Dental Extractions

When you have an impacted tooth or damaged tooth, your dentist might suggest you undergo a dental extraction. While the idea of having your tooth pulled can be nerve-wracking, it’s important to remember that this is usually the best solution to avoid further damage to your teeth and gums, especially if an infection has already set in. As dental professionals, our goal at Total Dental Care is to make sure you have the best possible experience while having your tooth or teeth removed, whether it’s because of tooth decay, a gum infection, or any number of other reasons. Here are some commonly asked questions about extractions and their answers, so you have a better understanding of what to expect.

A tooth extraction is a procedure in which the dentist removes one or more teeth from the mouth. The procedure can be performed under local anesthesia, intravenous sedation, or general anesthesia. Teeth may need to be extracted if they are not healthy or have been damaged by an accident. Sometimes, tooth extraction is done as part of another dental treatment, such as orthodontics or dentures.

The main reasons for having a tooth removed are tooth decay, tooth fracture, gum disease, dental abscesses, and tumors. Teeth can become decayed due to bacteria in the mouth that feeds on the sugars from food. When bacteria is left unchecked, it creates an acid that eats away at the enamel on your teeth. The best way to avoid these situations is getting regular cleanings and by brushing and flossing regularly.

It may be possible to fix the problem without removing your tooth. A potential alternative is to have the tooth capped instead of removed. Another option to save your tooth could be by filling it or by getting a root canal treatment done.  If there’s still enough healthy tooth underneath the area of decay, then we may be able to save it by removing the decay with a drill and filling the affected area with a bonding material. Your dentist will be able to tell you if any of these options could work for you.

It is important that you follow the aftercare instructions given to you by your dentist. It may be necessary for you to take antibiotics in order to prevent infection. After the extraction, your dentist will place a dressing over the area and instruct you on how to care for it and provide you with pain medication if needed.

The recovery time for a dental extraction will vary depending on the individual and the tooth. In general, after an extraction, you should avoid hard foods and chew on the opposite side of your mouth for at least three days. Avoiding these foods will help decrease swelling and pain in the jaw.

You may experience some minor discomfort following a dental extraction and this should subside after a few days. The amount of pain you experience following your procedure will depend on a number of factors, including the extent of the procedure and the type of anesthesia administered.

Total Dental Care is a full-service dental practice located in Germantown, MD at 20680 Seneca Meadows Parkway Suite #218. To make an appointment for a consultation, contact us today at 240-813-9111 or request an appointment online.