Tooth Extractions in Naples & Bonita Springs

Although dentists prefer to repair a damaged or diseased tooth, this is not always possible. Tooth extraction is the last resort when a tooth cannot be saved. When tooth removal is the only option, many dentists refer their patients to Westshore OMS Specialists due to our expertise in surgically extracting teeth.

Why a Tooth May Need to be Removed

Many patients assume a throbbing toothache means a tooth has to be removed. However, options such as a root canal may save the tooth and eliminate pain. When this is not possible, tooth removal may be recommended. Your dentist may choose tooth removal for several reasons, including:

Severely Damaged Tooth

If a tooth is deeply cracked or broken, damage may extend to the tooth’s pulp. If this is the case, it may not be repairable. Tooth extraction is the best choice if the tooth cannot be saved or does not have a favorable long-term prognosis.

Serious Tooth Decay

Most cavities can be resolved with a simple filling. But extraction may be the only viable solution if the bacterial infection has spread to the pulp or affected the jawbone. Your dentist will try other treatments before suggesting tooth removal.

Stubborn Baby Teeth

Baby teeth (primary teeth) are crucial to your child’s oral health. They are also placeholders until the permanent teeth come to erupt. However, sometimes the primary tooth stubbornly stays in place, not allowing the permanent tooth to break through. Removing the baby tooth allows the new tooth to come in properly.

Orthodontic Treatment

Patients with misaligned teeth undergoing orthodontic treatment may need one or more teeth extractions before braces are put in place. If crowding is part of the issue, removing a few teeth allows space for orthodontic treatment to straighten the teeth without crowding.

Periodontal Disease

Advanced gum disease damages the gums around the teeth, prompting the gums to pull away from the teeth’s roots. Damage to the gums and ligaments holding the teeth in place leads to loose teeth that need removal.

Wisdom Teeth

There are many good reasons to extract wisdom teeth. Two of the most common are: first, tooth removal is required if one or more wisdom teeth have tried to erupt but become impacted (trapped in the gums). Second, if there is not enough room for the wisdom teeth to come in fully, surgical extraction is recommended to prevent future impaction, infection, or abscess below the gum line.

Why Do You Need an Oral Surgeon for Wisdom Teeth Extraction?

Wisdom teeth typically have complex root systems, are trapped in the jawbone, or are impinging on adjacent teeth. Their removal requires exceptional skill. Our oral surgeons routinely perform wisdom teeth surgery and tooth removal to protect the gums, jawbone, and surrounding teeth.

Wisdom teeth extraction is typically done under IV sedation or general anesthesia. It is a more complex procedure requiring cutting into the gums and jawbone to be sure the entire root structure is removed without damaging surrounding nerves and blood vessels. Dr. Contino, Dr. Reed or Dr. Winokur will also need to determine the best way to remove the tooth, which may require sectioning (cutting into smaller pieces for easier removal).

The Tooth Extraction Process

After numbing your jaw and gum tissue around the tooth, your oral surgeon will loosen the tooth by firmly moving it back and forth or cutting the tooth into smaller pieces. You will not be in any pain, but you will feel pressure as the tooth is removed. If you feel pain at any point, let us know immediately.

When the tooth is loose enough, it will be pulled out of the jawbone—a blood clot forms over the extraction site. Your oral surgeon will pack the area with gauze to ensure the clot forms properly and stays in place.

If your oral surgeon had to cut through the gums and jawbone to access an impacted tooth, you will have dissolving stitches to hold the incisions closed while they heal.

After Tooth Extractions

Taking proper care of your teeth and gums after tooth removal is essential to quick healing. We have outlined detailed post-surgical instructions for after wisdom teeth removal on our Wisdom Teeth Aftercare page. Aftercare is similar but simpler for individual tooth extractions. Any time you have one or more teeth extracted, remember to:

• Take any and all medications prescribed
• Keep the gauze in place over the extraction site for a few hours to encourage clotting
• Avoid eating anything hard, crunchy, or brittle for one week
• Avoid brushing around the extraction site for the first 72 hours
• Avoid exercise or strenuous activities for the first 72 hours, as this can encourage excess bleeding at the extraction site.
• Avoid using a straw or anything that requires sucking (like smoking or vaping), as this can lead to a painful dry socket.
• Use ice packs or a bag of frozen peas to reduce pain and swelling. Wrap the ice pack in a towel or soft cloth and lay it against the cheek for 20 minutes at a time.
• Eat a soft diet the first week, then slowly add other foods, avoiding crunchy or hard foods for the first several days.
• After the first 24 hours, return to a daily flossing and twice-daily brushing routine.

Do I Need to Replace Missing Teeth?

Yes. Eating and speaking clearly are more difficult if you do not replace a missing tooth. Missing teeth may also make you feel self-conscious. If most or all of your teeth are removed, dental implants can replace them.
Dental implants are a long-term solution for missing teeth. It requires surgery to place the implants, but the results are superior to any other solution. Dental implants rarely need replacing and help preserve a healthy jawbone. Without implants, the jawbone begins to resorb, leading to premature aging and a sunken facial appearance.

Do not wait until your tooth pain is unbearable – we specialize in safe, pain-free tooth extractions. To learn more about how WestShore OMS surgeons perform tooth extractions or schedule a consultation to discuss your teeth extraction needs, please get in touch with our Naples office at WestShore OMS Naples Phone Number 239-263-7474 or our Bonita Springs office at WestShore OMS Bonita Springs Phone Number 239-992-9201.