Tooth Extraction in St. Augustine, FL

Gentle, expert removal of damaged, infected, or problematic teeth with patient comfort as our priority

Don't let tooth pain or infection compromise your health. Expert extraction services can provide immediate relief and protect your overall wellbeing.

What Is Tooth Extraction?

Tooth extraction is a dental procedure that removes a tooth from its socket in the jawbone. While preserving natural teeth is always preferred when possible, extractions become necessary in several situations: when teeth are severely damaged beyond repair from decay or trauma; when infection or abscess threatens overall health; when severe periodontal disease has destroyed supporting structures; or when problematic wisdom teeth require removal to protect adjacent healthy teeth.

Extractions fall into two main categories: simple extractions performed on teeth that are visible in the mouth and accessible to conventional removal techniques, and surgical extractions required for teeth that cannot be easily accessed, such as impacted teeth, broken teeth, or those with complex root structures. The appropriate approach depends on the specific tooth, its condition, and its position within the dental arch.

As a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Johnson has advanced training specifically focused on complex tooth extractions that go beyond what general dentists typically handle. His specialized expertise includes management of impacted teeth, multi-rooted teeth with complex anatomy, extractions in patients with medical complications, and immediate placement of dental implants following extraction when appropriate.

Our Tooth Extraction Services

Wisdom Teeth Removal

Third molars (wisdom teeth) often require removal due to impaction, partial eruption, or positioning that makes them difficult to clean and prone to infection. Dr. Johnson specializes in the safe, comfortable removal of wisdom teeth, whether they’re partially visible, completely impacted within the jawbone, or positioned at challenging angles. Using advanced imaging for precise planning and specialized surgical techniques, he provides comprehensive wisdom tooth management that addresses current problems while preventing future complications. The procedure is typically performed under IV sedation for maximum comfort, with most patients having all wisdom teeth removed in a single appointment.

Complex and Surgical Extractions

When teeth are broken at the gumline, have multiple or curved roots, or are positioned in ways that prevent straightforward removal, specialized surgical approaches become necessary. Dr. Johnson performs these complex extractions using techniques that minimize trauma to surrounding tissues while ensuring complete removal of the tooth structure. This might involve creating a small incision in the gum tissue, removing a small amount of surrounding bone, or sectioning the tooth into manageable segments. These sophisticated approaches allow for successful management of even the most challenging extraction cases.

Emergency Tooth Extraction

Dental emergencies involving severely painful, infected, or traumatized teeth often require prompt extraction to provide relief and prevent serious health complications. Dr. Johnson prioritizes emergency cases, offering same-day or next-day appointments whenever possible for patients in acute distress. His expertise in managing infected teeth allows for safe extraction even in the presence of significant infection, providing immediate relief while protecting overall health. Emergency extractions are performed with appropriate anesthesia to ensure comfort despite the acute condition.

Extraction with Socket Preservation

When future tooth replacement with implants or bridges is anticipated, preservation of the bone and tissue surrounding the extraction site becomes crucial. Dr. Johnson offers specialized extraction techniques combined with bone grafting procedures that maintain the socket dimensions following tooth removal. This socket preservation approach prevents the bone loss and collapse that typically occurs after extraction, creating an optimal foundation for future restorative options. This proactive strategy significantly improves aesthetic and functional outcomes for subsequent tooth replacement.

Dr. Douglas L. Johnson, DMD

With over 25 years of specialized experience, Dr. Johnson provides exceptional care using the latest techniques and technology.

Dr. Johnson is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon who completed his education at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine and advanced training through fellowships at prestigious institutions. His extensive training and experience allow him to perform complex procedures with precision and care.

At our state-of-the-art facility, we prioritize your comfort and results. Dr. Johnson and his specially trained staff are committed to providing you with the highest standard of care in a welcoming environment.

What are the Benefits of Specialized Extraction Care?

Specialized extraction care offers significant advantages that enhance both your immediate experience and long-term outcomes. The primary benefit is expertise in managing complex cases—teeth with unusual root structures, impacted teeth, or extractions complicated by proximity to nerves or sinuses require specialized skills for safe removal. This expertise minimizes the risk of complications like incomplete extraction, damage to adjacent structures, or excessive trauma to surrounding tissues.

From a comfort perspective, specialized care provides optimal pain management through advanced anesthesia options not typically available in general dental offices. Dr. Johnson is qualified to administer IV sedation that allows you to sleep comfortably through complex procedures, making your extraction experience virtually stress-free. This comprehensive approach to comfort is particularly valuable for anxious patients or those requiring multiple extractions in a single appointment.

For patients with medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or bleeding disorders, specialized extraction care provides an additional layer of safety. Dr. Johnson’s advanced training includes management of medically compromised patients, allowing for appropriate modifications to extraction protocols based on your specific health concerns. This specialized knowledge creates a safer experience for patients whose medical conditions might otherwise complicate dental procedures.

Perhaps most importantly for long-term outcomes, specialized extraction techniques preserve surrounding bone and tissue whenever possible, particularly when future tooth replacement is planned. By incorporating socket preservation approaches that maintain the natural dimensions of the extraction site, Dr. Johnson creates an optimal foundation for subsequent restorative options like implants or bridges, enhancing both functional and aesthetic outcomes.

Our Reviews

Why Patients Choose Us

Care and Commitment

From the front office to the exam room, our practice is made up of professionals who take your oral health very seriously. Using state-of-the-art equipment designed with safety and efficiency in mind, we are able to offer top-notch care. As you walk through our office, you will notice that everything is clean, comfortable and thoroughly sterilized. Your safety and comfort are our priority.

Honesty and Affordability

We know that the cost of care can be confusing. In addition to offering a number of in-office payment options to fit your budget, we also give you up-front cost information on your treatment ahead of time. We are in network with a variety of insurance plans, and we offer dental financing with credit available in time frames that fit your needs. We are happy to help you navigate your dental insurance and alternative payment options.

Comprehensive Oral Surgery Care in One Location

At our practice, we are qualified to handle all aspects of your oral and maxillofacial care, so you are always surrounded by people that you trust. If we must refer out, we promise to send you to carefully vetted colleagues who apply the same professional principles in their office that we do in ours.

Frequently Asked Questions

When Is Tooth Extraction Necessary?

Extraction becomes necessary in several situations: when a tooth is severely damaged by decay or trauma beyond what can be repaired with fillings, crowns, or root canal therapy; when advanced periodontal disease has destroyed the supporting structures, causing severe mobility or persistent infection; when infection within a tooth cannot be effectively addressed through conventional treatment or threatens overall health; when problematic wisdom teeth are causing pain, infection, damage to adjacent teeth, or alignment issues; when orthodontic treatment requires space creation for proper alignment of remaining teeth; or when baby teeth don’t fall out naturally, preventing proper eruption of permanent teeth. During your consultation, Dr. Johnson will explain why extraction is recommended in your specific case and whether alternative treatments might be viable options.

Is Tooth Extraction Painful?

With modern anesthesia techniques and Dr. Johnson’s gentle approach, you should experience minimal to no pain during the extraction procedure itself. Before beginning, the area will be thoroughly numbed with local anesthesia, eliminating sensation while maintaining consciousness. For patients with dental anxiety or those undergoing complex extractions, IV sedation provides a comfortable, sleep-like state throughout the procedure with little to no memory of the experience. Following extraction, most patients experience manageable discomfort that gradually improves over 3-5 days and is effectively controlled with prescribed or over-the-counter pain medications, cold compresses, and following specific aftercare instructions.

What Is the Recovery Time After Tooth Extraction?

Recovery timelines vary based on extraction complexity and individual healing factors. Initial healing with clot formation occurs within 24-48 hours, during which special care must be taken to protect the extraction site. Most patients can return to normal activities within 24-48 hours, though strenuous exercise should typically be avoided for 3-5 days. Soft tissue healing progresses significantly within the first week, with most external healing complete by 7-10 days. Complete bone healing and remodeling continues for several months beneath the surface. Dr. Johnson provides personalized recovery timelines based on your specific extraction and overall health, with most patients experiencing progressive improvement in comfort and function throughout the recovery period.

Visit Us in St. Augustine

St. Augustine Oral & Facial Surgical Center is ideally situated at 1301 Plantation Island Dr. Suite #101, St. Augustine, FL 32080, making us easily accessible for patients throughout St. Augustine and surrounding communities.