When challenged with severe tooth pain or damage that can’t be repaired through other dental treatments, tooth extraction may be your most effective path to relief and restored oral health. At Airway Dental and More, our Jacksonville dentists understand the thought of having a tooth removed can feel daunting, but modern extraction techniques have made this procedure more comfortable and efficient than ever before.
At Airway Dental and More, Dr. Neil K. Stevenson and our experienced team provide compassionate, expert care for patients throughout Jacksonville who need tooth extractions. Whether you’re dealing with advanced decay, overcrowding, or preparing for orthodontic treatment, we’re here to walk you through every step of the process with the skill and care you deserve.
While our focus is always to save your natural teeth whenever possible, tooth extraction may be necessary in the following cases:
Severe decay that has harmed the tooth beyond repair often requires removal to prevent infection from spreading to surrounding teeth and tissues. When bacteria penetrate deep into the tooth structure, reaching the pulp chamber, the resulting infection can cause intense pain and potentially life-threatening complications if left untreated.
Impacted wisdom teeth should be extracted when they lack enough space to emerge properly, potentially causing pain, crowding, and damage to surrounding teeth. According to the American Society of Implant & Reconstructive Dentistry, approximately 85% of adults need their wisdom teeth extracted to prevent complications as they grow in. These third molars can become stuck beneath the gum line or against neighboring teeth, creating defects where bacteria can collect and cause infection or abscess formation.
Our orthodontic approach prioritizes developing the jaws to naturally accommodate all of your teeth. When teeth appear crowded, it’s often a sign that the jaw hasn’t developed to its full potential. Rather than removing teeth to create space, we focus on facial development techniques that encourage proper jaw growth and expansion.
By guiding the jaws to develop correctly, we create adequate room for all of your teeth to fit comfortably in their natural positions. This approach not only addresses orthodontic concerns but also supports better airway health and overall facial balance. Dr. Stevenson uses advanced diagnostic tools and treatment methods to ensure your jaw develops properly, allowing your teeth to align naturally without unnecessary extractions.
Advanced gum disease can compromise the supporting structures around teeth, making extraction necessary to safeguard the health of the remaining teeth and neighboring tissues. When periodontal disease destroys the bone and ligaments that hold teeth in place, your teeth may become loose and require removal to prevent further damage to your oral health.
Comprehensive airway treatments and family dental care with flexible financing to improve your health and smile.
Dental extractions often fall into three categories: simple, surgical and complex.
Simple extractions are reserved for teeth visible above the gum line and can be removed using specialized instruments. These procedures can be executed using local anesthesia and have relatively straightforward recovery periods. During a simple extraction, Dr. Stevenson carefully loosens the tooth using instruments called elevators before gently removing it with forceps.
Surgical extractions are necessary when teeth are broken below the gum line, impacted, or require additional access for safe removal. Dr. Neil K. Stevenson has extensive experience performing both simple and complex surgical extractions, ensuring optimal outcomes regardless of the case’s complexity.
Surgical procedures may involve creating small incisions in the gum tissue to reveal the tooth, removing small amounts of bone to aid in the extraction, or sectioning teeth into smaller pieces for easier removal. These techniques are designed for the safe extraction of complex cases while minimizing trauma to surrounding tissues.
Complex extractions can develop when teeth grow in a highly divergent direction, proximity to or involvement with vital structures (nerves, large blood vessels, sinuses, etc.) Complex extraction should be done by those who are properly trained to deal with these circumstances and provide specialized services that complex extractions may also require. We work with many Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons in the Jacksonville area who are excellent.
After your procedure, you’ll receive detailed post-extraction instructions. Following these guidelines is crucial for faster healing and reducing the risk of complications such as dry socket or infection.
Most patients experience manageable discomfort for a few days following extraction, which can be relieved with over-the-counter pain medications. Swelling is normal and typically peaks within 3-4 days before gradually subsiding. Applying ice during the first 24 hours, using a twenty-minute on/off cycle, helps control swelling and provides additional comfort. Bone grafting of the extraction site is an option that reduces the risk of dry sockets, greatly speeds up the healing of the bone, and stabilizes the existing bone from resorption. Bone grafting helps preserve the bony support around the teeth adjacent to the extraction site.
Maintaining proper oral hygiene habits while protecting the extraction site is also vital during healing. You’ll need to avoid rinsing vigorously, using straws, or smoking during the initial recovery period, as these activities can dislodge the blood clot necessary for proper healing.
Dry socket is one of the most common complications following tooth extraction, occurring when the blood clot at the extraction site becomes dislodged or dissolves too early. This condition reveals the underlying bone and nerves, causing significant pain and delayed healing. Following post-extraction instructions can significantly reduce your risk of developing dry socket.
Signs of infection following extraction include persistent or worsening pain, swelling that doesn’t improve after 72 hours, fever, or discharge from the extraction site. If you experience any of these symptoms, please contact our office immediately for a prompt evaluation and treatment.
At Airway Dental and More, our comprehensive approach to oral surgery, combined with our team’s dedication to patient comfort, makes us the premier choice for tooth extractions in Jacksonville. We understand no two patients are identical, and we take the time to explain your treatment options thoroughly, addressing any concerns you may have about the procedure.
Our commitment to excellence extends beyond the extraction procedure itself. We provide comprehensive follow-up care to monitor your healing progress and address any questions or concerns during your recovery period. This ongoing support ensures the best possible outcome for your oral health. Contact us today at (904) 268-4466 or visit our contact form to schedule your consultation and learn more about how we can help restore your oral health through expert extraction services.
