Tooth Extractions
in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
Ideally, we prefer to save your natural teeth whenever possible. Unfortunately, this sometimes is not the appropriate solution and it becomes necessary to extract a tooth in order to protect the health of your other teeth. Some of the situations that may warrant an extraction include:
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Severely broken or fractured teeth
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Severely decayed teeth
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Impacted wisdom teeth
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Crowding
Dental extractions come in two basic types – simple and surgical. Which kind is right for you will depend on the situation we are looking to fix.
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Simple extractions are performed when the tooth is above the gum line and can be removed with a lifter and forceps. The process and healing time are both quick. This may be used for a decayed tooth or a tooth that is broken but is still above the gumline. It’s also used to remove teeth when the root has died or if your teeth are crowded and removal is necessary to facilitate orthodontic treatment.
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Surgical extractions, on the other hand, are more complicated. A surgical extraction requires an incision into the gum to get to the tooth. This type of extraction is necessary if your tooth has broken below the gumline or if it is multiple pieces and some are stuck beneath the gums. A surgical extraction is also necessary for impacted wisdom teeth that are partially or completely covered by gum tissue.
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If you suspect that you require a tooth extraction, we encourage you to visit Woodling Oral Surgery in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. Our team can provide a thorough evaluation of your dental needs to determine the most appropriate course of action. Factors such as injury, illness, infection, decay, or overcrowding may make tooth extraction necessary, but we will work with you to explore all possible treatment options before making a final decision.
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Tooth extractions are a common dental procedure that can be done painlessly with the right sedation options. If you're in Jacksonville, St Johns County, or Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, and are in need of a tooth extraction, Dr. Tyler Woodling and his team at are the right team for the job! Contact us in Ponte Vedra, FL, today to learn more or schedule an appointment.
Dental Extraction Process
A tooth extraction, also known as tooth pulling or dental extraction, is the process of removing a tooth from its socket in the bone. There are several reasons why a tooth may need to be extracted, including tooth decay, severe breakage, creating space for orthodontic work, impacted teeth, infection, and gum disease.
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Once a tooth extraction has been deemed the best course of action for you, our Oral Surgeon, Dr. Tyler Woodling, will set up a date and time for your tooth extraction procedure. An antibiotic may be prescribed before or after the procedure varying on a case-by-case basis.
At the beginning of your procedure, Dr. Woodling will numb the area with local anesthesia. Once the extraction begins you will likely feel pressure but does not result in pain. After the extraction, bleeding may occur, even if stitches are in place. Our team will provide gauze pads to absorb drainage, staunch bleeding, and promote clotting.
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It is recommended to leave the gauze in place for 3-4 hours following the extraction, changing it as necessary. To promote clotting, patients should avoid rinsing, smoking, and drinking through a straw for 24 hours. Applying ice to the side of the face for ten-minute intervals can help reduce pain and swelling. Resting for at least 24 hours after the extraction and propping the head up with pillows to minimize bleeding is also recommended.
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Once you are fully healed, you can discuss tooth replacement options with the Woodling Oral Surgery team to restore your smile and avoid shifting of other teeth.
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At Woodling Oral Surgery, we are committed to helping you achieve a healthy and confident smile through our exceptional patient-focused services. Dr. Tyler Woodling and our team are dedicated to providing you with personalized care and a pain-free experience to ensure your satisfaction and comfort throughout the entire process.
Cost of Extractions
There is no standard cost for a wisdom tooth removal procedure. The cost of your treatment will depend on several things, including the number of wisdom teeth you have, your choice of anesthesia, if any teeth are impacted, or if it's a wisdom tooth. We will provide a cost estimate upfront so you know exactly what to expect.
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Our office accepts a variety of payment methods, and there are options available to finance the cost of your wisdom teeth removal. Learn more about our financing options.
After Surgery Instructions
Rest:
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It is recommended that you rest quietly with your head elevated for the rest of the day.
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When getting up from a reclined position, take your time to avoid feeling dizzy.
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During the first 24 hours, limit your physical activity and avoid excessive exertion for the following 72 hours.
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Resting will aid in faster healing!
Swelling and Bruising:
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Some swelling is common during the healing process.
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If the swelling seems excessive and is accompanied by fever or severe pain, please contact us immediately.
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For the first day following surgery, use an ice pack to minimize swelling and increase comfort. Place the ice pack on your face over the surgical area for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off.
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Moist heat may be used for added comfort the day following surgery.
Bleeding:
Red saliva is expected for the first 24 hours, but extensive bleeding should not occur. If it does, apply firm pressure with moist gauze to the area for 20 minutes. If the bleeding does not stop, please call us.
Mouth Care:
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For the first three days after surgery, AVOID RINSING, SPITTING, OR SUCKING THROUGH A STRAW. Clotting blood aids in the healing process and these actions may disturb it.
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Three days after surgery, you may begin gentle rinsing, but do not rinse vigorously for seven days.
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Do not rinse with an over-the-counter mouthwash for seven days.
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You may begin brushing the NON-SURGICAL areas on the day of surgery.
Eating:
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For the first week, eat softer foods like pasta, eggs, fish, yogurt, soup, pudding, and soft-cooked vegetables.
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AVOID extremes like very hot, very cold, or acidic/spicy foods for the first few days.
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DO NOT eat hard, crunchy foods such as popcorn, small seeds (like in strawberries, sesame, and poppy), nuts, or chips for the first week after surgery.
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DO NOT use a straw for the first week as the suction could dislodge the blood clot within the tooth socket and create a painful condition known as dry socket.
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Maintain a balanced diet.
Smoking:
It is strongly advised NOT TO SMOKE after surgery. Smoking delays the healing process increases discomfort and may encourage bleeding and infection in the surgical site.
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If you have any questions or concerns, please call us at (904)622-4000