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Tooth Extraction in Fort Lauderdale

Excellence in Dentistry -  - Cosmetic Dentist

Excellence in Dentistry

Cosmetic and General Dentistry serving Fort Lauderdale and Lauderdale by the Sea

The thought of having an extraction is not pleasant, but sometimes it’s necessary. For example, when your teenager or young adult's wisdom teeth are coming in, they can push other teeth out of place, causing bite and jaw problems. Nancy Rotroff, DDS, MAGD, and Gerard Wasselle, DMD have advanced training so you can rest assured that you're in good hands while in the dental chair. When any member of your family needs an extraction, call Excellence in Dentistry to schedule an appointment.

Tooth Extraction Q & A

 

 

Why does a tooth need to be pulled?

There are several reasons that you may need to have a tooth extracted: You may have 

  • A large area of decay on the tooth that is too big for a filling
  • A mouth too small to fit all of your teeth properly
  • Wisdom teeth that are impacted or cause adjacent teeth to move out of place
  • Infection in the root of the tooth that a root canal has not solved
  • The cumulative effects of periodontal disease, which may loosen a tooth 

Schedule an appointment with Dr. Rotroff or Dr. Wasselle to see if you need an extraction.

What happens during a tooth extraction?

Be sure your dentist understands your complete medical history before the extraction. If you are prone to infection from another medical condition, such as periodontitis, or have an artificial joint such as a hip replacement, they prescribe antibiotics before and after the extraction.  If you are taking blood thinners, you will need to discuss this with your dentist prior to any extraction.

In preparation for your tooth extraction, Dr. Wasselle will administer anesthetic to numb the area around the affected tooth.  A metal instrument is used to access the tooth and forceps are used to grasp the tooth, rock it back and forth to separate it from the jawbone, and lift if from the gums.   Because Dr. Wasselle has more than 30 years experience in tooth extraction, the procedure is fairly quick.

How should I take care of the area where the tooth was extracted?

Immediately after the procedure,  Dr. Wasselle will place a gauze pad in the tooth socket and have you bite down gently on it to staunch the bleeding. Our doctors may prescribe an antibiotic. If they do, be sure to take it as prescribed.

When you go home, put an ice pack covered in a soft, clean cloth on your jaw area periodically, applying the ice pack for 10 minutes, with 10 minutes in between. 

For the first three days, you need to elevate your head when you go to bed so that blood does not collect in the tooth socket. Use pillows or a bed wedge when you are resting. 

Don’t drink through a straw or swish water back and forth in your mouth. Eat clear soup, liquids, and very soft foods for a few days. Forgo exercise temporarily and take it easy for a week; you’ve just had a surgical operation.

Brush and floss your teeth and brush your tongue to remove bacteria, but avoid the area around the tooth extraction.  

If you need an extraction, trust Dr. Gerard Wasselle. Call the office at 954-928-1666 to book an appointment.