At Silver Spring Smiles, we do all we can to save a tooth. This may involve fillings, endodontic therapy (root canal), dental crowns, or other restorative treatments. However, when a tooth has been too badly damaged, sometimes it must be extracted in order to preserve a patient’s oral health and prevent damage to other teeth. In these cases, Dr. Daniel Dufera and our staff provide fast, comfortable tooth extractions to clear the way for better oral health in the future.

If you need a tooth extracted, call our Silver Spring, MD dental office today at 301-588-5400 to make an appointment. After your extraction, we will help you understand the next steps you should take in considering your options for tooth replacement.

When Are Extractions Needed?

When a tooth has suffered dental decay (a cavity) it can often be repaired by a filling and/or root canal. However, if the decay has spread to a greater area of the tooth or to the root, these restorative options may not be feasible. Sometimes there’s just not enough tooth left to work with. In other cases, a tooth may be compromised by structural damage, such as a deep crack or fracture that cannot be repaired. In such cases, an extraction is the only way to ensure that a patient’s oral health does not deteriorate as a result of the damaged tooth.

If a tooth requiring an extraction is neglected, it can negatively affect nearby teeth, or lead to the spread of infection to the gum tissues and the development of an abscess. In extreme cases, bacterial infection may spread to other parts of the body and result in a life-threatening condition. Usually these symptoms will be accompanied by severe pain, so extractions are a great way to end ongoing dental pain and make way for tooth replacement treatments.

Extractions may also be needed when a young patient is getting ready to start orthodontic treatment and the baby teeth are taking too long emerge. Similarly, multiple extractions may be required if a patient is going to make the switch to dentures.

What Happens During an Extraction?

There are two types of extractions. When a normally erupted adult tooth must be removed, this is referred to as a simple extraction. Aside from wisdom teeth, simple extractions are the most common type of extraction. Incidentally, many patients find simple extractions to be some of the fastest and easiest appointments they have had.

If an impacted or partially erupted tooth must be removed (as is often the case with wisdom teeth), the procedure requires cutting the gum tissue, known as a surgical extraction. Surgical extractions are more complex and take more time to heal. On the whole, simple extractions are faster, easier, and less traumatic to the oral tissues and underlying bone.

During a simple extraction, Dr. Dufera will provide an anesthetic injection to numb the area, preventing patients from feeling any discomfort during the procedure. You may feel some movement as the tooth is loosened and removed, but you should not feel any pain during the appointment. Next, Dr. Dufera will use a device called an elevator to pull the tooth upward and loosen the dental ligament that holds it in place. Grasping the tooth with forceps, he may move the tooth gently from side to side to loosen it until it slides freely from the gum tissue. The process usually lasts just a few minutes with minimal bleeding.

After a Dental Extraction

After your appointment, you will be given specific instructions on how to care for your extraction site. Most patients find that any pain can be managed with over-the-counter remedies, and normal activities can be resumed in a matter of hours. You can resume eating and cleaning the mouth the same day, though you should take care not to irritate the gums.

Replacing an Extracted Tooth

No one ever wants to lose their natural teeth, but the good news is that tooth replacement is an easy and routine procedure. Missing teeth can be replaced with either a dental bridge or an implant-supported crown. When you visit our office for a dental extraction, we will explain your tooth replacement options, so you can make an informed decision regarding your future oral health.

Call Today to Learn More

At Silver Spring Smiles, we want you to have the best oral health of your life. If you have a tooth that cannot be saved, we will ensure you have a comfortable and pleasant experience during your tooth extraction. Call 301-588-5400 to learn more about dental extractions, Silver Spring, MD.