Tooth extraction by your Fort Lauderdale dentist

Why are teeth extracted?

Many teens and young adults commonly have their wisdom teeth extracted if they begin to cause discomfort and crowding. There are other reasons a tooth may need to be extracted. Excessive damage or decay, tooth infection and crowding are reasons for tooth extraction. Often one or two teeth may be extracted prior to getting braces to make room to be able to properly straighten the teeth. 

Tooth extraction is a relatively quick outpatient procedure performed in your dentist's office. Removing teeth that are fully erupted is a simple extraction. Teeth that are broken, not fully erupted or even impacted require a more involved procedure.  Regardless of what type of extraction, you want a dentist who has experience, training and well practiced technique in extractions. This will make for an easier procedure and a more rapid recovery. Dr. Gerard Wasselle has over 30 years experience in tooth extractions with great reviews from his patients.

Your tooth extraction

Before scheduling an appointment for tooth extraction, our dentist will take an X-ray of your tooth and go over your health history including all of your medications. If you have fear, anxiety or a high gag reflex, you may choose IV sedation during your dental extraction. Before starting the extraction procedure, your dentist will give an injection of local anesthetic to numb the area where the tooth will be removed. If the tooth is impacted, the dentist may need to remove gum tissue covering the tooth. Your dentist will use forceps to gently rock the tooth back and forth to loosen it from the ligaments and bone that hold it. Once the tooth is pulled, your dentist may place a few stitches to close the gum edges around the extraction site and have you bite down on gauze to stop the bleeding. 

What to expect after tooth extraction

 Normally, a patient is advised to recover for a few days following having a tooth pulled. Recovery can be aided by doing the following:

• Apply an ice pack to the check over the area where the tooth was extracted to reduce any swelling. Use the ice pack in increments of 10 minutes at at time.
• Take any medications as prescribed.
• During the first 24 hours, rest and relax as much as possible.
• Use pillows to prop your head up when lying down.
• DO NOT use a straw for the first 24 hours.
• DO NOT smoke.
• Brush and floss your teeth normally but avoid the extraction site. Spit only gently.
• Plan to eat soft foods the day after your procedure.

If you experience pain or signs of infection, contact your dentist to be seen as soon as possible. 

If you need one or more teeth extracted, including wisdom teeth, call the office of Dr. Gerard Wasselle at 954-928-1666 to schedule an appointment to discuss your treatment options.  The team at Excellence in Dentistry are here to make your dental experience relaxing and as pain free as possible.