Tooth extractions in Pinellas Park

Is an Extraction My Only Choice?

Your dentist will always endeavor to salvage a natural tooth, but sometimes that's just not possible. In fact, sometimes a relatively healthy tooth will need to be pulled. The following examples can help explain why sometimes an extraction is the only option.

Primary Teeth

The primary teeth are often colloquially referred to as baby teeth, and are the first set of teeth to appear. They usually fall out on their own starting around age four or five and will fall out in the same order they came in. However, sometimes the primary tooth doesn't automatically fall out, which doesn't allow the permanent tooth to come in, so the primary tooth will need to be extracted.

Crowding

An adult mouth will usually have 32 teeth, but there's not always room for that many teeth in the jaw. When this happens, teeth may erupt at an angle or not at all, and the other teeth may become misaligned. If a permanent tooth can't fully erupt, it can become impacted and painful. The solution is to remove it even though it may not be diseased or damaged.

Wisdom Teeth

The wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars to appear, and they start erupting in the late teens to early twenties. By this time, however, there may not be enough room in the jaw, and you'll have an impacted wisdom tooth. The solution is to extract the impacted tooth or teeth.

Who Does Tooth Extractions?

If your tooth is readily visible and we're able to grasp it with forceps, your dentist can extract your tooth. If it's impacted or severely damaged, you may need a root canal, and we'll refer you to an oral surgeon.

Who Can Extract a Severely Damaged, Cracked, or Decayed Tooth?

If your tooth is badly diseased or damaged, your Pinellas Park dentist may be able to extract it. Otherwise, you'll need to see an oral surgeon to have it removed. General dentists can perform routine oral surgery, but specialty cases are usually referred to a specialist. There needs to be enough tooth structure for the dentist to grasp with forceps.

Can I Have a Tooth Pulled if I Have Advanced Gum Disease?

If you're in the advanced stage of periodontal disease, you may have already lost a significant number of teeth. However, if you have a tooth that's causing problems, your Pinellas Park dentist may be able to extract it. Call our Pinellas Park office for an appointment or if you have more questions.

How Much Will My Tooth Extraction Cost?

Your cost for a tooth extraction will be unique to you and will depend on the complexity of the procedure, the number of follow-up visits you'll need, and your insurance coverage. Typically, insurance plans will pay for all or part of getting a tooth pulled, but check with your provider before your appointment. We'll provide you with a detailed estimate of the cost of your procedure, but if you have questions, call the office.

What is the Aftercare Procedure for an Extraction?

We'll provide you with aftercare instructions appropriate to your procedure, and it's important that you follow them to the letter. Otherwise, your clot can break open or become dislodged, and then you'll start bleeding again. We'll also include instructions for minimizing swelling and discomfort. The first 24 hours are the most critical, so adhere to the aftercare instructions assiduously during the first 24 hours. If you experience problems or have questions, call the office, and we'll be glad to help you.

What's the Tooth Extraction Healing Time?

There's no set time for a tooth to heal, but your age and overall health are factors, as is your unique physiology and how well you follow your aftercare instructions. If you had a simple tooth extraction, you may be able to resume moderate activities after the first 24 hours, but ask your dentist if you need to engage in strenuous activities. If you had oral surgery or a molar extraction, the site will usually take longer to heal. Call us if you have questions.

Need a Tooth Extraction in Pinellas Park?

If you need tooth removal, you're probably in pain and would like to be pain-free again. If that's the case, call Florida Dental Centers Pinellas Park at (727) 477-0097, and we'll schedule an appointment as well as answer your questions. Our compassionate dentists are among the best in Pinellas Park, and we know you'll be happy with the service they provide as well as being pain-free once again.

Don't suffer from tooth pain. Call our Pinellas Park office today. We look forward to working with you.