At Causeway Dentistry, we offer services to help our patients maintain bright, healthy smiles. We do everything we can to keep your teeth healthy and intact for as long as possible.
Sometimes, however, tooth extraction is necessary when a tooth is beyond repair and we’ve exhausted all possibilities to save it.
Dr. Earl Santos is an experienced dentist who has performed many gentle tooth extractions at our warm and welcoming Clearwater, FL dental office.
Dr. Santos will evaluate your medical history and perform a thorough oral health evaluation to determine if extraction is appropriate for you.
If he recommends removing the tooth, he will explain why and how it will benefit your long-term oral health. He will show you x-rays and intraoral images, and answer your questions until he’s sure you feel comfortable with the process.
We believe in open communication and transparency regarding treatment options to help you make confident, informed treatment decisions. Patients commonly have concerns about tooth extraction, and you can be confident that we’ll take time to address your concerns and answer your questions.
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!
There are several reasons why our dentist in Clearwater, FL might recommend tooth extraction:
Dr. Santos will be happy to recommend an appropriate tooth replacement like a bridge or partial denture, so you can look forward to getting back your full smile.
During your initial consultation, Dr. Santos will review your medical history and perform a comprehensive oral health evaluation to determine the best treatment options for you.
Our caring dental team is highly experienced in the comfortable removal of problematic teeth. We make your comfort a priority by offering soothing amenities like neck pillows, blankets, and massaging memory foam dental chairs.
If you are interested in sedation dentistry to help you relax, we offer nitrous oxide or “laughing gas” for your comfort. Before we begin your procedure, we will numb the area we’re treating with a powerful local anesthetic so you don’t feel any pain.
Dr. Earl Santos was born in Tacloban City, Philippines, and grew up in northeast Pennsylvania. His career in Florida began when he graduated from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) School of Dental Medicine ..
After we remove your tooth, we will place a sterile gauze pad on the site and have you bite down on it to control bleeding. Leave this pad in place for an hour, then replace it with a fresh pad until bleeding stops.
We recommend that you take the rest of the day off, as you won’t feel much like working, and your body also needs time to rest and recover.
Dental extraction is a common procedure where a severely decayed, infected, or overcrowded tooth is surgically removed to alleviate a patient’s
Do you have a decayed or damaged tooth and think you need extraction? Call Causeway Dentistry for an appointment so Dr. Santos can evaluate the situation and make the appropriate treatment recommendation.
