Tooth Extractions in Winter Haven, FL
Patients worry whenever they’re told they need extractions in Winter Haven, FL. At Winter Haven Dental, we have years of experience, and you know that we’re dentists near you that you can trust. We understand why extractions near you aren’t pleasant. Patients worry about losing their natural teeth, recovery, and having to replace the extracted teeth.
At Winter Haven Dental, we know how to manage all of these stages. Our dentist in Winter Haven, FL, will only recommend extraction if it’s the best or only remaining option. If there’s a way to repair or salvage the affected tooth, we’ll recommend it first.
Why Are Extractions Needed?
Dental extractions are needed when there’s a risk of damage to nearby teeth or distant organs. For example, wisdom teeth are often impacted and have no room to grow. They can lead to overcrowding and dental decay in other teeth. Removing them will help protect your other teeth. When a tooth is infected, we might recommend extraction if it can’t be saved.
Extractions are also done when a tooth is no longer viable. A dead tooth can act as a source of infections in the body. Since it’s not functioning and can lead to infections, there’s more harm in leaving it than in extracting it.
Dental Extractions
The first step of the procedure is to use an adequate level of anesthesia. We prioritize patient comfort and will make sure that you don’t feel any pain while we extract a tooth. Simple extractions are where we pull on teeth to remove them. These teeth are usually fully erupted and are seen above the gums.
When a tooth is below the gums is impacted, we need to create an incision to perform a surgical extraction. Recovery from surgical extractions can be longer, but we’ll do everything we can to keep you comfortable and speed up your recovery.
We’ll give you instructions on what to do and what to avoid during recovery. If you have any questions, call our office and let us know. We’ll be glad to help.
FAQ's
Extraction is considered for teeth with deep decay, vertical cracks, severe gum disease, crowding, or impaction. We confirm with an exam and X-rays and prioritize saving the tooth when predictable options exist, such as root canal therapy. When removal is safest, Winter Haven Dental provides tooth extraction in Winter Haven, FL, with gentle techniques.
After numbing, we loosen the tooth with specialized instruments and lift it from the socket. You may feel pressure but not sharp pain; you will hear some sounds as the ligament releases. We clean the site, place gauze, sometimes sutures, and review written aftercare to control bleeding and protect healing.
You should feel pressure, not pain, because local anesthesia blocks sensation during the procedure. Afterward, soreness and swelling are common for a few days and are managed with medication, cold compresses, and rest. If pain flares after early relief, contact us; that pattern suggests dry socket or infection.
Most soft tissues close within one to two weeks, while early bone fill develops over several weeks. The first 24–48 hours are focused on clot protection, controlled activity, and careful oral hygiene. Complex removals, medical conditions, or smoking can extend healing; we tailor aftercare and follow-ups to your specific situation.
Not all cracked teeth need removal; many are treatable with bonding, onlays, or crowns after evaluating depth and location. Pain on biting, temperature sensitivity, and a crack extending into the root increase the likelihood of extraction. Schedule an exam promptly so we can test the tooth, review imaging, and recommend the most predictable option.
For the first day, choose cool, soft foods like yogurt, smoothies, applesauce, and mashed potatoes. Avoid straws, hot soups, spicy foods, seeds, and chips that can dislodge the clot or irritate the site. Advance to normal textures gradually as comfort allows, emphasizing hydration and gentle chewing on the opposite side.
Protect the blood clot: avoid smoking or vaping, do not use straws, and limit vigorous rinsing for the first day. Keep pressure on gauze initially, then start gentle saltwater swishes after 24 hours as directed. Maintain soft foods and careful hygiene; contact us promptly if pain worsens between days two and four after extraction.
