Tooth Extractions

Dr Ellenberg provides all general and family dentistry services in Clearwater Florida including tooth extractions / removals for you and your family. Also treating patients in Palm Harbor, Safety Harbor, Dunedin and Largo

Teeth are extracted for a variety of reasons:

• Tooth decay deep into the tooth
• Tooth infection that destroyed the tooth or surrounding bone
• Spatial issues (there is not enough room for all the teeth in your mouth)
• Impacted or partially erupted tooth

How are Teeth Removed?

Before a tooth is removed, Dr. Ellenberg will thoroughly review your dental history and take appropriate X-rays to determine the situation.

For a simple extraction, the tooth area is anesthetized, and the tooth is loosened with the help of a tool called an elevator, then extracted with dental forceps.

The underlying bone may then be smoothed and re-contoured.   The tooth area may then be closed with a stitch.

What can I Expect after the tooth is removed?

A certain amount of discomfort is to be expected.  It is important to keep the tooth area clean to prevent infection immediately following the removal of a tooth.

It may help to apply an ice pack to the face for 15 minutes at a time. You may also want to limit strenuous activity and avoid hot or very cold liquids.

The day after the extraction, Dr. Ellenberg may suggest that you begin gently rinsing your mouth with warm salt water to help cleanse the area.  While recovery time varies, you should feel decreased pain and sensitivity within 2-7 days.

Contact Dr Ellenberg to schedule your next routine dental examination or to find out if you may need to have a tooth extracted