Gentle and Pain-free Dental Extractions
Extraction
At Raynald Michel DDS, our goal is to provide our patients with a comprehensive dental treatment plan that maintains their oral health. Dr. Michel will make every effort made to maintain and preserve your existing teeth, but there are some cases where a tooth is damaged or decayed and needs to be extracted to prevent oral complications.
If you need a tooth extraction in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Dr. Michel is highly skilled in performing the procedure in a gentle and pain-free surgery.
How a Missing Tooth Affects Your Health
Missing a tooth can affect many areas of your life. If left untreated, the bone can deteriorate; with multiple missing teeth, the facial structure can sag, changing the appearance of your face. Aside from appearances and the social stigma that can surround missing teeth, it can be more difficult to eat certain hard foods and talk properly. Professionally, having a noticeable missing tooth can affect your career.
At Raynald Michel DDS, our emphasis focuses on healing your oral issues and restoring your appearance. Dr. Michel appreciates how missing a tooth can affect your life, and is highly-skilled in dental implant procedures.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants restore your missing tooth root by bonding with the jawbone and functioning exactly like a natural root. Thin titanium posts anchor into the gap of the missing tooth to provide solid support for dental crowns. Implants work in the same manner as regular teeth, giving our Fort Lauderdale, Florida patients the ability to chew, speak, and smile naturally.
Dental implants are considered the gold standard of permanent tooth replacement, giving countless people their beautiful smiles back. There are multiple options for restoring missing teeth, but dental implants feel and look most natural. Reestablishing your root prevents future dental problems and maintains the contours of your face.
Real Patients, Real Results
Before and After Transformations by Raynald Michel, DDS
Full Mouth Extraction and Complete Immediate Denture Fabrication – This smile makeover was fabricated following a full mouth extraction and immediate denture delivery.
There are two types of extraction procedures: simple and surgical.
Simple extractions are a good option for teeth that are exposed above the gumline, not broken or beneath the gumline. During a simple extraction, Dr. Michel will gently remove the tooth using forceps. Light bleeding may occur but will quickly taper off, and in most cases, stitches are not necessary. The recovery period is quick, but we recommend you drink from a straw and rinse with warm salt water.
Surgical extractions involve removing gum or bone tissue and are necessary if the tooth is broken below the gum line or has never emerged. A surgical incision is typically required to remove the tooth. Stitches are usually needed to close the wound and help heal the incision. The recovery period should be quick, and during this time, Dr. Michel will be able to discuss your tooth replacement options.
Healing from an Extraction
Whether you have a simple or surgical extraction, there are a few tips to help make your recovery time as pain-free and comfortable as possible. We recommend avoiding smoking and drinking from straws when possible. Hard or chewy foods should be avoided and replaced with soft foods like soup, yogurt, mashed potatoes, and other liquid foods.
Do You Need an Extraction?
If you are in Fort Lauderdale, FL, and have tooth pain, or think you might have a tooth emergency, call our dental office to schedule an appointment with Dr. Michel. We will be able to evaluate your teeth and determine if an extraction is necessary. Don’t hesitate to end your pain!
FAQs
What is an extraction?
A dental extraction or tooth extraction refers to the removal of a tooth. Extractions are usually only performed as a last resort when a tooth needs to be removed to preserve the health of the rest of the smile.
When would I need an extraction?
We will do everything possible to preserve your natural teeth as they are always the best way to maintain a healthy, functional smile. However, when all other options have been exhausted, we may need to extract a tooth that has severe damage or decay to protect the rest of your smile. We may also perform an extraction to remove wisdom teeth that are impacted or causing other problems or have the potential to cause problems.
How is a tooth extracted?
A tooth may be removed in two ways. A simple extraction involves gently pulling the tooth out with forceps if it is above the gum line and is not broken. If the tooth is below the gum line or is broken beneath the gum line, it may need to be surgically extracted by cutting into the gum tissue.
What should I do after an extraction?
After your tooth extraction, you should avoid sucking on anything such as straws or even cigarettes. It is also advisable to avoid hard foods and instead stick to things such as soups, mashed potatoes, yogurts and liquids for a while after your extraction. You can brush your teeth gently, but avoid the extraction site and don’t swish water vigorously.
How can I replace an extracted tooth?
After a tooth extraction, you will need to replace your missing tooth unless you had a wisdom tooth removed. We often recommend the placement of dental implants after an extraction to replace missing teeth with a permanent, stable restoration. Dental implants mimic the natural structure of a tooth and can prevent bone loss and preserve your facial structure along with many other benefits.