Dental Extractions

Dental Extractions

A dental extraction is a surgical procedure that is performed to extract a damaged or decayed enamel from the oral cavity in order to prevent any infection from spreading among the adjacent teeth. As dentists, our first attempt would be to restore your natural teeth as much as possible, but if it means keeping a tooth or set of teeth that may only create an unhealthy environment for your adjacent teeth, its after-effects may only result in more damage.

What are the possible reasons for a tooth extraction?

Teeth may be extracted for several reasons:

  • when the existing teeth suffer from breakage, cracks, and extensive decay
  • when a root canal treatment may not save your teeth
  • when teeth suffer from chronic periodontal disease
  • when teeth suffer from misalignments
  • when teeth are impacted

What is the process involved in a tooth extraction?

During the patient's initial consultation, the dentist would carefully examine the oral cavity and understand the patient's individual case. The dentist may also take necessary X-rays if needed. During the procedure, the dentist would numb the tooth that needs removal, the jaw bone, and the gums that surround the tooth or the set of teeth. Teeth that do not have any complications (i.e, not broken within) can be easily extracted by using dental forceps. In case the teeth have minor to major cracks (resulted from an injury), the dentist would take more careful measures to have your teeth safely removed from its socket. During the extraction process, the patient may experience some signs of pressure after the extraction. This is quite normal as the anesthetic would have numbed the nerves pausing the sensation of pain. 

What are the post-procedure instructions after the extraction procedure?

Immediately after the extraction procedure, the dentist would let the patient bite on a gauze pad for several minutes to pause or stop the bleeding. In case the bleeding persists, the dentist would place another gauze pad and request the patient to apply more pressure this time. Once the tissues have clotted, it is essential that it remains undisturbed. It is advised to avoid consuming hard food, alcohol, tobacco or even brush vigorously on the extraction site for more at least 72 hours. If you experience slight swelling or pain, an ice pack can easily help subside them. For severe cases of pain, the dentist may prescribe the patient with pain relievers.

Get personalized dental care in Vero Beach, FL by requesting an appointment with Dr. Astles. Call our office today for more details.


Visit Our Office

Vero Beach

963 37th Pl, Vero Beach, FL, Vero Beach 32960

Email: astles2000@gmail.com

Book Now

Office Hours

  • Monday8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • FridayClosed
  • SaturdayClosed
  • SundayClosed
772.562.5700