Facing a tooth extraction can feel intimidating but knowing what to expect can ease anxiety and help you prepare for a smooth, stress-free experience. At Viruet Periodontics in Fort Myers, Dr. Krystal Reyes-Viruet provides expert care in performing tooth extractions with a gentle, patient-focused approach. Whether you’re dealing with advanced gum disease, a severely decayed tooth, or preparing for dental implants, understanding the process can help you feel more in control.
If you’ve been searching for “oral surgery near me” and are unsure about what a tooth extraction involves, this blog post is here to guide you through each step.
Why Tooth Extractions Are Sometimes Necessary
Although the goal in dentistry is always to preserve your natural teeth, certain circumstances require a tooth to be removed to protect your overall oral health. Common reasons for tooth extractions include:
- Severe decay or damage that cannot be repaired
- Advanced periodontal (gum) disease
- An infected or abscessed tooth that doesn’t respond to root canal treatment
- Overcrowding in preparation for orthodontic care
- Impacted wisdom teeth
- Preparation for implant placement or full-arch restoration
At Viruet Periodontics, we only recommend tooth extractions when they are the best option for your long-term oral health.
Initial Consultation and Evaluation
If you’re experiencing pain, swelling, or mobility in a tooth, or if you have been referred by your general dentist, Dr. Reyes-Viruet will begin by thoroughly evaluating your condition. Digital X-rays or 3D imaging may be used to assess the tooth and surrounding bone.
Your consultation is also the time to discuss concerns such as dental anxiety. If you’ve searched “oral surgery near me” because you’re nervous about the process, know that we offer sedation options, including IV and oral sedation, to help you feel relaxed and comfortable during the procedure.
The Day of the Extraction: What Happens
Tooth extractions at Viruet Periodontics are typically straightforward and performed with your comfort in mind. Here’s what you can expect on the day of your procedure:
- Sedation and Numbing: Depending on your treatment plan, you may receive local anesthesia, oral sedation, or IV sedation. Dr. Reyes-Viruet will ensure you are fully relaxed before beginning.
- Gentle Extraction: Using specialized instruments, the tooth is carefully loosened and removed. As a skilled periodontist, Dr. Reyes-Viruet uses minimally invasive techniques to protect surrounding gum and bone.
- Site Management: Once the tooth is removed, the site may be cleaned and packed with gauze. If needed, a bone graft may be placed to preserve the ridge and prepare the area for a future implant.
- Stitches (If Required): Some extractions require sutures, which may be dissolvable or removed at a follow-up appointment.
The entire process is completed in a calm, supportive setting. Most patients are surprised by how quick and easy their appointment feels — especially with sedation dentistry options available.
Recovery and Post-Op Care
After your tooth extraction, you’ll receive detailed post-operative instructions to ensure proper healing. Here’s a general overview of what to expect during recovery:
- Rest: Plan to take it easy for the rest of the day. Avoid strenuous activity for at least 24 hours.
- Pain Management: Mild discomfort is normal and can usually be managed with over-the-counter or prescribed medications.
- Swelling and Bleeding: Minor swelling or bleeding may occur during the first day. Using cold compresses and keeping your head elevated can help.
- Diet: Stick to soft foods for the first few days and avoid drinking through a straw.
- Oral Hygiene: Keep the area clean but avoid brushing directly over the extraction site for the first 24 hours. Rinse gently with warm salt water starting the day after your procedure.
Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to monitor healing, especially if you’re planning on replacing the tooth with a dental implant.
Tooth Replacement After Extraction
Once your extraction site has healed, it’s important to consider your options for replacing the missing tooth — especially if the extracted tooth was not a wisdom tooth. Leaving a gap can lead to shifting teeth, bite issues, and bone loss.
At Viruet Periodontics, we specialize in advanced solutions like dental implants to restore both function and aesthetics. As a periodontist, Dr. Reyes-Viruet is uniquely qualified to evaluate your jawbone and gums and place implants with precision and care.
Searching for “Oral Surgery Near Me”? Choose Viruet Periodontics
If you’ve been looking for “oral surgery near me” and want expert care with a personal touch, Dr. Krystal Reyes-Viruet and the team at Viruet Periodontics are here for you. With advanced training in periodontics and oral surgery, our office provides the highest standard of care in Fort Myers for patients needing tooth extractions and related procedures.
We believe every patient deserves a clear understanding of their treatment, a comfortable experience, and a smooth recovery. Whether you’re facing a complex surgical extraction or need a gentle solution for gum disease-related tooth loss, we’re ready to help you move forward with confidence.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
Tooth extractions don’t have to be stressful. With expert care, modern technology, and compassionate service, we make your experience smooth and worry-free. If you’re in pain or have been told you may need a tooth removed, don’t wait. Call Viruet Periodontics at 239-275-6564 or click here to schedule your consultation. We’ll walk you through every step of the process and help you regain your health and peace of mind.
