At the Frederick Center for Dentistry, will always make every effort to avoid having to extract a tooth. However, there are certain situations where extraction is deemed necessary for the long term health and function of your smile. Trauma, severe infection, damage, or overcrowding are all common reasons for tooth extraction. Dr. Sahil Goyal can perform a tooth extraction in Frederick, MD during a single visit to his dental practice.
What to Expect During a Tooth Extraction
Tooth extraction is a fairly simple general dental procedure. Dr. Sahil Goyal will begin by preparing the tooth. He will numb the area with a local anesthetic to minimize discomfort and extract the tooth. Once you are completely numb, he will use special tools to loosen the tooth and remove it from the socket. You will experienced some pressure and tugging, however you should not feel pain.
After the tooth is extracted, the socket will be packed with gauze to control the bleeding. We ask you to bite on a gauze pad for 30 to 45 minutes after the appointment. You may feel some pain and experience some swelling. However, applying an ice pack to the area will keep swelling to a minimum. Take pain medications as prescribed and the swelling will subside after 48 hours.
Replacing Teeth After Extraction
Dr. Goyal will review all your options for tooth replacement after he pulls the tooth. He provides several restorative treatments to replace missing teeth. It is important to discuss all these options with your dentist to determine which one is best for your.
Dental implants are one of the best long term, natural-looking solution for missing teeth. Dr. Goyal performs many types of dental implant services to patients in his Frederick, MD office. A dental implant is a titanium metal post that is surgically placed in the jaw bone then capped with a dental crown. The implant post will also act as a tooth root replacement and help to prevent bone loss. To learn more about the benefits of dental implants, see Dental Implants.
A dental bridge is a single fixture that is made up of crowns and pontics (the replacement teeth). These pieces are fused together and secured to the adjacent teeth to replace a single tooth. The adjacent teeth are prepared and reduced in size to create room for the crowns. You are essentially damaging two healthy teeth to replace one tooth. To learn more about the dental bridge process, see Dental Bridge.
Partial dentures can also replace teeth however this is the least durable solution. It is a removable appliance that replaces one or more extracted teeth. A partial denture can be made of acrylic or a combination of acrylic and metal. It attaches to the remaining teeth and can be removed for cleaning. This places extra strain on those teeth. To learn how to care for your dentures, see Dentures and Partials.
Tooth Extraction FAQs
A tooth extraction may seem like a straight forward procedure, however our patients seem to have may questions about the procedure. Read our most commonly asked questions about tooth extractions in Frederick, MD.
Should I have wisdom teeth removed?
We will monitor the growth of your wisdom teeth and help you determine if you need to have them removed. Sometimes, wisdom teeth can cause sore gums, jaw pain, and overcrowding or shifting teeth. We commonly recommend wisdom tooth removal to our patients to avoid future dental issues and impacted teeth.
Is it better to get a damaged tooth removed or repaired?
We try to save as much of your natural tooth as possible before we even consider removing it. A natural tooth, even weakened, is better for your oral health. We treat gum disease and cavities, however, there are times when a tooth is too damaged to repair. Dr. Goyal will examine your teeth to determine the best course of action; does it need support or does the tooth need to be removed and replaced.
Do tooth extractions relieve tooth pain?
Yes, a tooth extractions can alleviate tooth pain if an infection or severe damage is present. If you have a dental injury or an infected tooth, please cal our office as soon as possible. A tooth extraction can also target pain caused by impacted teeth and severe gum disease or tooth decay. A thorough dental exam is always necessary to determine to best course of action.
How many days should a person rest after tooth extraction?
After a simple extraction, your dentist will want you to rest for at least 24 hours. This means resting and avoiding all forms of physical activity so that your body can heal. After a day, you can resume your normal, daily activities. However, please avoid strenuous exercising for several more days, up to two weeks depending on how well you are healing. In general, you need to be resting for two to three days following the surgery.
Can I drink cold water after tooth extraction?
Ice cold water is great to drink after an extraction. Ice reduces swelling, and the coolness dulls pain by numbing the affected area of your mouth. It can also help with pain control in general. However, be sure to sip the water gently. Also, never suck it in through a straw as this habit can lead to dry sockets.
How do I sleep first night after tooth extraction?
The extraction site for the tooth may ooze throughout the initial phases of healing. For the first night, we recommend sleeping on your side because of this. If possible, you should also sleep elevated. Also, you have the risk of experiencing increased swelling if you lie flat on your back.
What are the signs of infection after tooth extraction?
Yellow or white discharge, discomfort, and swelling around the extraction site are indications that a tooth extraction site may have an infection. You should visit your dentist right away if you are concerned about a potential infection. If an infection is present, you can confirm it and help provide treatment options.
Contact our Frederick, MD Dental Office
Do you need to remove a diseased tooth? Maybe you have impacted wisdom teeth. Call 301-264-5680 or schedule a dental exam with Dr. Goyal on our website.