
Sep
If your dentist has told you that your tooth will need to be extracted, there is no need to fear. You are not alone. The most common procedure performed by dentists in the United States is tooth extractions. An incredible 74% of adults in the United States have had at least a single tooth extracted. The procedure itself is prettystraightforward, but you will want to make sure you are in the hands of a competent dentist—patients in the Clearwater, Florida area put their trust in Dr. Jason Kopakin and the skilled team at Boulevard Dental. If you visit the office in Seminole, Florida, Drs. Chris Wujick and Lester Castillo will be happy to welcome you. Patients who go in for a dental extraction know they are in caring and skilled hands.
People hear all sorts of myths about dental extractions that may have them on edge about it, but there are times when a tooth extraction is the only thing that will prevent further oral health problems from developing. When there is no way to save a tooth, an extraction is the only safe answer. Extractions, as mentioned previously, are incredibly common and are very safe. There is nothing to worry about.
There are dentists out there who are a bit quick on the trigger when recommending a tooth extraction. Before a tooth extraction is recommended, your dentist should consider every other option available. If you feel like this may not be the case with your particular dentist, you should consider getting a second opinion. However, there are times when not even a root canal can save a tooth, and it must be extracted.
An extraction will probably be required when treatment options such as a filling, crown, or root canal cannot repair a tooth. Another reason for extraction is when teeth don’t have enough bone structure to support them. This deterioration of bone could, for instance, be caused by untreated, periodontal disease. If you are getting braces, it is not at all uncommon for an orthodontist to recommend having teeth extracted when they are overcrowded. Wisdom teeth that have become impacted or do not have room to erupt from the gums are also often removed.
There are three forms of tooth extraction procedure that your dentist may recommend. First, you have a simple tooth extraction. This is the most common form of extraction and can be done without accessing the tooth below the gumline. This procedure is selected when a tooth’s (and its root’s) shape makes it easy to remove. The area around the tooth is completely numbed, and then the tooth is removed using a tool such as forceps.
Second, you have impacted tooth extractions. These are necessary when a tooth, usually a wisdom tooth that is trying to come in, becomes impacted. When a wisdom tooth becomes impacted and cannot break through the gums properly, surgical extraction will be required to keep your mouth and smile healthy.
Lastly, you have extractions that require the removal of the tooth’s roots. There are cases where, when a tooth is extracted, that the roots are left behind. The remaining roots can cause significant discomfort and spell future dental trouble. The area will be numbed, and then the roots will have to be surgically removed.
Now that we have discussed some of the basics surrounding tooth extraction, you hopefully realize that it is not the end of the world. People have teeth extracted for many reasons. It happens. If you are in the Clearwater, Florida area and are looking for a proven dentist at successful and safe tooth extraction, you should call (727) 758-2898 and schedule an appointment, and for patients residing in Seminole, Florida, call (727) 308-6224 to schedule an appointment with the team at Boulevard Dental office in Seminole, FL.
Dr. Frank Moss has been practicing dentistry in the Seminole community for over 30 years, making him one of the area’s preeminent experts. A graduate of the University of South Florida, he earned his DDS from Howard University College of Dentistry. Dr. Moss also served in the U.S. Air Force as a dentist for two years. Committed to staying at the forefront of his field, he continues his education rigorously and has earned a Fellowship designation from the Academy of General Dentistry.
Dr. Christopher Wujick earned his B.S. in Molecular and Cellular Biology from the University of Florida and completed his DMD. at their College of Dentistry in 2004. A dedicated academic, he stays current with hundreds of hours in continuing education across all areas of dentistry. Dr. Wujick is a Past President of the Tampa Bay and Florida Academies of General Dentistry. An active member of the Pinellas County Dental Association, ADA, AGD, and Florida Dental Association, he has served the Pinellas County Health Department since 2005 and organized the Give Kids a Smile program for three years.
Dr. Jason Kopakin is a graduate of the University of Florida, where he earned both his bachelor’s degree and dental degree. He has advanced training and experience in implant restorations, Invisalign®, and cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Kopakin is a dedicated member of the Academy of General Dentistry, American Dental Association, and Florida Dental Association. He also served as the past president of the Tampa Bay Academy of General Dentistry, demonstrating his commitment to advancing the field of dentistry.
Dr. Lester Castillo has a Bachelor’s Degree in Biomedical Science from the University of South Florida and earned his dental degree from the University of Florida in 2019. He has completed advanced training with a focus on Implant Dentistry and incorporates digital dentistry into his practice. His specialties include prevention, crowns and bridges, dentures, root canals, fillings, extractions, and implants. Dr. Castillo is passionate about continuing education and has completed a Fellowship with the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI).