A tooth extraction is typically a treatment of last resort in the case of damage or advanced tooth decay. However, it may be the necessary part of a treatment plan for overcrowding and orthodontics. The most common tooth extraction, and one that most patients will experience, is wisdom teeth removal.
Dr. Dechter and Dr. Moy can perform tooth extractions in our Silver Spring dental office. However, we may refer you out to a local specialist in complex cases. Complex cases may include severely impacted teeth that will require special oral surgery. As a family dentistry, we will monitor the development of wisdom teeth in children and young adults; only recommending extraction when appropriate for long-term dental health.
A tooth extraction often creates the need for tooth replacement. Our dentist will discuss your needs and present appropriate treatment options for restoring your smile with a dental implant, dental bridge, or denture. Replacing a lost or extracted tooth as soon as possible is important for the integrity of your smile. Missing teeth can allow existing teeth to shift position and often lead to bone loss in the jaw. Prompt and effective treatment will help you maintain the structure, appearance, and function of your mouth.
Wisdom Teeth Removal in Silver Spring, MD
We recommend a wisdom teeth extraction procedure when the growing or erupting teeth are negatively affecting your overall dental health. Wisdom teeth are the third molars and can sometimes not fully erupt due to space issues in the jaw. Because of this, they will become impacted in the bone. In many cases, they are pushing against the second molars or on nerves in the jaw and can cause discomfort as they grow.
Left in place, a wisdom tooth can affect the fit and function of your bite, increase the risk of decay, and possibly cause infection in the bone. Our dentists remove wisdom teeth from our patients in their late teens and early twenties. This is the ideal time to remove wisdom teeth; before the roots fully form.
Tooth Extractions in Silver Spring, MD
A tooth extraction, although often stress-inducing, is a relatively simple procedure that only takes a few minutes once you are comfortable and the area is numb. Your dentist in Silver Spring, MD offers sedation options for a more complex extraction, and for anxious patients who would prefer to be completely relaxed during the procedure.
A tooth extraction is a common dental procedure that involves removing a tooth from its socket in the jawbone. Dechter & Moy Dentistry usually conducts an extraction on a severely damaged, decayed, or infected tooth. The procedure can also correct overcrowding in the mouth.
We will discuss your options prior to your procedure so that you will know what to expect when you come in for your extraction appointment. We want patients to feel well-informed about their oral health, treatment options, what to expect, and how to care for their smile between visits.
The Tooth Extraction Procedure
Our dentist will begin the procedure by numbing your mouth. If you require dental sedation, we will administer it and wait until that takes effect before numbing your mouth. Then, your dentist will numb the area around tooth using a local anesthetic. Next, he will clean the area to remove all infection, dead tissue, and debris. After cleaning the area, your dentist will carefully detach the ligaments holding the tooth in the socket.
Once the tooth is free, our dentist or oral surgeon will gently rock the tooth back and forth until it can slide out of the socket without force. This technique will minimize the impact to soft tissues and the neighboring teeth.
The oral surgeon may place stitches to close up the area and help with healing, however this is not always necessary. The last step is to rinse, clean, and pack the socket with sterile gauze. This will help stop the bleeding and keep debris from getting lodged in the open area. Our dentist will make sure that you leave with a clean extraction site and all that you need.
Tooth Extraction Post-op Care
Follow these instructions carefully to ensure the successful healing of your tooth extraction. It is normal to experience some discomfort for a few days after a tooth extraction, but call us right away if you have heavy or increased bleeding, pain or swelling that increases or continues beyond two or three days, a bad taste or odor in your mouth, or a reaction to any medication.
During the first 24 hours
It is important that a blood clot forms on the extraction site to stop bleeding, reduce pain, and speed healing. To protect the clot and avoid the pain of a dry socket, bite on a gauze pad firmly for 30 to 60 minutes. Blood and saliva mix in the mouth and make it look like there is more bleeding than there really is. Some oozing is normal. However, after one hour repeat with a clean gauze pad if oozing is profuse. The site could ooze for as long as 24 hours after the procedure.
Don’t spit and don’t suck on candies or through a straw. Do not rinse your mouth and don’t brush or floss next to the site. Don’t smoke or use tobacco. Avoid tobacco for at least 72 hours because it slows healing. Don’t sneeze or cough, so have sinus or allergy medication on hand if necessary. Limit yourself to calm activities and elevate your head with pillows when you lie down to reduce bleeding.
Don’t drink hot, carbonated, or alcoholic drinks, and avoid hot or spicy foods. To control discomfort, take pain medication before the anesthetic wears off or as directed. To keep swelling to a minimum use an ice bag over the cheek area; 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off. When the numbness completely wears off, drink lots of fluids and eat only soft nutritious foods while chewing on the opposite side.
After the first 24 hours
Begin to eat normally as soon as it’s comfortable. Resume brushing and flossing, but clean gently around the site for about a week. If our dentist prescribes antibiotics or pain medications, continue to take them for the indicated length of time. Even if you do not notice all of the symptoms and signs of infection anymore.
Reduce soreness or swelling by applying moist heat. Swelling usually starts to go down after 48 hours. Further reduce swelling or discomfort by rinsing your mouth very gently with warm salt water. Use about 1 teaspoon of salt per glass of warm water. Rinse two or three times a day for the week following the extraction.
Should you experience any of these symptoms longer than what has been mentioned, please call our office for further guidance and recommendations.
Tooth Extraction FAQs
A tooth extraction is a common dental procedure that our dental office can provide for a variety of reasons, including overcrowding of teeth, gum disease, and tooth decay. The following are some frequently asked questions about tooth extractions so that you can understand the treatment better.
Do and don’ts after tooth extraction?
After the procedure, you cannot smoke, drink through a straw, or eat hard food. After extracting your teeth, your dentist will suggest that you stick to soft foods for a few days. Some foods that are safe to eat are yogurt, soup, smoothies, and milkshakes. You should also avoid consuming hot or spicy foods.
How many days should I rest after tooth extraction?
Most dentists recommend that patients rest the full day. Then, depending on the patient’s work and how they are feeling, the day after. Soft tissue takes 3-4 weeks to heal. However, swelling typically goes down within 72 hours and effects from sedation wear off about 6 hours after the extraction.
Can I drive myself home after a tooth extraction?
Whether or not you require sedation for your tooth extraction will determine if you can drive yourself home. We can complete some tooth extractions with local anesthesia, not sedation. If you do not need sedation, then you will be able to drive yourself home from our Silver Spring, Maryland dentist office.
How many days should I rest after tooth extraction?
We recommend that patients take about one to two days off of work. It will take around a week for your gums around the area of the extraction to heal.
Can I use toothpaste after extraction?
After a tooth extraction, it is important to keep the extraction site clean and away from anything that may prevent or interfere with healing. It is also important to refrain from brushing the area for 3-4 days after the procedure. Brushing or any contact with the healing area can prevent clots from forming. You should not use toothpaste at all until the extraction area is healed.