Tooth Extractions

Because they’re often deemed a last resort, our Jacksonville and Live Oak, FL, dentists will always make sure you’re made aware when a tooth extraction is needed. If other restorative procedures are no longer possible, an injured or damaged tooth is better off being removed as it can potentially jeopardize your overall oral health. Fortunately, simple extractions are straightforward and shouldn’t take much time to complete.

Here’s what you need to know about tooth extractions.

Why You May Need a Tooth Removed

A simple tooth extraction, which is when the tooth being removed is visible and above the gum line, can prove necessary in several situations. The top 3 reasons that may lead our dentists to consider tooth removal include:

1. Tooth Decay: When a tooth is severely decayed and cannot otherwise be restored with a dental filling or same-day crown, extraction can prevent the spread of infection and protect neighboring teeth.
2. Periodontal Disease: Unchecked gum disease can lead to tooth mobility and bone loss around a tooth. If the tooth becomes too loose and cannot be stabilized or treated, extraction may be recommended.
3. Trauma: Teeth that are severely broken or fractured due to accidents, sports injuries, or other traumatic incidents may need to be extracted if they cannot be repaired effectively.

Remember, there’s no need to panic if it’s determined that the best route is extraction. Our dentists want your smile to be healthy and in certain instances, this form of treatment is the only answer that makes that reality attainable.

Steps We’ll Take Before Extraction

Above all else, we want to approach tooth extraction cautiously. Our dentists want to be absolutely sure that it is the right procedure so we’ll start off by assessing the condition of the tooth in question and the nearby gum tissue. For this stage, we’ll use visual and physical examination as well as X-rays to see what’s going on below the gum line.

Once more information is gathered and it becomes clear that extraction is needed, we’ll press forward. A local anesthetic will be applied on and around the tooth so no pain is felt during the procedure, only a little pressure. After the tooth is numbed, our dentists will use a tool called a dental elevator to loosen it before switching to dental forceps to help pull the tooth out.

Need Help? You’re in the Right Place

Extractions can elicit fear in many patients. Fortunately, our dentists in Jacksonville and Live Oak, FL, are well experienced in performing simple tooth extractions and are trained to be as gentle as possible. Call one of our Higgins & White Dentistry locations today to request an appointment.