Extractions

When a tooth can’t be saved through other dental procedures, an extraction becomes necessary to protect your overall oral health. At Smile Haven, we understand that tooth extractions might cause anxiety, but our gentle approach and advanced techniques ensure your comfort throughout the procedure. Our experienced dentists, Dr. Mark Zavala, DMD, and Dr. Stefhany Duque, DMD, specialize in both simple and surgical extractions, delivering care that prioritizes your well-being.

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Understanding Extractions

Tooth extractions are dental procedures where a tooth is completely removed from its socket in the jawbone. This procedure becomes necessary when a tooth is severely damaged from trauma or decay when there’s an infection that can’t be treated with antibiotics, or when there’s severe overcrowding in your mouth. While preserving natural teeth is always our priority at Smile Haven, sometimes an extraction is the best solution to relieve pain, prevent infection spread, or prepare for restorative treatments like dentures or implants.

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Benefits of Extractions

Eliminates Pain and Discomfort

Severely damaged or infected teeth can cause persistent, intense pain that affects your daily life. An extraction removes the source of this discomfort immediately, providing much-needed relief. Many patients report feeling better almost instantly after the procedure, especially when dealing with impacted wisdom teeth or teeth with extensive nerve damage. The elimination of persistent dental pain can significantly improve your quality of life and overall well-being.

Prevents Spread of Infection

An infected tooth can act as a reservoir for harmful bacteria that may spread to neighboring teeth, your jawbone, or even enter your bloodstream. Extractions remove this source of infection, protecting your overall health. Left untreated, dental infections can lead to serious complications including abscesses, cellulitis, or even systemic infections. By removing a severely infected tooth, we create an environment where healing can begin and prevent potentially life-threatening conditions from developing.

Creates Space for Proper Tooth Alignment

Overcrowded teeth can cause a range of problems, from difficulty cleaning between teeth to misalignment issues. Strategic extractions create necessary space in your mouth, allowing for proper alignment of remaining teeth. This is particularly important before orthodontic treatment, as creating adequate space allows braces or aligners to work more effectively. Proper alignment not only improves your smile’s appearance but also enhances your ability to clean your teeth thoroughly, reducing the risk of decay and gum disease.

Removes Damaged Teeth Beyond Repair

Some teeth become damaged beyond what restorative procedures like fillings or crowns can fix. Extractions remove these severely compromised teeth, preventing further complications and preparing your mouth for replacement options. Keeping a tooth that’s beyond repair can lead to chronic pain, repeated infections, and damage to surrounding tissues. Removing such teeth is sometimes the most conservative and health-conscious approach to your dental care.

Prepares for Prosthetic Replacements

Extractions are sometimes necessary as part of a larger treatment plan, especially when preparing for dentures, bridges, or implants. Removing problematic teeth creates a healthy foundation for these prosthetic replacements. This strategic approach ensures that your future dental prosthetics will fit properly and function effectively. At Smile Haven, we always consider the big picture of your oral health when recommending extractions as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

Our Tooth Extraction Process

Comprehensive Examination

We begin with a thorough assessment of your dental condition using advanced imaging to determine the most appropriate extraction technique for your specific case. Our dentists take time to understand your concerns and explain what to expect during the procedure.

Personalized Extraction Plan

Based on your exam results, we develop a customized approach tailored to your unique dental needs. This includes selecting the right anesthesia options and outlining specific steps for your comfort and optimal results.

Professional Removal Procedure

Our skilled dentists perform your extraction with precision and care. We use modern techniques and appropriate anesthesia to ensure you remain comfortable throughout the entire procedure, whether simple or surgical.

Detailed Recovery Guidelines

You’ll receive specific instructions on managing the extraction site, controlling discomfort, and proper nutrition to support healing. These practical tips help prevent complications and speed up your recovery time.

Scheduled Check-Up

We monitor your healing progress with a follow-up appointment to ensure proper recovery. This visit allows us to address any questions and prepare for any planned restorative work to complete your dental care.

Why Choose Us for Extractions

At Smile Haven, we blend clinical excellence with personalized attention for exceptional extraction care. Our dentists exceed industry standards through continuous training in advanced extraction techniques and pain control methods that many practices haven’t adopted. We invest in precision equipment that makes procedures faster and more comfortable, often reducing recovery time for our patients.

Our approach stands out because we treat you as a partner in your dental health – we explain every detail in plain language, address your specific concerns, and customize the experience to your comfort needs. Beyond clinical skills, we’ve created an office environment specifically designed to reduce dental anxiety with thoughtful touches that patients consistently mention in their reviews.

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FAQs

What to eat after tooth extraction?

Stick to soft foods like yogurt, smoothies, mashed potatoes, soup, scrambled eggs, and pasta for the first few days. Avoid hard, crunchy, spicy, or acidic foods, and don’t use straws as the suction can disrupt healing.

When can I eat solid food after tooth extraction?

Most patients can return to solid foods within 24-48 hours after simple extractions or 3-7 days after surgical extractions. Always let your comfort level guide you—if chewing causes pain, continue with softer options until healing progresses.

How much is a tooth extraction?

Simple extractions at Smile Haven typically range from $150-$300 per tooth, while surgical extractions may cost between $250-$600. Many dental insurance plans cover a portion of these costs, and we offer flexible payment options to make treatment accessible.

How long does a tooth extraction take to heal?

Initial healing with new gum tissue formation typically takes 1-2 weeks after extraction. Complete healing, including bone regeneration, takes approximately 3-6 months, though most patients return to normal activities within a few days.

How long does a tooth extraction take?

Simple extractions typically take 20-40 minutes total, while surgical extractions require 45-60 minutes or longer. The actual tooth removal often takes just minutes, but we allocate proper time for anesthesia, preparation, and post-procedure instructions.

How long to keep gauze in after tooth extraction?

Keep the initial gauze pad in place with gentle pressure for about 30-45 minutes after your extraction. Replace with fresh gauze as needed until bleeding stops, usually within a few hours, and contact our office immediately if you experience excessive bleeding.

Get Expert Extraction Care Today

Stop letting tooth pain control your daily life when expert help is just a call away. Dr. Mark Zavala and Dr. Stefhany Duque at Smile Haven offer extraction solutions that eliminate discomfort while protecting your long-term oral health. Reach out to our team and dial 407-851-4588 to schedule your personal consultation and discover how our specialized extraction services can restore your dental comfort quickly.