Skip to content
Estero Bay Dental offers tooth extractions in-house for patients in Estero and Bonita Springs, with Dr. Ivan Vigoa and our team focused on comfortable care and clear guidance on what comes after.
Most of the time, the goal of dentistry is to keep every natural tooth. In those circumstances when an extraction cannot be avoided, it helps to know what is happening, why, and what comes next.
If you need a tooth extraction, count on Dr. Ivan Vigoa and the team at Estero Bay Dental in Estero, FL to make the experience as comfortable as possible for you. Extractions, including wisdom teeth, are done in-house at our office.
There are many situations that might require an extraction. Sometimes a baby tooth has misshapen or long roots that prevent it from falling out as it should, and the tooth must be removed to make way for the permanent tooth to erupt. In other situations, a tooth may have so much decay that a filling or other restoration is not a possibility for treatment. Infection, orthodontic correction, or problems with a wisdom tooth can also require removal of a tooth.
When we can save a tooth, we will tell you. Options such as a root canal or crown may keep your natural tooth in place, and we are happy to provide a free second opinion if you would like another perspective.
When it is determined that a tooth needs to be removed, your dentist may extract the tooth during a regular checkup or may request another visit for this procedure. The root of each tooth is encased within your jawbone in a tooth socket, and your tooth is held in that socket by a ligament. In order to extract a tooth, your dentist must expand the socket and separate the tooth from the ligament holding it in place. While this procedure is typically very quick, it is important to share any concerns or preferences with your dentist beforehand.
If you and your dentist decide to extract one or more teeth, you may be scheduled to return for the procedure at a later date. You may be prescribed medications to help manage discomfort in the hours following your extraction. In cases where it is appropriate, we use PRP therapy to promote healing.
Once a tooth has been removed, neighboring teeth may shift, causing problems with chewing or with your jaw joint function. To avoid these complications, your dentist may recommend that you replace your tooth with a dental implant soon after extraction. This table shows the common ways to replace a removed tooth.
| Option | How It Works | Good To Know |
|---|---|---|
| Dental implant | A titanium post placed in the jawbone supports a custom crown. | Implants and bone grafting are both offered in-house. |
| Bridge | A replacement tooth is anchored to the teeth on either side of the gap. | Relies on the neighboring teeth for support. |
| Partial or full denture | A removable appliance replaces one or more missing teeth. | Can be considered when several teeth are missing. |
| No replacement | The space stays open. | Neighboring teeth may shift, which can affect chewing and the jaw joint. |
Post-operative care following a tooth extraction is essential for healing and preventing complications. You will be instructed to avoid certain foods and also keep the surgical site clean at all times. If you are prescribed an antibiotic, it is important that you complete the course of treatment to prevent infection. Finally, you may be advised to avoid smoking or drinking through a straw, as doing so may delay the healing process and cause a condition known as dry socket.
| Aftercare Step | Why It Helps |
|---|---|
| Keep the surgical site clean | Helps prevent complications while the area heals. |
| Avoid certain foods as instructed | Protects the healing site. |
| Complete any antibiotic prescribed | Helps prevent infection. |
| Avoid smoking and straws | May delay healing and can lead to dry socket. |
| Call us with questions | We can check on anything that does not feel right. |
For general information on oral health, the National Library of Medicine offers a helpful dental health resource on MedlinePlus.
Cost depends on the tooth and how involved the procedure is. Estero Bay Dental accepts several PPO insurance plans, and our team will review your benefits with you before treatment. If you have no insurance, our Smile Program is a discount program that includes a 15 percent discount on oral surgery and extractions. We accept CareCredit and work with several financing partners, including Cherry Financing, to provide flexible options for paying the cost of treatment over time.
Our Estero office at 21740 S Tamiami Trail #111 welcomes patients from Estero, Bonita Springs, and nearby neighborhoods such as Pelican Landing, Pelican Sound, and Coconut Point. We offer same-day emergency appointments, are open Monday through Thursday from 8 am to 5 pm and Friday from 8 am to 1 pm, and our team speaks both English and Spanish.
Here are answers to questions we often hear about tooth extractions.
Reasons include severe decay, infection, baby teeth that do not fall out, orthodontic correction, and wisdom tooth problems. Our Estero Bay Dental team will explain why we recommend removal and talk through the alternatives.
You will be given a local anesthetic to prevent pain during the procedure, and we also offer nitrous oxide to help you relax. You may be prescribed medications to help manage discomfort afterward.
The procedure is typically very quick. Your dentist will explain what to expect for your tooth, since some extractions are more involved than others.
We offer same-day emergency appointments at Estero Bay Dental. Call our office and we will work to see you as soon as we can.
Dry socket is a condition that can develop when healing is delayed, and smoking or drinking through a straw may contribute to it. Following your aftercare instructions helps lower the chance.
Neighboring teeth may shift after a tooth is removed, which can cause problems with chewing or with your jaw joint function. Your dentist may recommend replacing the tooth with a dental implant soon after extraction.
Yes, extractions including wisdom teeth are done in-house at our Estero office. We start with an exam and X-rays so you understand your situation.
Sometimes it can, and we will tell you if another option is available. We also offer free second opinions if you would like another perspective.
Coverage varies by plan, and we accept several PPO plans. Our team will review your benefits, and patients without insurance can ask about our Smile Program discount program or our financing options.
If a tooth is causing you trouble, our Estero, FL team is ready to help you understand your options and get comfortable. We proudly serve patients throughout Estero, Bonita Springs, and the surrounding Southwest Florida communities. We invite you to contact our office or request an appointment to schedule your visit.
