Tooth extraction is a common dental procedure and general dental care service Dr. Slate performs in Washington, DC. Knowing why a tooth needs to be removed, the different types of extractions, and how to care for your mouth afterward can help you feel more comfortable and prepared. Tooth removal is a routine part of dental care and can help improve your overall oral health. Dr. Slate will guide you through every step, from your first consultation to your full recovery.
Reasons for Tooth Extraction
While we practice conservative dentistry and save the tooth whenever possible, sometimes removing it is best for your oral health. You may need a dental extraction in Washington, DC, for many different reasons:
Severe Tooth Damage or Decay
If the damage is too extensive for a root canal and dental crown to fix, we’ll need to remove the tooth. Once decay reaches the inner tooth pulp, it can cause severe pain and infection. Removing a severely infected tooth will lessen the risk of the infection affecting other teeth. Tooth extractions can also prevent tooth abscesses, which
Advanced Gum Disease
Gum disease impacts the bone and tissue that hold your teeth in place. The tissue and bone erode as it progresses, causing your teeth to loosen. This can cause pain and difficulty chewing. If we can’t save your tooth with gum disease treatment, we may need to remove and replace it once your gums are healthy.
Wisdom Teeth
A third set of molars erupts in our late teens or early twenties. Our mouths aren’t built with room for this extra set of molars. They can get stuck under the surface, causing pain and swelling. Even if the teeth erupt properly, they often cause the rest of your smile to become crowded or cramped.
Most patients get their wisdom teeth removed when they grow to prevent impaction. Impacted teeth can increase the risk of overcrowding and infection.
Orthodontic Treatment
Some people don’t have enough room in their jaw. Teeth push each other and overlap, becoming crooked. Sometimes, we have to remove one or two teeth and then provide orthodontic treatment to properly straighten teeth.
Types of Tooth Extractions
Tooth extractions fall into two main categories: simple and surgical. The type of extraction you need depends on how your tooth is positioned and its condition. Dr. Slate will find the right treatment for you:
Simple Tooth Extractions
A simple tooth extraction occurs when the tooth is visible above the gumline. It’s easy and takes one visit to our office. Dr. Slate numbs the surrounding area with a local anesthetic for your comfort. We also provide sedation options if you require some relaxation throughout the process.
Then, he loosens your tooth with an instrument called an elevator to rock it back and forth. This breaks the tethers the tooth has to the gums and bone. Once it’s loosened enough, he uses forceps to remove it completely. We place gauze on the area to control bleeding and help the area heal. Most patients recover from this procedure after only a few days.
Surgical Tooth Extractions
Surgical tooth extractions are more complex than simple ones. These are usually needed when a tooth has broken off at the gumline or hasn’t come through the surface yet. Since the tooth isn’t visible, the dentist has to make a small cut in the gum to reach it. Because it’s a more involved procedure, sedation is often used to help you stay relaxed and comfortable.
Sometimes, the dentist may need to remove a small amount of bone around the tooth or gently break the tooth into pieces to take it out safely. After the tooth is removed, the dentist will clean the area and may place stitches to help the gum heal.
Preparation for a Tooth Extraction in Washington, DC
Preparing for a tooth extraction begins with a thorough dental examination. Dr. Slate will assess your oral health and take X-rays to determine the best approach. He’ll also discuss your medical history and what medications you’re currently on. Things like blood thinners can impact the process, and we need to know beforehand. He then creates a personalized treatment plan to fit your needs.
With a treatment plan in place, he will provide you with pre-extraction instructions. Following these instructions will help ensure the procedure goes smoothly. While Dr. Slate does not usually extract teeth, he can recommend an appropriate oral surgeon to perform the procedure.
The Day of Your Tooth Extraction
On the day of your treatment, wear comfortable clothes so you feel relaxed during your time in the office. It’s also a good idea to drink water and stay hydrated before your appointment.
If you’re receiving sedation dentsitry for your procedure, arrange for someone to drive you home afterward. You can’t drive or operate heavy machinery after sedation, so having a friend or family member with you is a must.
Before your extraction, Dr. Slate will go over any risks that may be involved. While most extractions go smoothly, complications like infection, dry socket, or nearby tissue damage can happen. That’s why he welcomes you to ask questions and make sure you understand the procedure. Dr. Slate and his team are here to help you feel comfortable and informed every step of the way.
Once you’re settled in the dental chair, Dr. Slate will numb the area around your tooth using local anesthesia. This means you won’t feel pain during the procedure but may feel some pressure. If your tooth is easy to remove, the extraction will be quick and simple. In some cases, a tooth may be more difficult to remove and need extra care.
Post-Extraction Care and Recovery
Taking care of your mouth after a tooth extraction in our Washington, DC, office helps you heal faster and lowers the chance of problems. One of the most important steps in healing is allowing a blood clot to form in the empty socket. This blood clot protects the area and helps your gum and bone heal.
What to Expect After Treatment
You may feel some pain or swelling after your tooth is removed. Over-the-counter pain medications, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help you stay comfortable. Dr. Slate may also schedule a follow-up appointment to make sure you’re healing properly.
To keep the blood clot in place and avoid complications:
- Don’t use straws or smoke for at least 48 hours. The suction from these actions can loosen or remove the blood clot.
- Avoid swishing or rinsing your mouth for the first 24 hours.
- After 24 hours, rinse gently with warm saltwater several times a day to keep the area clean and help it heal.
- Brush and floss your teeth like normal, but stay away from the extraction site. Do not brush directly over the area.
Stick to soft foods like yogurt, soup, mashed potatoes, and scrambled eggs for the first few days. Avoid hot, crunchy, or spicy foods that could irritate the area. Drink plenty of water, but avoid alcohol, as it can slow down healing.
Most people heal without any problems, but it’s good to know the warning signs. Call Dr. Slate right away if you notice:
- Severe pain that doesn’t get better (this could be a sign of dry socket)
- Signs of infection, like fever, swelling, or pus
- Excessive bleeding that doesn’t stop
- Numbness or tingling, which could mean nerve damage
Avoid smoking and alcohol while you’re healing. Both can delay your recovery and raise the risk of dry socket or infection. Be gentle with your mouth and follow all of Dr. Slate’s instructions to help your body heal quickly and safely.
Schedule a Consultation
Dr. Slate is here to remove problem teeth and restore your tooth and gum health with comfortable tooth extraction treatment in Washington, DC. Call Slate Dental today at (425) 584-3751. You can also request an appointment online.