Extractions & Wisdom Teeth
Extractions, performed thoughtfully.
Routine extractions, complex extractions, and wisdom teeth removal — performed in our Eustis office by Dr. Jackson, with 3D imaging and minimally invasive technique. When an extraction is the right call, we make sure it is done in a way that protects what comes next.
When extraction is the right choice
Why teeth sometimes need to come out
We never recommend an extraction lightly. A natural tooth — even one that needs significant care — is almost always preferable to a replacement, when keeping it is realistic. But sometimes extraction is genuinely the right call:
- Severe decay that has progressed beyond what restorative dentistry can repair
- Advanced periodontal disease that has compromised the bone supporting the tooth
- Cracked or fractured teeth that cannot be reliably restored
- Wisdom teeth that are impacted, poorly positioned, or causing problems for neighboring teeth
- Failed previous dental work — old root canals, broken crowns, or bridges where the underlying tooth has deteriorated
- Crowding that requires removal of one or more teeth before orthodontic treatment
If another dentist has told you a tooth needs to be extracted — or you suspect one is in your future — we are happy to provide a second opinion before anything irreversible happens. Some teeth that have been recommended for extraction can be saved; others genuinely cannot. Either way, we will give you an honest answer.
Wisdom teeth
Wisdom teeth removal
Wisdom teeth are the last molars to develop, usually emerging in the late teens or early twenties. For some people, they come in straight, fit comfortably in the jaw, and require no intervention. For most people, they do not.
Common reasons we remove wisdom teeth:
- Impaction— the tooth is trapped in the jawbone or under the gums
- Poor angulation— the tooth is growing sideways or pressing against the molar in front of it
- Recurrent infection— gum tissue around a partially erupted wisdom tooth becomes inflamed repeatedly
- Crowding— the wisdom tooth is pushing other teeth out of alignment
- Cysts or other pathology— periodically associated with impacted wisdom teeth
How we approach wisdom tooth removal:
Every case begins with a CBCT 3D scan, which shows us the exact position of each wisdom tooth, the proximity of nerve canals, and any other anatomical considerations. From there, we plan the surgical approach to be as minimally invasive as possible — protecting the nerve, preserving bone, and supporting a comfortable recovery.
Most wisdom tooth cases are completed in a single appointment with local anesthesia and oral sedation if you would like a more relaxed experience. Recovery is typically a few days of soft food and rest.
Future restoration in mind
Planning the extraction with what comes next in mind
This is where our integrated approach shows up most clearly. When a tooth needs to come out and you will eventually want to replace it with a dental implant, the extraction itself should be planned with the future implant in mind. In most cases, that means completing the extraction and the implant in a single surgery — saving you a separate procedure, a separate healing period, and several months on the overall timeline.
Our typical approach
Extraction with immediate implant placement.
In approximately 85% of the cases where a patient is having a tooth extracted and replaced with an implant, Dr. Jackson is able to extract the tooth and place the implant at the same appointment, with bone graft material and PRF packed around the implant to fill any space between the implant and the surrounding bone. This is sometimes called extraction with immediate implant placement, an immediate implant, or a same-day extraction and implant placement — the names vary, but the concept is the same: one surgery, one healing period, one streamlined path from a failing tooth to a healed implant ready for its final crown.
The exception
When a two-stage approach is the right call.
In the smaller number of cases — approximately 15% — clinical circumstances make it advisable to complete the extraction and bone grafting first, allow the area to heal for three to six months, and then return for a second surgery to place the implant. Common reasons for the two-stage approach include severe infection at the extraction site, insufficient remaining bone walls to stabilize an immediate implant, or specific anatomic factors revealed by the CBCT scan. When this is the right approach for your case, we will explain why clearly.
For front teeth: a custom temporary the next day.
For a front tooth extraction with immediate implant placement, our in-house digital lab produces a custom temporary crown the next day, so you are never walking around with a visible gap. The temporary stays in place during the healing period and is later replaced with the final crown once the implant has fully integrated.
This is why we recommend planning extractions in concert with your future dental care, not in isolation. The decisions made on the day of the extraction affect everything that follows.
Your appointment
What to expect
- 1
Phase 1
Consultation and 3D imaging.
A clinical exam plus a CBCT 3D scan tells us everything we need to plan the extraction safely and effectively. We will discuss anesthesia and sedation options at this visit.
- 2
Phase 2
The procedure.
Most extractions are completed under local anesthesia, with oral sedation available if you would prefer it. Routine extractions are typically completed in 15–30 minutes. Surgical extractions and wisdom teeth take longer.
- 3
Phase 3
Immediate post-procedure.
We will review aftercare instructions before you leave. If you are having sedation, plan to have someone drive you home.
- 4
Phase 4
Recovery.
Most patients return to normal activities within one to three days. Soft food, gentle rinsing, and avoiding straws and smoking for the first several days support smoother healing.
- 5
Phase 5
Follow-up.
We typically check in within a few days to make sure healing is progressing well. If we are planning a future implant or restoration, that care continues on a coordinated timeline.
Comfort and sedation
How we keep you comfortable
Dental anxiety is real and we take it seriously. Most extractions are entirely comfortable with local anesthesia alone — modern anesthesia is highly effective and most patients feel little or nothing during the procedure itself. For patients who want more, we frequently provide oral sedation — a prescription medication taken before the appointment that produces a calm, relaxed state throughout the procedure. Many of our extraction and surgical patients choose this option, and we will discuss whether it is right for you at your consultation.
In our experience, oral sedation has worked exceptionally well for patients who have used it. It significantly reduces anxiety during the procedure, and our patients consistently tolerate longer or more involved care comfortably.
We anticipate being able to offer IV sedation as an additional option later in 2026.
Frequently asked
Common questions
Will it hurt?
The procedure itself is performed under local anesthesia — most patients feel pressure but no pain. Post-procedure discomfort is usually mild and well-managed with prescription pain medication for the first day or two.
How long is recovery?
Most patients return to normal activities within one to three days for routine extractions. Wisdom teeth and surgical extractions can take a few additional days. The first 24–48 hours involve some swelling and soreness; after that, healing progresses smoothly.
Can I drive myself home?
Yes, if you have only had local anesthesia. If you have had oral sedation, you will need someone to drive you to and from your appointment.
What if I have insurance?
Many dental insurance plans cover extractions, especially when medically necessary. Wisdom teeth coverage varies — some plans cover them under medical insurance instead of dental. We will help you understand your benefits and what to expect.
How soon can I get an implant after an extraction?
In most cases — approximately 85% of the time — Dr. Jackson is able to place the implant at the same appointment as the extraction, along with bone graft material and PRF. When clinical circumstances make a two-stage approach advisable, we typically wait three to six months for the extraction site to heal before placing the implant at a second surgery. Bone grafting at the time of the extraction preserves bone for the future implant either way.
I had a tooth pulled years ago. Is it too late for an implant?
No, in most cases. The longer a tooth has been missing, the more likely some bone loss has occurred — but bone grafting can rebuild what is needed.
Need an extraction or wisdom teeth consultation?
A consultation and 3D scan tell us exactly what we are working with. We will explain your options, walk through anesthesia and sedation choices, and provide clear cost information before scheduling.