Are you experiencing tooth pain? Do you have a loose tooth?
If you think you need to have a tooth pulled, contact our Annapolis dental office to schedule an appointment with one of our dentists. We will evaluate your situation, and recommend treatment options to best fit your oral needs.
We offer tooth extractions as well as wisdom teeth removal. Most extractions are performed in our Annapolis dental office, however, we may refer you to a local oral surgeon if a specialist is needed. This is determined after an oral exam and on the severity of the issue in the affected tooth.
Root Canal vs. Tooth Extraction
Tooth pain can be overwhelming and it may seem like the best treatment is to have the tooth pulled. We will try to save as much of the natural tooth whenever possible. Usually, this means performing a root canal treatment to remove tooth decay or infection and seal it with a dental crown. However, sometimes damage is more severe and may require a tooth extraction.
In some cases, a tooth extraction is the best choice. For example, if the tooth was severely damaged in an accident, or beyond saving due to severe deterioration and neglect. Your dentist will design a treatment plan to extract the tooth and replace it with either a dental implant, dental bridge, or denture.
Replacing missing teeth quickly is important to avoid bone loss, or movement of neighboring teeth. If you lose a front tooth, we can replace it. We can replace a single tooth with a dental implant to restore function to your smile.
Types of Tooth Extractions
There are two main types of tooth extractions; simple extractions and surgical extractions. Simple extractions involve fully erupted teeth. For simple extractions, we use local anesthetic to numb the area. Simple extractions heal relatively quickly and are easy to recover from.
The other type of extraction is known as surgical extraction. This type of extraction is slightly more intensive and requires longer healing times. Surgical extractions are needed for partially or fully impacted teeth and patients are typically under general anesthesia or intravenous sedation. Due to the fact that surgical extractions are more intensive, longer healing times may be associated.
Tooth Extraction Process
Prior to extracting a tooth, we will do a thorough examination in our office to see if there are any options available that do not involve an extraction. We will go through all options with you before extracting your tooth, as extraction is the option we resort to last. If extraction is the only option we will outline each step of the procedure, and make you aware of anything you need to do prior to extraction such as fasting prior to anesthetic.
Prior to extracting your tooth, we will administer anesthetic or sedation to ensure that you are kept comfortable and pain-free throughout the procedure. Then we will begin to loosen the tooth at its root to make extraction easier. Once we feel that the tooth is loose, specialized tools will be used to remove it. If needed, stitches or sutures will be used to reconnect gum tissue and aid in the healing process. The stitches used will be dissolvable so there is no need for them to be removed later.
After the extraction gauze will be placed on the area to stop bleeding and aid in clotting. We recommend biting the gauze to hold it in place. Patients may take OTC pain relievers to manage pain. After your tooth extraction, it is important to refrain from strenuous activities and get ample rest to allow the body to recover. We also recommend sticking to a soft diet and refraining from smoking and using any tobacco products to prevent dry sockets.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction
We extract wisdom teeth in Annapolis. Depending on your condition, we may perform your wisdom tooth extraction in our Annapolis dental office. If a specialist is needed, your dentist will prepare a treatment plan and refer you to a local oral surgeon. Wisdom teeth can be a hinderance on all of your other teeth. It is important to address impacted wisdom teeth as soon as possible.
The process can be quick and instantly relieves pressure on your teeth. We offer oral sedation to help patients feel relaxed and comfortable during treatment. We know how scary it could be for young patients and adults alike. With oral sedation, you will need an adult to drive you to and from your appointment. This is a requirement because the “sedative” can impair your senses and ability to operate any type of machinery.
Tooth Extraction FAQs
Do you have further questions about tooth extractions in Annapolis, MD? Continue reading to learn more about tooth extractions and to find answers to questions frequently asked in our office.
Is is better to get your tooth pulled or get a root canal?
Your dentist will always advise you that it is important to save as much of your natural teeth as possible. In severe cases where the tooth is damaged beyond saving we will recommend a tooth extraction. Although, most teeth with cavities and root infections can be saved with a root canal procedure and restorative dentistry.
Will a tooth extraction relieve my tooth pain?
A tooth extraction can alleviate tooth pain, but only if it’s the direct cause of your pain. Most tooth extractions are done to alleviate tooth pain from a damaged and infected tooth. Tooth extractions can target pain from overcrowding, impacted teeth, and severe gum disease.
How long does it take to remove a tooth?
The process is quick and takes a single visit to the dentist! It can be done in under 2 hours. We will first numb your mouth so that you do not feel pain. Then, we will surgically remove the affected tooth. You will be given post-surgery instructions to help prevent infections and dry socket.
How long do you need to keep gauze in after tooth extraction?
You will need to keep gauze at your extraction sites until bleeding stops, which often occurs the same day as your treatment. You can switch out your gauze for new pieces every 30 minutes. Make sure that you bite down on the gauze to ensure protective blood clots form to protect the nerves and bone at the treatment sites.
Will gauze prevent dry socket?
Covering the tooth extraction sites with gauze can help form protective blood clots that prevent dry socket. If a blood clot doesn’t form or is dislodged, you can experience dry socket. Dry socket occurs when the nerves and bone at the extraction sites are exposed, which creates pain and discomfort. Keeping gauze on the extraction sites can oftentimes prevent the occurrence of dry socket and encourage a more comfortable healing process.
When can I eat after a tooth extraction?
You can begin eat soft foods within a couple of hours following your tooth extraction. Eating soft foods and avoiding crunchy, hard, or spicy foods can help you heal and minimize pain and discomfort.
Schedule your Tooth Extraction Today
Lee, Bonfiglio, Vesely & Associates is dedicated to improving your long-term oral health. For more information on tooth extractions, or to request an appointment, give us a call at (410) 268-5503 today.
