Alleviate Tooth Pain With Gentle Tooth Removal

woman smilingAre you experiencing tooth pain or discomfort that won’t go away? If so, you may require a tooth extraction. While having a tooth extracted can be daunting, it’s often necessary to improve your oral health and prevent further complications.

At Davie Advanced Dentistry, Dr. Eli Abbo performs gentle extractions to get your oral health back on track. Discover why he’s one of the top Davie, FL, dentists who also serves patients in and around Cooper City, Southwest Ranches, and Fort Lauderdale, FL. 

When Are Tooth Extractions Necessary?

A tooth extraction is a dental procedure in which Dr. Abbo gently removes a tooth from its socket in the jawbone. This procedure may be recommended by our Davie dentist for several reasons, including:

  • Crowded teeth prevent other teeth from growing properly
  • Impacted wisdom teeth that cause pain or infection
  • Gum disease that has caused the teeth to loosen

Types of Tooth Extraction

Simple Extractions

A simple extraction is a straightforward procedure in which the dentist loosens the tooth with an instrument called an elevator and then uses forceps to remove it from the socket. This type of extraction is typically performed on teeth visible in the mouth, such as premolars and molars.

Surgical Extractions

A surgical extraction is a more complex procedure that involves making an incision in the gum to access the tooth. This type of extraction is typically performed on teeth that have broken off at the gum line, are impacted, or cannot be easily removed with forceps. If you need wisdom teeth removed, Dr. Abbo will perform a surgical extraction.

Tooth Extraction Benefits

While preserving natural teeth is generally the goal of dental care, there are situations where tooth extraction becomes necessary and can provide several benefits:

  • Relieving pain
  • Preventing infection
  • Resolving overcrowding
  • Preparing for orthodontic treatment
  • Addressing impacted teeth
  • Preventing complications
  • Enhancing overall oral health

What to Expect During a Tooth Extraction

dentists looking over x-raysIf you’re scheduled to have a tooth extraction in Davie, FL, you may feel nervous about what to expect. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the procedure:

  • Anesthetic: Before the extraction, Dr. Abbo will administer a local anesthetic to numb the area around the tooth. You may also receive a sedative to help you relax.
  • Loosening the Tooth: Once the area is numb, your dentist will carefully loosen the tooth from the socket.
  • Extraction: Using forceps, Dr. Abbo will gently rock the tooth back and forth until it’s removed from the socket.
  • Gauze: Dr. Abbo will place a piece of gauze over the extraction site and have you bite down to help stop bleeding.
  • Recovery: You’ll need to rest for a little while after the procedure and avoid eating or drinking for a few hours. Your dentist in Davie will provide instructions for caring for your mouth and managing pain or swelling.

Tooth Extraction Aftercare Tips

Follow Your Dentist’s Instructions

Dr. Abbo will give you specific instructions on how to care for the extraction site, including how to manage any pain or discomfort. Follow these instructions carefully to promote healing and prevent complications.

Apply Ice

You can help reduce swelling and discomfort by applying an ice pack to the affected area for 10 to 20 minutes, with at least 20 minutes in between.

Manage Pain and Discomfort

Your dentist in Davie may prescribe pain medication or recommend over-the-counter pain relievers to manage any pain or discomfort. Be sure to follow the dosage instructions carefully.

Eat Soft Foods

For the first few days after the extraction, stick to soft, nutritious foods such as yogurt, soup, or applesauce. Avoid hard or crunchy foods that may irritate the extraction site.

Keep the Extraction Site Clean

Brush and floss your teeth as usual, but avoid the extraction site. Your dentist may recommend a special mouthwash to help keep the area clean.

Frequently Asked Questions

It takes one to two weeks to recover from a tooth extraction. The recovery time for tooth extraction can vary depending on the individual and the complexity of the extraction. Follow the aftercare instructions from your dentist or oral surgeon to ensure proper healing.

Most people will experience discomfort during and after a tooth extraction. With a local anesthetic or dental sedation, the procedure itself should not be painful. After the procedure, your dentist or oral surgeon will provide pain medication to manage any discomfort during recovery.

After tooth extraction, avoid doing certain things to promote proper healing and avoid complications. Some of the things you should avoid include:

  • Smoking or using tobacco products
  • Drinking through a straw
  • Eating hard or crunchy foods
  • Rinsing your mouth vigorously
  • Brushing the teeth near the extraction site

Yes, you can drink water after a tooth extraction. Avoid using a straw, as the sucking motion can dislodge the blood clot and delay healing. Instead, sip water from a glass and be gentle around the extraction site.

Schedule a Painless Tooth Extraction With Dr. Abbo

If you’re experiencing severe tooth pain or damage, a tooth extraction may be necessary to preserve your oral health. At Davie Advanced Dentistry, we understand that this can be a stressful experience, which is why we strive to provide a comfortable and caring environment for our patients. 

Call our Davie, FL, dental office at (954) 434-3331 to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward a healthier smile!