While permanent tooth loss is usually best avoided, occasionally there will be a tooth that is causing more harm than good within your smile. If this is the case, TotallySmiles is happy to provide tooth extraction services to restore your dental health and your peace of mind.
If a tooth becomes severely damaged or decayed, your dentist may recommend an extraction if no other restorative services will repair the damage. Many patients will require wisdom teeth removal services during their late teens or early twenties. TotallySmiles can quarterback your tooth extraction procedures, ensuring that your dental health is cared for every step of the way. Learn more about our tooth extraction services below.
Tooth Extractions in Gaithersburg, MD
Dr. Steven Anolik and Dr. Corey Anolik are your experienced general dentists in Gaithersburg, MD. Together, they have helped hundreds of patients improve and maintain their dental health with our comprehensive menu of dental services.
While our goal is to help our patients maintain the health and beauty of their permanent teeth, tooth extraction may be a necessary part of your treatment plan to get you back on track toward your dream smile. Rest assured that we will quarterback your tooth extraction procedure, working with the best of the best oral surgeons to provide you with a safe and effective extraction.
Wisdom Teeth Removal
Many patients will develop their wisdom teeth during their late teens or early twenties. Wisdom teeth tend to cause a lot of problems because they develop so much later than the rest of your smile. Because they grow in the far back corners of your mouth, there is often no room for them to erupt. This can cause tooth impaction, which is very painful for the patient to endure.
This is why we recommend removing the wisdom teeth early on to prevent future pain or discomfort. Even if your wisdom teeth have already erupted, they still present a threat to your dental health. Because their positioning is so far back in your smile, they can be extremely difficult to keep clean and free of food residue buildup.
Patients with erupted wisdom teeth will often develop dental decay because they are unable to brush and floss effectively around their wisdom teeth. It’s important to consult with your dentist when you notice your wisdom teeth are growing in to ensure they do not cause problems within your smile.
Types of Tooth Extraction
There are two main types of tooth extractions: simple extractions and surgical extractions. The type of procedure depends on the condition and location of the tooth.
Simple Extraction
The most common type of tooth removal is a simple extraction. Dentists perform this procedure on teeth visible in the mouth that are easy to access. Before the extraction, the dentist numbs the area with local anesthesia to prevent pain. Then, they use a special elevator tool to loosen the tooth before removing it with forceps. Simple extractions are usually quick, and patients recover within a few days.
Simple extractions are often used for teeth that have fully erupted and are not severely damaged. Dentists recommend this type of extraction when a tooth is beyond repair due to decay, gum disease, or trauma. Patients typically experience minimal discomfort and can return to normal activities quickly. Following the dentist’s aftercare instructions, such as avoiding hard foods and keeping the area clean, helps ensure a smooth recovery.
Surgical Extraction
A surgical extraction is needed for teeth that are broken, impacted, or difficult to reach. This procedure is more complex than a simple extraction. Oral surgeons or dentists perform surgical extractions by making an incision in the gum to access the tooth.
Sometimes, the bone around the tooth may need to be removed or cut into smaller pieces for easier removal. Patients usually receive local anesthesia and may also get sedation to stay relaxed during the procedure. Recovery takes longer than a simple extraction because the surgery involves stitches and more healing time.
Wisdom tooth extractions are a common type of surgical extraction. Wisdom teeth often become impacted, meaning they do not fully emerge from the gums. Impacted teeth can cause pain, swelling, and infection. Removing them helps prevent future dental problems. Patients who undergo surgical extractions should follow their dentist’s post-care instructions carefully, including resting, eating soft foods, and avoiding smoking or drinking through a straw.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
Taking care of your mouth after a tooth extraction is important for healing and preventing problems. When a dentist removes a tooth, the body needs time to form a blood clot in the empty socket. This clot protects the area and helps new tissue grow. Following proper aftercare steps will make recovery easier and reduce the risk of complications.
The First 24 Hours
The first day after an extraction is crucial for healing. The dentist will place a gauze pad over the socket to help stop bleeding. You should keep this gauze in place for 30 to 45 minutes, applying gentle pressure by biting down. If bleeding continues, replace the gauze with a fresh piece and apply pressure again. Avoid spitting, rinsing, or using a straw, as these actions can dislodge the blood clot and cause a painful condition called dry socket.
Pain and swelling are common after an extraction. The dentist may prescribe pain medication or recommend over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen. Applying an ice pack to the cheek for 10–15 minutes at a time can help reduce swelling. Resting and avoiding strenuous activities will also help the body heal faster.
Eating and Drinking
Eating soft foods is best after a tooth extraction. Foods like yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes, and scrambled eggs are gentle on the mouth. Avoid hot foods and drinks, as they can increase bleeding. Also, avoid crunchy, sticky, or hard foods that irritate the socket. Drinking plenty of water helps heal, but avoid using a straw for at least a few days to prevent dislodging the clot.
Keeping the Area Clean
Good oral hygiene is important, but you must be gentle near the extraction site. For the first 24 hours, avoid brushing the area directly. After that, continue brushing and flossing your other teeth, but be careful around the socket. Rinsing with warm salt water (a teaspoon of salt in a cup of water) can help keep the area clean and reduce swelling. Do this gently a few times daily, starting 24 hours after the procedure.
What to Avoid
To protect the healing site, avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, and touching the area with your tongue or fingers. Smoking slows down healing and increases the risk of infection. Alcohol can interfere with the blood clot and delay recovery. Playing with the extraction site can also disturb and irritate the healing process.
When to Call the Dentist
Some discomfort is normal, but severe pain, excessive bleeding, or signs of infection like fever or pus require attention. If you experience these symptoms, contact your dentist right away. Proper aftercare ensures a smooth recovery and helps your mouth heal quickly.
Schedule An Appointment
If you suspect that you are in need of a tooth extraction, schedule an appointment with TotallySmiles. Our dental professionals will evaluate your smile and offer you a treatment plan that best meets your needs. We look forward to seeing you soon in our Gaithersburg, MD dentist office.