Tooth Extraction in Port St. Lucie, FL
We offer tooth extraction in Port St. Lucie for broken, infected and wisdom teeth. First, we check if your tooth can be saved. If it can’t, we take it out gently and help you plan what comes next, like an implant or a bridge. You see your plan and your price before we start.
Our office is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so you can come in today, even at night or on a Sunday.
Same day and emergency care
Can I Get a Tooth Pulled Today or on a Weekend?
Yes. Our office is open 24 hours a day, every day, so in most cases we can see you and take care of the tooth the same day. That includes late nights, weekends and holidays. Call us or book online and we’ll give you the next open time. Patients come to us from Tradition, Sandpiper Bay and all over Port St. Lucie.
Go to the nearest emergency room first if your face is swelling fast or you have trouble breathing or swallowing. These can be signs of a serious infection that needs a hospital right away.
The basics
What Is a Tooth Extraction?
It’s when a dentist removes a tooth from its socket in your jawbone. Each tooth is held in place by tiny fibers called the periodontal ligament. We numb the area, gently loosen those fibers and lift the tooth out. Most teeth come out in one piece. A broken or stuck tooth may need a small surgical step, which we explain below.
Common reasons
Do I Need a Tooth Pulled?
You might, if a tooth is too damaged or causing problems that can’t be fixed. We always try to save the tooth first. These are the most common reasons we suggest taking one out:
There’s a Deep Infection
An infection at the root, called an abscess, can cause throbbing pain, swelling or a bad taste. A root canal can often clear it up. If the infection is too deep, taking the tooth out stops it from spreading.
The Tooth Is Impacted
The tooth is stuck under the gum or bone and can’t come in the right way. This happens most with wisdom teeth and can cause pain, swelling or damage to the tooth next to it.
There’s Overcrowding in the Mouth
Your mouth doesn’t have room for all your teeth, so they push against each other. Taking out one or two teeth can make space, often before braces or clear aligners.
The Tooth Has Severe Trauma
A fall, a sports injury or a car accident cracked the tooth below the gum line. When the crack goes that deep, the tooth usually can’t be repaired.
Severe Decay or Advanced Gum Disease
Decay has broken down too much of the tooth, or gum disease has caused bone loss and left the tooth loose. When there isn’t enough tooth or bone left to hold it, taking it out is the safer choice.
What Happens If I Don’t Get a Bad Tooth Pulled?
The problem usually gets worse. The infection can spread to nearby teeth, your jawbone or your face, and the pain often comes back stronger. Treating it early is usually easier and costs less.
Saving your tooth
Can My Tooth Be Saved Instead of Pulled?
In most cases, yes.
Before any tooth is removed, we check if it can be repaired.Options such as a filling, bonding, or a root canal with a crown can save many damaged teeth. The American Association of Endodontists says keeping your natural tooth is the best choice when it’s possible. If you need a crown, we can make it in our office in one visit, so you don’t have to wait weeks.
Is It Worth Paying for a Root Canal?
Usually yes. Your own tooth keeps its spot, helps you chew normally and stops the teeth next to it from shifting. With good care, a tooth fixed with a root canal and a crown can last for many years. If the tooth is cracked deep below the gum, taking it out may be the better choice.
Is It Cheaper to Pull a Tooth or Get a Root Canal?
Pulling a tooth costs less today. But a missing back tooth often needs an implant or a bridge later, and the AAE says the total cost is often higher than saving the tooth. At your visit, we show you the price of both options side by side so you can choose what works for you.
Simple vs. surgical
What Is the Difference Between a Tooth Extraction and a Surgical Extraction?
A simple extraction is for a tooth that has fully come in and is easy to see above the gum. We numb the area, loosen the tooth and lift it out in one piece.
A surgical extraction is for a tooth that broke off at the gum line or is stuck under the gum or bone, like many wisdom teeth. We make a small opening in the gum and may take the tooth out in smaller pieces so it comes out more easily. You stay numb the whole time. Healing usually takes a few days longer, and we may close the area with stitches.
We do both kinds in our office, so in most cases you don’t need a referral to another office.
Wisdom teeth
Are Wisdom Teeth Extractions Different?
They can be. Wisdom teeth, also called third molars, are the last teeth to come in, usually between ages 17 and 25, says the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Many don’t have enough room and get stuck under the gum or bone. When that happens, they usually need a surgical extraction.
Signs your wisdom teeth may need to come out include pain or swelling at the back of your mouth, sore or bleeding gums around a half grown tooth, and food getting stuck there. Even if they don’t hurt, we check them on X rays, because a stuck wisdom tooth can damage the tooth next to it.
Wisdom teeth are easier to take out when you are younger, because the roots aren’t fully formed and the bone is softer. Since we’re open 24/7, students from Treasure Coast High School, St. Lucie West Centennial High School and IRSC Pruitt Campus can come in on a weekend or during a school break without missing class.
Comfort
Does a Tooth Extraction Hurt?
Not during the extraction. Before we start, we numb the tooth and the gum around it with a local anesthetic. You will feel pressure and some pushing, but you shouldn’t feel sharp pain. If you need a break at any point, just raise your hand and we’ll stop.
How Painful Is Getting a Tooth Pulled on a Scale of 1 to 10?
During the extraction, most people feel only pressure, not pain, because the area is numb. After the numbness wears off, the area is usually sore for a few days, and it’s often worst on day 2 or 3. For most people, over the counter pain medicine like ibuprofen or acetaminophen is enough. If you need something stronger, we’ll talk with you about it.
Is There a Painless Way to Pull a Tooth?
Once you are numb, the extraction itself should not hurt. We test the area before we start and add more numbing if you still feel anything. If you feel nervous, ask us about medicine that helps you relax during your visit.
What to expect
What Happens During Your Visit?
Here is what happens at a typical visit, step by step:
- Check up and X rays. We take digital X rays, look at the tooth and go over your health history and medicines.
- Numbing. We numb the tooth and the gum around it and make sure you can’t feel sharp pain before we start.
- Removing the tooth. We gently rock the tooth back and forth until it loosens and comes out with the whole root.
- Cleaning the socket. We clean the empty socket and add a few stitches if needed.
- Gauze. You bite on clean gauze for a while so a blood clot can form. The clot protects the area while it heals.
- Going home. We give you written care steps and set up a follow up visit if you need one.
How Long Does It Take?
Most simple extractions take 20 to 40 minutes. A surgical extraction or a wisdom tooth can take longer. Plan a little extra time for the exam and numbing before we start.
Before your visit
How Should I Prepare for My Visit?
Bring a list of all the medicines, vitamins and supplements you take, including any blood thinners. Plan to rest for the rest of the day after your visit. If we give you medicine to help you relax, bring someone who can drive you home. It also helps to have soft foods like yogurt, soup and pudding ready at home for the first few days.
Can I Eat Before?
Yes, if you are only getting numbing medicine. Eat a light meal a few hours before your visit, since your mouth will stay numb for a while afterward. If we give you medicine to help you relax, you may need to skip food beforehand. We will tell you exactly what to do when you book.
Health conditions
Is It Safe If I Take Blood Thinners or Have Diabetes?
Yes, in most cases. If you take a blood thinner like warfarin, Eliquis or Xarelto, keep taking it unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Never stop it on your own. The American Dental Association says most patients don’t need to change these medicines for dental care. We control bleeding with firm pressure, and stitches if needed.
If you have diabetes, eat your normal meals and take your normal medicine on the day of your visit. Well controlled blood sugar helps you heal faster. Tell us if you take a bone medicine for osteoporosis, like Fosamax pills or Prolia shots, because these can affect how your jaw heals. When needed, we talk with your doctor before we start.
Recovery
How Long Is Recovery?
Most people feel close to normal 3 to 4 days after a simple extraction. Healing after a surgical or wisdom tooth extraction usually takes about a week. The gum keeps healing for a few more weeks, but you can get back to most of your normal routine well before then.
What’s the Worst Day After a Tooth Extraction?
For most people, days 2 and 3 are the hardest. That’s when swelling and soreness are usually at their worst. After that, you should feel a little better each day. If the pain gets worse after day 3 instead of better, call us. It could be a sign of dry socket.
Is There Downtime?
Not much. Rest for the first day and keep your head raised on a pillow when you lie down. Many people go back to a desk job the next day. If your job is physical, you may need 2 to 3 days off. Skip hard exercise for 2 to 3 days.
What Can I Eat After?
For the first day, eat soft, cool foods like yogurt, pudding, applesauce and smoothies, eaten with a spoon. Over the next few days, add soft warm foods like soup, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes and pasta. Stay away from crunchy, spicy and seedy foods for about a week, and chew on the other side of your mouth.
What Are the Best Aftercare Tips?
- Take your pain medicine on schedule for the first day or two. Don’t wait until it hurts.
- On the first day, hold a cold pack on your cheek for 20 minutes, then take it off for 20 minutes. This helps keep swelling down.
- Don’t use straws, spit or smoke for a week. Cleveland Clinic warns that the sucking motion can pull out the blood clot.
- After 24 hours, gently rinse with warm salt water after meals. Don’t swish hard.
How Long Does It Take for the Hole to Close?
The gum usually closes over the hole in a few weeks. The bone underneath keeps filling in for several months. Until the gum closes, rinse gently after meals so food doesn’t get stuck in the socket.
What Are the Signs of Dry Socket?
Dry socket happens when the blood clot comes out too soon and leaves the bone underneath exposed. Cleveland Clinic says it happens after 2% to 5% of extractions. The main sign is strong pain that starts 2 to 3 days later and may spread to your ear. You may also notice a bad taste or smell. If this happens, call us. We can clean the area and place a soothing dressing to ease the pain.
When Should I Call the Dentist?
Call us any time, day or night, if you have:
- Heavy bleeding that doesn’t stop after 4 hours of firm pressure
- Fever, chills or pus
- Swelling that gets bigger after day 3
- Pain that gets worse instead of better
Can PRF Help You Heal Faster?
It can help. PRF stands for platelet rich fibrin. We take a small amount of your own blood and spin it in a machine called a centrifuge. This makes a gel full of your body’s own healing proteins, which we place in the socket. It can help the area heal and may lower the chance of dry socket. Because it comes from your own blood, the risk of a reaction is very low.
Replacing your tooth
Will I Need Replacement Teeth?
Not always, but most people do replace a missing tooth, even in the back. If a back tooth is missing, the teeth around it can slowly shift into the empty space. Over time, this can change your bite and make chewing harder. We place implants, bridges and dentures right here in our office, so you don’t need a referral across town.
Can I Get a Dental Implant After the Tooth Comes Out?
Yes. A dental implant is a small post placed in your jawbone. It works like a tooth root and holds a crown on top. Implants look and feel like natural teeth, and we can replace one tooth or several.
Do I Need a Bone Graft After the Tooth Comes Out?
Not everyone does. A bone graft makes sense if you plan to get an implant and the socket is thin or damaged. If you won’t get an implant, you may not need one. We check your X rays or 3D scan and tell you before we take the tooth out.
Bone Graft and Socket Preservation for Dental Implants
After a tooth comes out, the jawbone starts to shrink. One study in the Journal of the Canadian Dental Association found the bone lost about half its width in 12 months, and two thirds of that loss happened in the first 3 months. Socket preservation means we fill the empty socket with bone graft material right after we take the tooth out. This helps keep enough bone to hold a dental implant later.
How Long After Removal Can I Get an Implant?
Sometimes the same day, if the bone is healthy and there’s no infection. If we place a socket graft, most people wait about 3 to 6 months for the bone to heal before the implant goes in.
Is a Dental Bridge or Denture a Better Choice?
It depends on how many teeth you’re missing and your budget. A bridge uses the teeth on each side of the gap to hold a false tooth, and it stays in your mouth. A partial or full denture comes out for cleaning and usually costs less. Implant retained dentures snap onto implants, so they don’t slip when you eat or talk.
Benefits
What Are the Benefits of Removing a Bad Tooth?
Taking out a tooth that can’t be saved stops the pain and removes the source of the infection. It protects the healthy teeth and gums around it. It can also make room for braces, or clear the way for an implant or a bridge.
Cost
How Much Does a Tooth Extraction Cost in Port St. Lucie?
The price depends on the tooth. A simple extraction costs less than a surgical one, and a wisdom tooth stuck under the gum costs more. The number of teeth and whether you need a bone graft also change the price. You get a written price before we start, so there are no surprises. We don’t take insurance, but we give you an itemized receipt you can send to your plan.
What Is the Normal Cost in Florida?
Some offices in our area list about $100 to $270 for one simple extraction. Surgical and wisdom tooth extractions cost more. Call us and we’ll give you a price for your tooth.
Does Medicare Cover Tooth Extraction?
In most cases, no. Medicare.gov says Original Medicare doesn’t cover most dental care, including pulling teeth. It may pay in a few medical cases, like treating a mouth infection before cancer treatment. Some Medicare Advantage plans include dental benefits, so check your plan. This is important in our area, since about 1 in 4 people in St. Lucie County is 65 or older, according to USAFacts.
Why choose us
Why Choose Our Port St. Lucie Dental Office?
- Open 24/7. We’re here day and night, including weekends and holidays.
- We try to save your tooth first. We only take it out when that’s the right choice.
- Written price up front. You know the cost before any treatment starts.
- Everything in one office. Implants, bridges, dentures and same day crowns, with no referral across town.
Want to know more about our team and how we work? Visit our About Us page.
Patient reviews
What Our Patients Say
We’re rated 4.9 stars from 689 Google reviews. Here’s what a few patients say about their Port Saint Lucie dentist.
★★★★★
This is the absolute best dental office ever. The staff is awesome. The doctors are awesome. Clean, professional, friendly and fast. I’ve had extensive work done here and now both my kids go as well. I wouldn’t send them anywhere else.
Maria G.
★★★★★
Best dentist I have ever been to. They always make sure your comfortable and take care of you! I have been offered water, protein shakes, pillow and blanket every time I go there.
Jamie B.
★★★★★
I always have a good experience here. I have referred all of my co workers and my boyfriend here
Rachel J.
★★★★★
I just started my braces journey here. The whole staff has been awesome.
Ana
★★★★★
I needed a tooth extraction and Dr, shwartz was gentle and caring as was his Assistant. I also have gone for cleaning and consult and treated very well
Robin M.
★★★★★
My surgery and care were top notch. Everyone was friendly, efficient and helpful. I got excellent care and recommend this dental practice to all.
Donna G.
Location
Where Is Your Office?
Our Port St. Lucie dental office is at 388 SW Port St. Lucie Blvd, Port St. Lucie, FL 34984, close to City Hall. It’s a short drive from US 1, Florida’s Turnpike and Interstate 95. Patients come to us from St. Lucie West, Tradition, Torino and Sandpiper Bay, and since we’re open 24/7, you can come in whenever it works for you.
Got questions?
Tooth Extraction FAQs
Book Your Visit Today
Have a tooth that hurts? Call (772) [000-0000] any time, day or night, or book online. In most cases, we can see you today.