Tooth Extraction
Not sure whether you need an extraction or a root canal? Read Tooth Extraction vs. Root Canal: How to Know Which One You Need.
Sometimes the healthiest thing for your smile is removing a tooth that’s too damaged, too crowded, or too painful to save. At Island Dentists, we perform tooth extractions — including wisdom teeth — with an emphasis on keeping you comfortable from the first exam through healing. If you’re dealing with a tooth that needs to come out, our Palatka team is here to help.
When Is a Tooth Extraction Needed?
Our dentists always look for a way to save a natural tooth first, but extraction becomes the right call in a few common situations:
- A tooth is broken or decayed beyond what a filling, crown, or root canal can repair
- Wisdom teeth are impacted, crowded, or causing pain or infection
- A tooth is too loose from advanced gum disease to keep
- Extra room is needed to support orthodontic treatment
- A severe infection or abscess puts nearby teeth or your overall health at risk
If you’re not sure whether your situation calls for an extraction or another treatment, an exam is the best way to find out — we’ll always tell you if there’s a way to keep the tooth.
What to Expect During Your Extraction
- Exam and X-ray. We take a close look at the tooth (or wisdom teeth) in question and confirm extraction is the right next step.
- Discussing your options. We’ll walk through what the extraction involves and answer any questions before moving forward.
- The extraction. The tooth is removed with a local anesthetic injection to numb the area, and the procedure can be performed with oral sedation in addition if you’d like extra help relaxing.
- Aftercare instructions. You’ll leave with clear, specific guidance on caring for the site while it heals.
- Talking replacement options, if needed. If the extracted tooth was visible or load-bearing, we’ll discuss whether a dental implant, bridge, or partial denture is a good fit down the road.
Recovery time varies from patient to patient and from a simple extraction to a more involved wisdom tooth removal — we’ll give you a realistic idea of what to expect for your specific case at your visit.
Paying for Your Extraction
Island Dentists accepts dental insurance, including Medicare Advantage plans, and offers financing through CareCredit and Cherry, so a necessary extraction doesn’t have to be a financial surprise. We’re also an approved VA Community Care provider, and extractions are one of the services covered under that program for eligible veterans. New patients are always welcome — call (386) 385-3700 and our front desk can walk you through what your specific plan covers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you remove wisdom teeth in Palatka?
Yes. We evaluate wisdom teeth as part of a routine exam and can remove them when they’re impacted, crowded, or causing pain or infection. We’ll go over what your specific case involves before scheduling anything.
What should I expect after a tooth extraction?
Some soreness and mild swelling for the first day or two is normal. We’ll send you home with specific aftercare instructions for your situation — what to eat, how to care for the site, and when to call us if something doesn’t feel right.
Do you offer emergency tooth extractions?
If you’re dealing with severe pain, swelling, or an injury involving a tooth, call us at (386) 385-3700 as soon as possible and we’ll do our best to get you seen quickly.
Does getting a tooth pulled hurt?
Extractions are performed with a local anesthetic injection to numb the area, and can be performed with oral sedation in addition if you’d like extra help relaxing. Most patients find recovery more manageable than they expected, and we’ll walk you through exactly what to expect beforehand.
Will insurance cover my tooth extraction?
Many dental insurance plans cover at least part of an extraction, and we also accept VA Community Care for eligible veterans. Our front desk can check your specific benefits before your visit, and CareCredit financing is available for any remaining cost.
Dealing with a painful or damaged tooth? Call Island Dentists at (386) 385-3700 or contact us online to schedule an exam. New patients are always welcome.