Your team of dentists and oral surgeons at Pearlfection Dentistry in Frederick and Urbana, MD wish to put an end to tooth loss. That's why they offer a full range of preventive and restorative dental treatments. However, if tooth extraction becomes necessary, you'll be in good hands with this highly-qualified team. Learn here why your dentist may extract a tooth and how the procedure and what recovery looks like.
Reasons for tooth extractions
The American Dental Association (ADA) states that the top three reasons for tooth extraction are trauma (injury), disease (cavities, abscess or gum disease) and overcrowding (impeding orthodontic correction and proper tooth alignment). In addition, your Frederick and Urbana oral surgeon may remove third molars, or wisdom teeth, which are encased in bone or gums (impacted) and are intruding on the roots of neighboring teeth.
Additionally, baby teeth often stay in place long after permanent teeth form and erupt through the gums. In most cases, the baby teeth roots simply dissolve, and the teeth fall out naturally. In cases where the baby teeth are especially stubborn, your dentist at Pearlfection Dentistry may advise simple extractions.
The extraction procedure
Usually, local anesthetic sufficiently numbs the extraction site, making the patient completely comfortable. Some individuals may elect sedation, depending on their comfort level and the nature of the extractions.
For a simple extraction, our periodontist, oral surgeon or general dentist will perform the procedure. The doctor uses an elevator tool to rock the tooth gently, loosening the periodontal ligament. Then, he or she grasps the tooth with a forceps and removes it from the socket.
With a surgical extraction, there may be more extensive incision of the gums and modification of the underlying bone. Sutures finish this type of extraction as well.
Aftercare
At home, extraction patients are encouraged to:
- Bite on sterile gauze to quell bleeding.
- Take antibiotics if prescribed.
- Control pain with over-the-counter ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
- Avoid brushing, smoking or drinking with a straw for at least 24 hours to avoid dislodging the blood clot and stitches.
- Eat a soft diet for a few days.
In the office, you and your doctor will make the decision if bone graph and dental implants make sense in your situation.
Trust your dentist
The doctor knows when to extract a tooth and when to save it. For your consultation on the best treatment for your compromised tooth, please call PearlFection Dentistry in Frederick and Urbana, MD. Located only 45 minutes away from Washington, DC and Baltimore, and welcoming patients from the Hagerstown and Germantown, MD area.