At Causeway Dentistry, we accept most PPO insurance plans, Medicare, and Aetna Access and Solstice discount plans at our Clearwater dental office. You will find a complete listing of insurances we accept here on our financial information page.
We understand that it can be challenging to understand co-pays, deductibles, annual maximums, and out-of-pocket expenses. What does it all mean, and more importantly—what does it mean to you?
Our experienced front desk staff works with dental insurance every day and will review your insurance plan to determine your coverage. They will help you understand your benefits and how they apply to your planned treatment.
Their in-depth knowledge and willingness to help ensure that you receive every penny of benefits you’re entitled to under your specific plan.
We will obtain a pre-treatment estimate from your insurance so you have a general idea of your out-of-pocket costs. When your treatment is finished, we will file your claim with your insurance company on your behalf and then follow up for payment as needed.
At Causeway Dentistry, we offer this service because we want our patients to focus on their oral health and not the ins and outs of dental insurance.
If you are uninsured and interested in financing options, we’re pleased to work with CareCredit.
Our dental team is always happy to answer your insurance or financing questions or to schedule an appointment. Please call our Clearwater, FL dental office at (727) 791-1450.
Causeway Dentistry understands the importance of providing affordable dentistry in Clearwater. We don’t want the cost of dental care to get in the way of receiving the treatment you need. That is why we are pleased to offer an exclusive dental saving plan in Clearwater. If you are uninsured, please consider taking a look at our dental savings plan. This discount plan costs only $89 annually and includes:
Our dental savings plan does not automatically renew, so you simply pay your fee whenever you’d like. Most patients pay during their yearly preventive dental checkups at our Clearwater dental office. We also accept payments online.
At Causeway Dentistry, you are a member of our dental family, never just a chart or number to us. We always promise transparency in our treatment costs, and you can count on a trusting and laid-back environment. Our dental team is here to help you attain your best smile on your terms, and we are never pushy with treatment.
Please get in touch with us today to learn more or to schedule your checkup with the dentist.
Causeway Dentistry is in beautiful Clearwater, FL. You’ll find our dental office at 2535 Landmark Drive, Suite 104. We are in the medical building beside Bank of America and near the Publix Supermarket in the Northwood Plaza.
We are conveniently located near shopping malls and two beautiful golf courses. Our area also offers opportunities for recreation at Philippe Park and Lake Chautauqua.
Your dentist in Clearwater, FL offers all the dental services you’ll need to achieve and maintain a healthy smile. We also welcome patients of all ages, including children and senior adults.
Our modern dental office provides a cozy and pleasant aesthetic, and our dental team is always happy to welcome patients and families into our practice.
For your convenience, we accept most PPO plans, CareCredit, and have our own Dental Savings Plan, making dentistry affordable for patients everywhere.
Whether you’re looking for a preventive checkup and teeth cleaning, have a dental emergency, or would like to whiten your smile in time for an upcoming event, we can help!
Our dental office proudly serves patients from all areas, including Safety Harbor, Dunedin, Largo, Indian Rocks Beach, and your location. So give us a call today.
The Invisalign® orthodontic system uses clear, custom-made aligners to guide teeth into alignment gradually. The Invisalign process begins with a consultation between you and an orthodontist or Invisalign-trained dentist.
At this time, the dentist in Clearwater examines your teeth and takes x-rays and impressions to create a full, 3-D digital model of the mouth. Based on this model, the dentist develops a treatment plan to make all necessary adjustments efficiently.
Once the impressions and treatment plan are finalized, several sets of clear plastic aligners are custom-made. When the aligners are ready, you wear each set for one to two weeks, for 20–22 hours per day, with removal only for brushing, flossing, eating, and drinking anything other than water.
Assuming treatment is progressing properly, after a couple of weeks, you swap out one set of aligners for the next, which moves teeth closer to their ideal positions. Regular checkups every 6–8 weeks are scheduled throughout the treatment to monitor and assess the treatment’s progress and make any adjustments as necessary.
Once you complete the Invisalign treatment, you will be the proud owner of a perfectly aligned smile and bite!
If you’re looking for a top-quality dental practice in Clearwater to guide you through the Invisalign treatment, from initial consultation to the perfectly aligned smile of your dreams, contact Dr. Earl Santos and the excellent Causeway Dental team to schedule a consultation!
Our team is excited that you have chosen to make Causeway Dentistry your new dental home!
You can find all the paperwork you need here on our patient information page: New Patient Information Form, Financial Policy Form, and Records Release Form (if you’re coming from another dental office).
We’ve made it easy to download and print the forms so you can fill them out, sign them, and bring them to your first appointment at Causeway Dentistry.
Yes! Please fill out and sign the Records Release Form found on our forms page and send it to your previous dental provider. Our dental team will do the rest! Records Release Form.
Our modern dental clinic is at 2535 Landmark Drive in Clearwater, FL. We are next door to Countryside Pediatric Care Clearwater and just behind and over from Publix Supermarket at Northwood Plaza.
Nearby, you’ll find plenty of dining opportunities:
We are also near two excellent golf courses–Countryside Country Club and Chi Chi Rodriguez Golf Club.
Our Clearwater dentist offers a wide range of dental treatments and services for patients of all ages, including children and seniors.
We are a friendly and knowledgeable dental team in Clearwater who offer a variety of treatments and services, including:
We accept most PPO plans and have an exclusive in-office membership for our uninsured patients.
We provide a dental exam, x-ray, general teeth cleaning, and a discount on select treatments for a low yearly cost. Ask a dental team member for more information.
If you’re looking for a new dental home or have questions about our treatments and services, please call us today.
Our dental office is located off Interstate 580. If you’re coming from Barrington Hills, you can take it all the way to Landmark Drive. For those near Shady Oak Farms, head north on McMullen Booth Rd. Make a left on Enterprise and then turn north onto Landmark. We are on the right.
Your dental crown in Clearwater is most likely made from ceramic porcelain or possibly zirconia, both strong and dense materials. While these make for excellent dental restorations, they also may be damaged by accidents or misuse. If you have a damaged tooth crown, we may be able to use composite resin to repair certain types of damage.
Typical types of damage we can repair are:
However, if your crown has more extensive cracking or fracturing, it will likely be too fragile to remain intact. In this case, we will likely recommend that you replace your dental crown to ensure your tooth is protected against your chewing force.
Dental crowns in Clearwater require cleaning just like your natural teeth. We recommend you brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, and clean between your crown and other teeth with floss or another device like a water flosser or dental pick.
At Causeway Dentistry, we suggest you avoid undue wear and tear, such as chewing ice, biting hard candies, or overeating sticky foods that might dislodge your crown. We also discourage you from ever using your teeth to hold items or loosen knots.
Dental crowns in Clearwater, FL, are a versatile tooth restoration that our dentist might recommend when a damaged tooth needs a complete cover as opposed to a tooth-colored filling or partial restoration like a dental veneer.
Because your porcelain crown is custom-made to mimic your natural tooth, we usually perform the procedure over two visits spaced about two weeks apart. At your first visit, Dr. Santos adjusts your tooth shape to make a secure foundation so that the final crown fits comfortably. Next, we create an impression of the prepared tooth and place a temporary crown to protect it until your final crown is ready.
For your return appointment, Dr. Santos ensures a tight fit between your final crown and your remaining tooth. He then cements your crown and makes any adjustments it may need so that your bite is aligned.
We may decide a dental crown in Clearwater is the best choice for you in the following situations:
Please call our Clearwater, FL, dental office to schedule an appointment if you think you might need a dental crown.
A dental crown is a custom-crafted shell, typically made from porcelain (other materials, like porcelain-fused-to-metal and zirconia, are also available) that covers a damaged or decayed tooth or sits atop a dental implant as a replacement tooth. Dental crowns provide structural support and a reinforced chewing surface.
In cases of severe damage where the original tooth can be saved, its decay is removed, the remainder is reshaped, and a custom-sized and natural-looking crown is fitted over it. This provides comfortable and natural-looking protection from further damage.
Also, when a natural tooth must be extracted, and the natural tooth root is replaced with a dental implant, a crown is fixed to a small, typically titanium peg, or “abutment,” to restore proper biting and chewing function.
Dental crowns in Clearwater enhance the appearance and function of a person’s smile, facial structure, and bite function in several ways. Here are a few:
If you’re in Clearwater and want to learn more about the many benefits of dental crowns and whether they’re a suitable solution for you, contact Dr. Earl Santos and the friendly and knowledgeable Causeway Dental team to schedule a consultation!
A chipped tooth can be upsetting, but a small chip is typically not a dental emergency unless it’s causing you pain. However, your dentist in Clearwater, FL, recommends keeping the tooth clean until your dental appointment. And you should avoid chewing with that tooth until you’ve seen the dentist.
Some tooth chips are superficial but can worsen over time, inviting infection and further breakage. So, we do recommend seeing the dentist, even if the chip is on a back tooth.
Tooth chips can result from biting into hard or jagged objects or food, bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching), or sudden injury. We can treat the issue and restore your tooth no matter the reason.
For small chips, your dentist in Clearwater may recommend dental bonding. This is a spreadable material that can fill in chips. It is tooth-colored, non-invasive, and inexpensive. For significant chips or tooth fractures, your dentist will likely recommend a dental crown. This tooth-shaped cover fits over the chipped tooth to the gum, restoring bite and beauty!
If you have a chipped tooth, contact our dental office to schedule a visit with the dentist. If you have tooth pain or swelling, it’s crucial to contact us as soon as possible for an emergency dental appointment.
Yes, an emergency dentist can prescribe painkillers if necessary. When patients visit for severe tooth pain, infections, or dental trauma, the dentist may recommend medication to manage discomfort until long-term treatment is completed. If an infection is present, the dentist may also prescribe antibiotics to prevent it from worsening.
Most emergency dentists prefer non-opioid options like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, which effectively reduce pain and inflammation. However, if the pain is severe and unresponsive to these solutions, a dentist may prescribe a short course of stronger medication, like codeine. As they must follow stringent regulations when prescribing opioids, an emergency dentist will only prescribe them when absolutely necessary.
Painkillers alone are not a long-term solution. Even when discomfort is suppressed, the underlying issue—whether a cavity, abscess, or fracture—remains and must be treated for full and sustained relief. After all, an emergency dentist’s goal is to resolve the root cause of pain using safe, appropriate methods.
Patients experiencing severe or persistent pain should always seek prompt emergency care rather than relying on medication alone. Delaying treatment can lead to worsening infections and more extensive and invasive procedures.
If you’re in Clearwater and looking for an experienced dental team for immediate care or just want to be prepared before an emergency strikes, contact Dr. Earl Santos and the excellent Causeway Dentistry team to schedule an appointment!
Most emergency rooms (ERs) do not perform tooth extractions, even for infected teeth. Only a qualified dentist or oral surgeon can remove an infected tooth, perform a root canal, or drain an abscess. Of course, if you have severe swelling, difficulty breathing, or a high fever, go to the ER immediately, as these could indicate a systemic infection. Otherwise, contact an emergency dentist for the best course of action.
While they can provide pain relief and temporary solutions, ER doctors aren’t dentists and are thus neither trained nor equipped for dental procedures. If you visit the ER with a severe toothache, abscess, or infection, they may prescribe antibiotics and pain medication to manage symptoms until you can see a dentist.
In rare cases, if a life-threatening infection (like a spreading abscess) is present, the ER may involve an oral surgeon or refer the patient for immediate dental care. However, most patients will be advised to visit an emergency dentist as soon as possible.
If you’re in Clearwater and looking for an expert emergency dentist for immediate care, or are simply preparing just in case, contact Dr. Earl Santos and the caring and helpful Causeway Dentistry team to schedule an appointment!
Yes! At Causeway Dentistry, we know how upsetting and painful a dental emergency can be. Because we don’t want you to have to wait for relief, we are pleased to offer same-day emergency dentist appointments at our Clearwater, FL dental office.
We always try to accommodate patients same day who can’t wait for treatment. If you experience a dental emergency, please call us at (727) 791-1450. We will see you soon to relieve your pain and discuss a treatment plan going forward to address your problem.
Because we often have a schedule filled with other patients, we may not be able to complete your treatment that day. If we can’t, Dr. Santos will relieve your pain and stabilize the situation to protect your oral health until our next appointment when we can provide full treatment.
Dental emergencies are common, but we’re prepared for them even if you’re not! If you experience any of the following—or something not listed here—please call us, and we’ll arrange to see you as soon as possible:
Dental emergencies don’t go away on their own, and it’s always better to seek treatment before the situation worsens. If you are in pain or have another urgent problem, please call Causeway Dentistry at (727) 791-1450, so we can help you.
Dentures in Clearwater rely on suction to stay in place, and that suction is created by the snug fit of the denture against the gum line. When the gum tissue starts to shrink due to gum disease, that suction diminishes, and the denture isn’t as secure. In addition, receding gums can cause the bone underneath to shrink as well, further exacerbating the problem.
So, can dentures be fitted to receding gums? The answer is yes! If your gums have started to recede, it’s not too late to get a denture that fits correctly.
When you get a new denture, Dr. Santos will take measurements of your mouth and craft a denture that fits snugly against your gums. This ensures that your denture is comfortable and doesn’t slip around in your mouth. Additionally, a well-fitting denture will help to prevent further gum recession. So, if you’re starting to notice that your gums are receding, contact us or get fitted for a new denture.
Having receding gums doesn’t mean that you have to live with an ill-fitting denture. A new denture can be crafted to fit snugly against your gums, providing you with a comfortable and attractive solution. So, if you’re concerned about receding gums, we’re only a phone call away!
Just like your regular teeth, dentures can get stained and discolored due to several factors, such as aging, tea, coffee, smoking, and red wine. While you can’t whiten your dentures like you would your natural teeth, there are still some things you can do to keep them looking their best.
It’s best to be gentle when cleaning your dentures. Some cleaning agents are harsh and abrasive, so please read the labeling, follow the instructions carefully, and do not scrub too vigorously. You can keep your dentures sparkling white in Clearwater, FL, with a bit of care and attention. And if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us today!
Quality dentures in Clearwater, FL, typically last seven to 10 years. However, they sometimes last much longer, depending on several factors.
Keep your dentures and partials clean: We recommend a denture bath and cleaning tablets for overnight soaks. It would be best if you also rinsed your dentures to keep debris from collecting under the surface.
Make sure your dentures fit: As your jawbone deteriorates (a natural part of tooth loss), be sure your dentures remain snug. Talk to your dentist about a reline in our dental office.
Avoid breakage and denture damage: If you have a crack in your denture, it can break completely. Talk to your dentist in Clearwater about repair or replacement.
Dentures and partials are prosthetics that take over when teeth are missing, including complete or partial tooth loss.
They are gum-colored arches with replacement teeth that sit over the gums, relying on clips, gravity, boney oral structures, and adhesives to stay in place.
In some cases, your dentist can attach your dentures with four to six implants to avoid adhesives, relines, and slipping.
Tooth replacement is crucial to your confidence, chewing ability, and continued oral health. If you’d like to arrange a denture consultation, contact our dental office to schedule it today.
Like natural teeth, your dentures get covered in food debris and residues left over from what you drink. So the same bacteria that cause tooth decay may accumulate on your dentures and cause numerous issues. This is why you should clean your dentures in Clearwater daily.
First, after each meal, you should brush your dentures with a denture brush to physically remove more significant food remnants and debris. Then, you should periodically soak your dentures in a deep-cleaning solution for more stubborn deposits.
Finally, make sure you use a dentist-approved denture cleaner. Many come as effervescent tablets which use a bubbling action to help clean your denture.
You should never use hot or boiling water to clean dentures, as you may cause the appliance to warp. Always handle your denture over a folded towel to prevent breakage in case you drop them.
If you don’t regularly and thoroughly clean your dentures, you may suffer from various issues. Among those problems are:
Any of these symptoms may mean your dentures need to be cleaned more often. However, over time, unclean dentures may lead to periodontal infections that can make your gums overly sensitive and sore.
Unfortunately, we are unable to list our fees online. We want to provide the most accurate information, but it’s impossible to say until we see you what your treatment needs are.
However, you can be confident that once we determine what’s involved with treating you, our fees are open and transparent. We will tell you the exact treatment you need and discuss pricing with you at that time.
At Causeway Dentistry, we enjoy the time we spend getting to know our patients and learning about their unique needs. When we do, we can create personalized treatment plans that work with your budget.
First, Dr. Santos needs to understand the nature of the problem, which he can only do with an examination. We always want to do what’s right for you, and there may be a more conservative, affordable solution than what you anticipate. For example, you might think a decayed tooth needs a dental crown when a strong, durable tooth filling would do the job.
Instead of just telling you what you need, Dr. Santos will share x-rays and intraoral photos so you can see what he sees. When you’re informed, you can feel more confident about how treatment will benefit you.
If you have an oral health concern that you’d like Dr. Santos to take a look at, please call our Clearwater, FL dental office at (727) 791-1450. You have our pledge that we have your best interest at heart and will always provide you with high-quality, affordable dentistry.
It’s essential to have a general dentist you can trust; at Causeway Dentistry, we want to be your primary dental care provider. In our dental office, we will diagnose, treat, and manage all your oral health needs. So, what do our general dentistry services include?
General dentists oversee all your oral health needs; from the moment you arrive at our office, we work hard to ensure comfortable, quality dental care. Some of the general dentistry services we provide include the following:
When you need a dentist in Clearwater, FL, consider Causeway Dentistry! We offer a wide range of services to help you achieve the healthiest, most beautiful smile possible. Call us at (727) 791-1450 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
The American Dental Association and your Clearwater dentist recommend scheduling an appointment every six months. This schedule has been shown to lower your risks for preventable issues like cavities and gum disease.
Every six months is for people with excellent oral health. However, your dentist will recommend an alternative schedule if you have gingivitis, gum disease, or other similar conditions.
Your six-month dental checkup is about more than looking at your teeth. It is a comprehensive checkup that includes an oral cancer screening and professional teeth cleaning.
Your professional teeth cleaning clears cavity-causing debris from hard-to-reach areas, including the back teeth. It also rids your teeth of stubborn plaque and tartar that at-home efforts can’t remove entirely. It is plaque and tartar that lead to tooth decay.
And finding oral health issues early, during your six-month dental checkup in Clearwater, FL usually means less invasive treatment. Early detection also saves you time and money on prolonged care to restore your oral health.
Gum disease can lead to tooth loss and even systemic health issues. Lower your risks with regular dental checkups and teeth cleanings near me. Reach out today if you have questions or are ready to arrange an exam.
This is a question we hear a lot, and the answer is that you need a professional cleaning because your brush and floss only do part of the job. It’s great that you’re proactive with oral hygiene at home, but your cleanest smile is only possible with the help of a dental hygienist.
No matter how well you brush and floss, you can’t remove every trace of cavity-causing plaque from all tooth surfaces, like between teeth. You also can’t remove tartar, which is hardened plaque that only your hygienist can remove using specialized instruments.
Another benefit of these preventive appointments is the opportunity to ask any questions you have about oral hygiene or dental care in general. Our hygienist is very knowledgeable and friendly and will be happy to provide the information you need.
Dental cleanings are also critical because they allow us to look for signs of gum disease. If your gums are swollen or bleed when you brush, you might have gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease. At this stage, gum disease is reversible with a thorough teeth cleaning and improved brushing and flossing on your part.
We recommend teeth cleanings and exams every six months because seeing you routinely allows us to stay a step ahead of cavities and gum disease. If you’re due for your next cleaning, please call Causeway Dentistry to schedule an appointment.
If you have a deep tooth infection that has caused nerve inflammation and severe pain, we may need to perform root canal therapy in Clearwater, FL, to resolve the problem. In this procedure, your dentist opens up your tooth to access the pulp. If this pulp is infected, he uses a precision tool to gently remove all infected tissue, even into your tooth roots. Then, he seals your inner tooth to protect it from future problems and will restore it with a tooth filling or dental crown later.
Immediately after treatment, your gums will be numb, but when the numbness wears off, you may feel some soreness that diminishes within a day or two. You may use over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) if those are safe for you to alleviate any soreness.
About two weeks after the primary procedure, you will return to our Clearwater dental office for your final restoration. Dr. Santos will use either a tooth-colored composite filling for smaller root canals or a dental crown. The restoration type depends on which tooth received treatment and which restoration will be the most secure over time.
Patients in Clearwater who need root canal treatment may suffer one or more of the following:
If you have felt any of these or a combination, please call your emergency dentist immediately for same-day dental care.
Tooth injury and deep tooth infection often lead to root canal treatment in Clearwater, FL. Fortunately, root canal therapy relieves your pain and rids you of symptoms. It also saves your tooth from extraction.
A root canal treatment means we use powerful anesthetics to numb the area around your infected tooth. Your Clearwater dentist then extracts the pulp and infected or inflamed tissues from the canal. Next, we rinse and clean the tooth before securing it with a temporary filling. After about two weeks, you come back to our dental office, where we fit you with a dental crown.
A dental crown is a tooth cap that blends seamlessly with your teeth, restoring function to the treated tooth.
Signs you need a root canal include:
If you have one or more of these symptoms, it’s critical to contact our dental office to arrange an emergency dental visit with the dentist. Pain and swelling will typically escalate until you have treatment. Additionally, failure to treat can result in extraction and the spread of infection.
We provide gentle treatment, including root canal therapy. If you suspect a root infection, reach out to our team as soon as possible.
It’s perfectly natural for your teeth to become discolored over time; whether it’s from age, certain medications, or staining drinks such as coffee, tea, or red wine, many things can dull your smile’s beauty.
Fortunately, you can restore your smile’s beauty with either custom take-home kits or pre-filled whitening trays from Causeway Dentistry. Here’s how it works.
When you’d rather whiten your teeth at home, here’s how our take-home whitening kits work:
If you want to start whitening your teeth immediately, we offer pre-filled whitening trays for your convenience. Here’s how they work:
If you want to enhance your smile’s appearance with professional teeth whitening, we would love to help! At Causeway Dentistry, our goal is for you to love your smile. Contact our dental office at (727) 791-1450 to start today.
Professional teeth whitening under the supervision of a dentist in Clearwater is very safe. Unlike store-bought or over-the-counter whitening kits, professional teeth whitening is customized to fit your unique needs and meet your aesthetic goals. Professional-grade whiteners can remove stains and improve your smile by several shades. At Causeway Dentistry, we offer custom take-home kits and pre-filled whitening trays.
Dr. Santos examines your smile and creates a personalized treatment for you. He considers your goals, tooth sensitivity, and gum tissue sensitivity when prescribing the strength of the whitening gel.
Custom take-home whitening trays precisely fit your teeth, so you can expect consistent, beautiful results. You place the gel in the trays and wear them for 20–30 minutes every day for about two weeks. After two weeks, you can use the trays for monthly touchups.
Pre-filled teeth whitening trays are ready to use out of the box. They conform to the shape of your teeth and contain the perfect amount of whitening gel for your teeth as prescribed by Dr. Santos. You do not have to wait for impressions, so you can start whitening immediately!
Do you have faded, dull, or yellow teeth? Causeway Dentistry offers professional teeth whitening so you can attain the stunning, white smile of your dreams. Please contact our Clearwater dental office today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Santos.
Many patients new to professional teeth whitening are surprised by the dramatic results—even those who have used store-bought kits and gels.
When you trust your smile to a dental professional, you can count on a safe experience and a predictable outcome. Using store-bought options can mean ingredients that are too harsh for your teeth and gums or an uneven result.
Our cosmetic dentist in Clearwater, FL, offers custom take-home kits and prefilled whitening trays for your convenience. These options allow you to brighten your teeth on your schedule. You can also touch up your smile as needed.
Before your dentist okays professional teeth whitening, we make sure it’s a safe option for you. Considerations include gum health and restorations. We can also provide tips to help you maintain your results, including dietary advice.
A white smile can boost your confidence, making it easier to laugh and smile with friends and colleagues. You’ll be able to enjoy your time freely without concern.
If you would like to arrange a teeth whitening consultation or have questions for our team, we are happy to chat with you today.
We accept CareCredit and see patients from all areas, including our neighbors in Safety Harbor, Dunedin, Largo, Indian Rocks Beach, and your location.
Many people dread the thought of getting a tooth extraction, but the truth is, it’s not nearly as bad as you might think. And this is a big thanks to modern dental technology and dentistry. Because of this, the procedure is usually quick and relatively pain-free. So, if you find yourself in need of a tooth extraction in Clearwater, just be sure to follow aftercare instructions and take good care of yourself, and you’ll be feeling better in no time!
To start, Dr. Santos will numb the area around the affected tooth before beginning the procedure, so you shouldn’t feel any pain during the extraction itself. You may feel some pressure, but that should be it. Afterward, once the numbness wears off, you’ll likely experience some soreness and tenderness in your mouth, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication if needed.
Although nobody thinks extractions are fun, they might be necessary for your smile to be healthy. Now that you know a little about this procedure, we hope you can approach your appointment with a little less anxiety. Due to modern dental technology, extractions are usually relatively painless and quick, so if you live in or near Clearwater, FL, and have questions about tooth extractions, please don’t hesitate to contact us!
A typical tooth extraction usually heals within 7 to 10 days for most patients, though some might need up to two weeks, especially in cases involving wisdom teeth. During this time, a blood clot forms in the empty socket, creating a foundation for the bone and tissue to repair themselves.
The tooth extraction procedure itself is straightforward. After administering local anesthesia to numb the area, the dentist in Clearwater uses specialized tools to gradually loosen the tooth in its socket until it can be easily removed. In many cases, stitches are used to close the hole in the gum tissue and protect the healing site.
After the procedure, certain specific aftercare steps can help promote faster healing. These include keeping the area clean, avoiding vigorous rinsing or spitting, and sticking to soft foods for a few days. An ice pack can help manage any swelling, while any discomfort is usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers.
If you’re in the Clearwater area and looking for an experienced dentist to expertly and empathetically guide you through the tooth extraction process, from consultation through aftercare, contact dentist Dr. Earl Santos and the outstanding Causeway Dentistry team to schedule a consultation!
Dental anxiety is a problem for millions of people, and for some, it prevents them from even calling and making an appointment. At Causeway Dentistry, one of our priorities is for you to have the most comfortable, stress-free experience when you visit us.
Our friendly dental team puts you at ease with a warm and welcoming greeting the moment you arrive. We take time to get to know you so we can provide personalized treatment that addresses all your needs. You won’t believe how easy dental care is when you feel comfortable and entirely at ease with those around you!
We have designed our Clearwater dental office to be a friendly, stress-free environment for our patients. Each treatment room is equipped with reclining memory foam chairs with a massage feature so you can unwind and feel at ease during your treatment. We’ll help you get settled with a comfy neck pillow and blanket while you listen to music playing throughout or office.
If you think you would benefit from some light sedation with nitrous oxide (laughing gas), please let our team know! Nitrous is strong enough to calm you during your appointment but mild enough that there are no drowsy side effects.
We would love to welcome you to our practice to show you how our friendly, caring approach to patient care can help you have a comfortable and stress-free experience. Please call our Clearwater, FL dental office to arrange an appointment so we can get started!
When you detect tooth decay early on, you’ll have the best chance of treating it with a simple dental filling. This is why it’s so important to routinely visit your dentist in Clearwater for checkups since they can detect problems early on.
Tooth decay can be tricky to detect on your own, but here are three telltale signs you may need a dental filling:
If you notice signs of tooth decay, immediately contact your dentist for an exam. We may be able to treat tooth decay detected early with dental fillings in Clearwater.
If decay is not detected, it will progress further into the tooth and cause an infection. Tooth infections require root canal treatment to eliminate the infected tissues and preserve the tooth.
Causeway Dental is here for you! Contact our team at (727) 791-1450 if you have questions or concerns about tooth decay.
