Tooth Extractions – Millersville, MD
What to Expect with a Tooth Extraction
At McCarl Dental Group at Shipley's Choice, we’ll only recommend removing a tooth after exhausting every other repair option. Nothing is better or stronger than the teeth you’re born with, but sometimes, a tooth can become so damaged or decayed that restoration simply isn’t possible. We know this procedure can make some patients feel very nervous, but thanks to the experience and skill of our dentists, most people report feeling practically nothing during the treatment.
Why Choose McCarl Dental Group at Shipley’s Choice for Tooth Extractions?
- Same-Day Appointments Available for Patients in Pain
- Able to Provide All Types of Extractions In-House
- Kind, Compassionate, & Highly Skilled Team
Reasons Why Tooth Extractions Are Necessary
Our team of experts will never recommend tooth removal if other restorative and emergency services are capable of saving the tooth. We will only choose to extract a tooth if:
- It has a large cavity so large there is little or no remaining tooth structure
- Physical trauma has made the enamel too weak to support a restoration
- Advanced periodontal disease has damaged the bone supporting a tooth
- The wisdom teeth have become impacted (stuck) and need to come out
The Process of Removing a Tooth
No matter the location of the tooth and the severity of the damage or decay, we will go over how we plan to remove the tooth during surgery. Before it is removed, a local anesthetic is administered to the area to ensure a painless experience. A patient may feel pressure while in the chair but nothing that resembles pain.
Using specialized tools and equipment, we will gently remove the tooth from its socket, leaving as much of the bone untouched as possible. This will help to ensure proper healing and allow for more successful tooth replacement in the future.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
Afterward, a little swelling and bleeding may occur, but this should go away after just a few days. There are detailed instructions that we will provide to help in the recovery process, as you will need to ensure that you are mindful of what you eat (and don’t eat) as well as how you continue to take care of your smile.
A few helpful tips to remember include:
- Don’t hesitate to take over-the-counter pain relievers to minimize any discomfort or soreness you feel.
- Avoid spitting, swishing, or sucking through a straw, the first day as you do not want to dislodge the blood clot that must form.
- After a few days, perform saltwater rinses multiple times each day to encourage healing and reduce bad oral bacteria inside the mouth.
- Stay away from tobacco products and do not smoke.
- Brush and floss regularly but be careful when navigating your surgical sites.
Tooth Extraction FAQs
Does Getting a Tooth Extracted Hurt?
At McCarl Dental Group at Shipley’s Choice, our dentists want you to remain comfortable throughout your procedure. This is why they will administer local anesthesia first. This allows for a pain-free experience, as it numbs the tooth and surrounding area. However, once the procedure is complete, you will return home to rest. Over time, the anesthesia will wear off, which can lead to some discomfort. This is where over-the-counter pain relievers can help curb any pain, creating a less bothersome recovery process.
It is also during this time that you’ll want to avoid dense, hard, crunchy foods and instead opt for softer ones so that additional pressure isn’t placed on the surgical areas inside the mouth.
What Are My Options for Replacing a Missing Tooth?
Unless it is a wisdom tooth that is being extracted, all other teeth should be replaced. Since all budgets and personal preferences are different, our dentists provide various options you can choose from, such as dental bridges, dental implants, and dentures. With advancements in dentistry and its various technologies, more and more patients are opting for dental implants because of their longevity and functionality.
Not to mention, dental implants fully restore the complete root-to-crown structures, creating a longer-lasting and more durable form of tooth replacement.
Can I Smoke After Getting a Tooth Extracted?
You can expect that before undergoing a tooth extraction, your dentist will strongly encourage you to stop smoking and using any kind of tobacco products. The reason is that post-extraction recovery requires proper healing. The mouth cannot do this if the body’s immune system is suppressed. Smoking causes a weaker immune system, so you are at a higher risk of developing an infection or suffering other serious consequences (i.e., dry socket).
The nicotine in cigarettes, cigars, and other products will only make your recovery longer should you choose to pick up the habit after having a tooth removed. If you don’t plan to kick the habit for good, you should at least plan to wait five days, but dentists recommend a full two weeks to allow for better healing results.
Before having one or more teeth removed, we will provide specific instructions you’ll need to follow. These can include everything from when you should stop eating to which medications you need to avoid in the days or hours leading up to your appointment. It will also be helpful to have someone (a family member or friend) ready to escort you to and from your appointment, if you are concerned about driving.