What to Expect During a Tooth Extraction in Gainesville

Why Your Dentist May Recommend a Tooth Extraction

You may need a tooth pulled because of severe tooth decay that affects the stability of your tooth enamel. If enough enamel has been damaged or is missing, the tooth may no longer be viable. Other reasons for extractions may include the following:

• Preparing the gums for dentures or dental implant procedures
• Removing teeth that have been loosened by gum disease
• Reducing overcrowding in the gums and jaw
• Pulling baby teeth that have not come out on their own
• Removing teeth damaged in an injury or accident
• Dealing with wisdom teeth

Working with a qualified dentist at Atlas Walk Dental & Orthodontics can allow you to manage many of these procedures much more affordably and with greater confidence. We make it easy to manage all your dental care in one convenient location in Gainesville. If you are experiencing tooth pain or have a broken tooth, we can help you with solutions that can promote the healthiest teeth and gums now and for a future of brighter and more beautiful smiles.

What Happens During a Tooth Extraction in Gainesville?

If you need a tooth removed, you may be apprehensive about the process. In general, dentists will not remove a tooth unless it is no longer viable or it is preventing other necessary dental work. Some of the key steps in the extraction process are listed here:

• Your dentist will apply local anesthetic to numb the area around the affected tooth. If requested or necessary, you may be given sedation to relax you and to eliminate any pain during your procedure.
• Using specialized dental tools, your dentist will loosen the tooth from the socket to prepare it for removal.
• Forceps or other dental tools are then applied to the tooth to pull it gently but firmly from the socket. Care is taken not to break the roots, which can be difficult to remove if they do not remain intact and attached to the tooth.
• The socket is then cleaned and flushed of all debris using pressurized water 
• and dental disinfectant.
• Your dentist will usually close the incision in your gums with a few stitches to keep the extraction site clean and to reduce bleeding.
• You may need to bite down on dental gauze for a period of time to reduce bleeding and to promote healing.

Are Teeth Extractions Painful?

At Atlas Walk Dental & Orthodontics, we take every precaution to help you achieve the most pain-free dental treatments in our office. If you need a dental extraction, our team will discuss your anesthetic options with you to provide you with the best experience when removing a tooth or multiple teeth.

When Is Oral Surgery Required for an Extraction?

If most of the tooth to be removed is still located inside the gums, you may require the help of an oral surgeon to complete your extraction. Wisdom tooth removal, for instance, usually requires surgery to remove the roots from deep inside the gums. If you need oral surgery for your tooth extraction, our dentists at Atlas Walk Dental & Orthodontics can refer you to an oral surgeon who can perform these procedures safely and effectively.

How Long Does Tooth Extraction Healing Take?

The healing process usually takes a week or so after a simple extraction. Your dentist will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions that may include refraining from strenuous physical activities for 24 hours, not drinking from a straw and brushing around the area of the extraction rather than directly on the extraction site. These precautions will allow the formation of a blood clot that will speed the healing process and allow you to recover more quickly.

Managing Tooth Extraction Cost

Most dental plans cover the cost of extractions to some degree. If you need a tooth pulled, our team at Atlas Walk Dental & Orthodontics will review the financial aspects of your treatment and will explain your out-of-pocket costs to help you budget more effectively for these procedures.

Call Atlas Walk Dental & Orthodontics today to discuss your dental needs and to schedule a consultation with our extraction specialists. You can reach us at (703) 278-2075. Our team is here to help you achieve the best dental health for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.