products for at least three days. Smoking can lead to painful medical conditions like dry socket.
Once your initial healing period has passed, it will still take time before your extraction site is completely healed. Your sutures may take as little as three days to begin dissolving. Sometimes, it may take as many as 14 days. If your sutures are non-resorbable, we will schedule you for a follow-up appointment for suture removal.
It may take time to get used to the empty socket where your tooth used to be. In time, the socket will begin to fill in with new bone growth and tissue. It will become smoothed over.