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 often necessary when a tooth becomes too damaged, infected, or misaligned to be saved. At our practice in Saint Augustine, we provide expert care and a personalized approach to each tooth extraction procedure, ensuring patients are as comfortable and informed as possible. Whether you’re dealing with problematic wisdom teeth, a damaged tooth due to injury, or need tooth removal to prepare for orthodontic treatment, our experienced team is here to help.

With specialized training in oral and maxillofacial surgery, our providers use advanced imaging and surgical techniques to carefully remove the extracted tooth while protecting the surrounding structures. We focus on preserving the gum tissue, tooth socket, and surrounding bone to maintain optimal conditions for healing and future restorative options like dental implants.

When Tooth Extraction Is Necessary

There are several reasons a patient may need a tooth pulled. Severe decay, infection, trauma, or overcrowding can all make tooth extraction the most appropriate treatment option. In some cases, baby teeth may not fall out on their own, blocking the eruption of permanent teeth. In others, teeth may need to be removed to create space for braces as part of a broader orthodontic treatment plan.

Wisdom teeth are a common cause of extraction. These third molars can become impacted or misaligned, increasing the risk of infection or discomfort. At our Saint Augustine location, we offer precise and comfortable wisdom teeth removal, using sedation when appropriate to ensure a stress-free experience for our patients.

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.

Tooth Extraction Aftercare and Recovery

After your tooth extraction, the body naturally forms a blood clot in the extraction site to begin the healing process. It’s essential to follow your tooth extraction aftercare instructions carefully to protect this clot and avoid complications like dry socket. We advise patients to eat soft foods, avoid drinking through a straw, and refrain from vigorous rinsing or spitting during the first 24 hours.

To reduce swelling and discomfort, apply an ice pack to the outside of the cheek in the first day following surgery. You may be prescribed pain medication or antibiotics depending on the complexity of your case. Keeping the area clean, avoiding tobacco, and attending your follow-up visit will all contribute to a smooth recovery.

Your Local Place for Tooth Extractions in Saint Augustine

We understand that some patients feel nervous about the idea of having a tooth pulled. That’s why our team places such a strong emphasis on comfort, communication, and compassion. With options like sedation dentistry, we help patients with dental anxiety feel at ease throughout the tooth extraction procedure. Whether you need emergency care for severe pain or are planning ahead for oral surgery, we tailor each experience to the patient’s specific needs.

We also provide clear pricing and help patients navigate dental insurance or payment options. Our team is happy to explain each step of the process and provide guidance on available dental financing options when needed.

Contact us today at 904-637-4221 to schedule your consultation and take the next step toward improved comfort, better health, and a more confident smile.

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.