Castleberry Dental

Travis Castleberry, DMD

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(207) 374-5538

Castleberry Dental

382 State St.
Ellsworth, ME 04605

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Castleberry Dental > Services > Tooth Extraction

Removing a tooth doesn't have to be stressful when you're working with an excellent dental team.

Tooth Extraction

If you’ve been told you need a tooth extracted, it can feel overwhelming. But a tooth extraction doesn’t have to be stressful when you have the right dental team to work with. Dr. C and his team make every effort to make tooth removal as smooth and worry-free as possible, guiding you through the process from start to finish.

Do We Recommend Extracting Wisdom Teeth?

Not everyone needs their third molars, or wisdom teeth, removed. Dr. C can evaluate your situation and determine whether you would benefit from having your wisdom teeth extracted.

Here are some of the reasons we recommend removing third molars.

Effective Brushing and Flossing — Your wisdom teeth arrive in the back of your mouth behind your second molars. For some people, it can be hard to reach them for brushing and flossing. If you can’t clean them effectively, you're more susceptible to developing problems like gum disease and tooth decay.
Crowding — A lot of people don’t have enough space in their mouths for wisdom teeth. This means they might begin to crowd your other teeth, which could affect tooth alignment.
Impaction — Some wisdom teeth stay stuck beneath the gum line (impaction). Impacted third molars can lead to infection.
Impact on Neighboring Teeth — Wisdom teeth sometimes arrive at odd angles that can negatively impact or damage surrounding teeth.

If you need your wisdom teeth extracted, Dr. C will guide you through the process from start to finish and throughout your recovery.

When Do We Recommend a Tooth Extraction in Ellsworth?

While our priority is always to preserve natural teeth for as long as possible, certain circumstances may necessitate a tooth extraction to protect your dental health and overall well-being.

Widespread Decay

A tooth that is severely decayed, damaged, or fractured may be unsalvageable.

Periodontal Disease

Advanced periodontal disease (periodontitis) destroys the bone that supports a tooth.

Wisdom Teeth

There are several reasons that we may recommend removing wisdom teeth for your health.

Orthodontic Treatment

Tooth extraction can help with orthodontic treatment when there is severe crowding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I avoid certain foods after a tooth extraction?

Yes, it's essential to be cautious about what you eat after a tooth extraction. At Castleberry Dental, Dr. C wants to help you heal quickly and comfortably. Choosing the right foods plays a vital role in your recovery.

What to Eat After Oral Surgery

Choose soft foods for the first few days. Your extraction site requires time to form a protective blood clot and begin the healing process. Good options include yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes, smoothies, scrambled eggs, oatmeal, and soup (make sure it's not too hot). These foods provide nutrition without disturbing the healing area.

Avoid hard, crunchy, or chewy foods like chips, nuts, popcorn, crusty bread, and tough meats. These can dislodge the blood clot or become stuck in the extraction site, potentially causing pain or complications such as dry socket.

Avoid sticky foods such as caramel, taffy, or gummy candies. These can pull at the extraction site and interfere with proper healing.

Skip very hot foods and beverages for at least the first 24 hours. Hot temperatures can dissolve the blood clot and increase bleeding. Let your coffee, tea, or soup cool to a comfortable temperature before consuming.

Don't use straws for drinking, as the suction can disturb the blood clot and lead to a painful condition called dry socket that delays healing.

Gradually reintroduce regular foods as you feel comfortable, typically after a few days. Listen to your body and don't rush the process.

We're Here to Help!

Dr. C will provide specific aftercare instructions at our Ellsworth dental office. If you have questions or concerns during your recovery, don't hesitate to contact Castleberry Dental at (207) 374-5538. We're here to support you every step of the way!

Your Comfort Is Our Priority

At Castleberry Dental, we aim to make tooth removal as stress-free as possible. With leading-edge technology, such as 3-D imaging, Dr. C plans your procedure in advance to ensure the best possible outcomes on the day of surgery. He uses dental anesthetics to numb your tooth, so you don’t feel anything throughout the procedure.

Our team supports the post-operative process by sending you home with detailed instructions to ensure a smooth recovery. We’re also available if you have questions or concerns about your recovery.

If it’s not a wisdom tooth you’re having extracted, Dr. C can discuss options for tooth replacement to restore your smile, chewing function, and confidence.

Contact Castleberry Dental

If you have questions or concerns about a tooth extraction or any other procedure, contact our team at (207) 374-5538 for more information.

OUR TEAM

Dr. Travis Castleberry

Dr. Travis Castleberry brings his unique blend of clinical expertise and personality to Castleberry Dental, where he's dedicated to helping patients achieve healthier, more confident smiles. Dr. C has built his practice on the philosophy that quality dental care doesn't have to be stuffy or intimidating.

When asked what drew him to dentistry, Dr. C jokes that after considering his options in medicine, he decided to focus on the area where his skills could do the most good, and where patients appreciate someone who can make them smile, even before the ...

Tooth Extraction Technology

Intraoral Camera

We use advanced intraoral camera technology at Castleberry Dental to give you a clear view of your oral health. This small, pen-sized camera captures high-definition images inside your mouth and displays them instantly on a chairside monitor.

You'll see exactly what Dr. C sees, making it easier to understand diagnoses and treatment recommendations. The intraoral camera helps detect issues like cavities, cracks, and gum problems in their earliest stages. Experience transparent, collaborative dental care where you're an informed partner in decisions about your smile in Ellsworth!