Tooth Extractions – Millersville, MD
Providing Safe and Comfortable Tooth Removal
At Transcendent Smiles, our goal is and always will be to save teeth first, not remove them, whenever possible. No dental restoration, no matter how high-quality, can replace the real thing, which is why we always encourage regular preventive care for our patients. However, there are instances where tooth extractions from our Millersville, MD dentist are the only option for protecting your oral health going forward. If this ends up being the case, we’ll always explain why in great detail and go over every step of treatment so you can be prepared.
Why Choose Transcendent Smiles for Tooth Extractions?
- Dental Implant Placement Available In-House
- Expert Care from Trained Periodontist
- Calming Sedation Dentistry for Nervous Patients
When is a Tooth Extraction Necessary?
Tooth removal is always seen as a last resort. However, there are many instances where it’s the best treatment to protect your smile and oral health. For example, if a tooth is severely damaged by decay and cannot be restored with a dental crown, removing it works to stop discomfort and prevent the spread of decay to other neighboring teeth. In other cases, a tooth damaged by injury may be too fractured to save, especially if the damage reached the root. In rarer cases, teeth may need removal to make room for orthodontics.
What Should I Expect During a Tooth Extraction?
The way we approach tooth removal depends on the condition your tooth is in. For example, if the tooth is easily visible, we only need to gently rock it back and forth with a dental elevator to remove it from the periodontal ligament holding it in place. Alternatively, teeth underneath gum tissue will require a small incision before removal. The tooth may also need to be broken into smaller pieces and removed that way, rather than all in one piece. Prior to treatment, we always ensure local anesthesia has fully numbed the treatment area and that your comfort needs are met.
Tooth Extractions FAQs
Unless you’ve gone through tooth loss before, getting one extracted can seem mysterious or foreboding, but it doesn’t have to be. Our team can demystify the process, let you know what to expect, and answer any questions you have about the procedure. We want you to feel confident that you’re doing what’s best for your smile and that our team is on your side. Here are some common questions patients undergoing tooth extractions have asked. If you have more you’d like to discuss with us, contact our team and bring the issues up during your consultation.
Does Tooth Extraction Hurt?
During the extraction procedure itself, you shouldn’t feel anything. To help you relax, we even offer sedation, so you can be completely at ease while we remove the tooth. After you get home, you may feel some discomfort as the sedation and anesthetic wear off; however, it can be managed with over-the-counter pain reliever. You can also put a cold compress on your face to reduce swelling and mild pain. If you continue to feel pain after a week or the pain becomes progressively worse, you need to contact our office because you could have an infection.
What Should I Do After Tooth Extraction?
As soon as you get home from your tooth extraction, you’ll need to rest for a day or two and avoid strenuous activities for several days. Keep clean gauze on the site by switching it as needed. It’s essential that you allow a blood clot to form on the site because it protects the sensitive tissue underneath. If the clot becomes displaced, you could experience a painful infection called dry socket. As a result, it is a good idea for you to avoid using a straw or smoking for at least 48 hours following extraction. Soft foods are recommended for several days afterward as well.
Why Should I Replace Lost Teeth?
Although there are certain exceptions (e.g., a tooth is removed for orthodontic purposes), most of the time, when a tooth is extracted, it should be replaced. Not only does a hole in your smile alter your appearance and confidence, but it can also lead to other unpleasant outcomes. For instance, your remaining teeth can shift out of alignment, which can impact your ability to bite and chew your food. Your teeth can wear down prematurely, potentially resulting in additional tooth loss. If you have a tooth removed, you should seriously consider having it replaced to preserve the rest of your smile.
What Are My Tooth Replacement Options?
Your viable options for tooth replacement will greatly depend on your situation. For a single missing tooth, you may choose between a dental implant or bridge. Multiple missing teeth can be replaced with various solutions based on the location and number of teeth and other factors. When you’ve had sufficient time to heal, we can then talk about your replacement options, the advantages of each, and which one would best suite your smile.