Tooth Extractions – Annapolis, MD

Signs That You May Need a Tooth Extraction

Depending on the severity that your oral health problem has developed to, you may experience different symptoms that could signal your need for a tooth extraction. Some of these include:

• A severe toothache caused by an infection hidden beneath your enamel.
• Your tooth is visibly decayed and a filling can’t repair it.
• A root canal and antibiotics won’t cure your infection.
• Your teeth are crowded and you need to have them removed in order to successfully undergo orthodontic treatment.
• Your wisdom teeth are impacted and there isn’t enough room in your jawbone to house them.
• Your teeth are loose as a result of gum disease.

The best way to learn whether you require a tooth extraction is to contact our dental office and schedule an emergency appointment so we can ease your pain and diagnose the underlying issue. After this, we’ll be able to develop a treatment plan to restore your oral health.

Types of Tooth Extractions

After our examination, we’ll be able to determine which type of tooth extraction will best fit your unique needs.

Wisdom Tooth

Not everybody has wisdom teeth, but patients who do often need to have them removed in order to prevent additional oral health problems from arising. If your third molars are lodged beneath your gums or don’t have enough room to grow into your mouth without causing your other teeth to shift, then we’ll likely recommend having them extracted.

Multiple Teeth

Due to factors such as genetics, severe decay, and dental trauma, some patients may need multiple teeth removed. In this case, we’ll walk you through the procedure and any restorative solutions we offer that fit your needs and will help you regain the function and appearance of your grin.

Aftercare Instructions

Before you leave our dental office after your procedure, we’ll provide you with some aftercare instructions so you can make a fast and complication-free recovery. We often recommend that patients follow some of the following care tips:

• Take a couple of days to rest, if possible.
• Maintain a soft diet and avoid chewing on your extraction site.
• Use a cold compress to minimize swelling.
• Avoid drinking from a straw.
• Maintain your regular dental hygiene routine.

If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact our dental office.

Tooth Extraction FAQs

If you need a tooth extraction, it’s natural to feel a little nervous. We want to help you feel as comfortable and confident as possible about your treatment, so we’ve gathered some of the most common questions we get about tooth extractions below for your convenience. If you don’t see the answer you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to call us and we’ll be more than happy to help.

How Should I Prepare for My Tooth Extraction?

Once you and Dr. Vanik have agreed that a tooth extraction is the best option for you, we’ll go over the details of your procedure and give you specific instructions to help you prepare. If you have a weakened immune system or a certain medical condition, we may prescribe antibiotics to help lower your risk of infection after the extraction. Let us know if you catch a cold or suffer from a gastrointestinal illness so we can make the necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.

Is the Tooth Extraction Process Painful?

Thanks to modern dental techniques and technology, tooth extractions are more comfortable than ever. We’ll use a powerful local anesthetic to ensure your mouth stays completely numb throughout your entire treatment. Additionally, if you’re feeling particularly anxious or worried, we may recommend nitrous oxide sedation. Also known as laughing gas, this light form of sedation dentistry is a quick and safe way to help you feel relaxed and at-ease as we care for your smile.

What Can I Eat After My Tooth Extraction?

We highly recommend that you avoid eating after your tooth extraction until you regain feeling in your mouth to prevent biting or burning your soft tissues by accident. For at lease 24-48 hours after your procedure, you should stick to a diet of nutritious liquids or soft foods. There are plenty of options to choose from, like soup, apple sauce, mashed potatoes, and ice cream.

How Much Pain Is Normal After a Tooth Extraction?

Once the local anesthetic wears off after your tooth extraction, it’s normal to experience some discomfort as your body heals. You can expect some soreness, swelling, and bleeding for the first 24 hours at least. Typically, these symptoms should be easy to manage with over-the-counter pain relievers and by applying an ice pack intermittently. However, if your pain doesn’t seem to be easing after a day or so, or if you begin to experience signs of infection such as fever, chills, or nausea, call us right away.

Should I Replace My Extracted Tooth?

Generally, it’s a good idea to replace a missing tooth after extraction. Leaving a gap in your smile can cause the rest of your teeth to shift out of place. Additionally, the open space can easily begin to collect plaque and bacteria, which increases your risk of oral health issues like tooth decay, gum disease, and oral infections. We’ll be happy to discuss your tooth replacement options to ensure your smile stays happy, healthy, and complete after your tooth extraction.