Tooth extraction is often considered a worst-case-scenario when it comes to treating dental concerns; however, sometimes it is necessary. Patients may find themselves in need of a tooth extraction following severe tooth decay, overcrowding, or following the development of their wisdom teeth.
At Baltimore Dental Co., we are your one-stop-shop for dental care. Dr. Leah Romay is your trusted general dentist in Glyndon, MD. She is happy to provide tooth extraction services when it is necessary to better your dental health. By safely removing a problematic tooth, Dr. Romay can help restore your dental health and get you back on track toward your dream smile.
Tooth Extraction in Glyndon, MD
When it comes to tooth extraction, the procedure is actually relatively simple. Using a local anesthetic, the tooth will be fully numbed before the extraction process begins. Dr. Romay will gently rock the tooth until it becomes dislodged. A small incision into your soft tissues will need to be made if the tooth has not fully erupted.
Rest assured that you will be cared for every step of the way, and we will do our best to keep you calm and comfortable. Dr. Romay is happy to answer any questions you might have about tooth extraction. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions:
Tooth Extraction FAQs
Why do I need to have my wisdom teeth removed?
Wisdom teeth can create a variety of dental concerns once they develop. Because they grow in during your late teens or early twenties, your other teeth will struggle to make room for the wisdom teeth. This can cause impaction and extreme pain or discomfort as they attempt to erupt.
Additionally, you may notice that your teeth begin to shift to make space for the wisdom teeth which can severely alter any orthodontic work you’ve had done. Finally, it is important to note that even if your wisdom teeth are able to erupt, they are usually extremely difficult to keep clean and often develop cavities due to them being in the far back corners of your mouth.
Are there alternatives to tooth extraction?
If your tooth is severely damaged by a chip or a crack, we will do everything we can to save the natural structure of your tooth. Using a dental crown, we can cap your tooth with a prosthetic to help preserve the foundational core of the tooth while also restoring the functionality of the tooth.
How many days do you need to rest after tooth extraction?
In order to allow the treatment area to form a clot, we typically advise that you rest for at least 48 to 72 hours following your procedure. After this, you should be able to resume their regular physical exercise. Usually, it takes 3 to 4 weeks for the soft tissue to fully recover.
How long does the blood clot stay after tooth extraction?
The time it takes for a blood clot to dissolve varies from patient to patient. Normally, your tooth extraction site will be fully healed seven to 10 days after the extraction operation.
When can I stop rinsing with salt-water after tooth extraction?
After a tooth extraction, maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial. For the following week, be sure to rinse your mouth with warm salt water at least twice a day.
What are the signs of infection after tooth extraction?
A common sign of infection is that the site of the extraction discomfort worsens rather than progressively going away. If Bleeding continues more than 24 hours after the procedure, this may be a sign of infection as well. Lastly, if there is a bad odor coming or discharge from your mouth, this is a sign of infection. Call our office if you are concerned about any of these issues.
Is it normal for my face to be swollen after a tooth extraction?
Recovery from a tooth extraction can take up to two weeks. You may experience swollen lips and cheeks during this time, which will get better over the next few days. You can lessen the swelling by gently placing a cold cloth on your face.
Schedule An Appointment
If you suspect you are in need of a tooth extraction, please schedule an appointment with Dr. Romay. She will evaluate your current dental health and determine which treatment options are best for you. If tooth extraction is necessary, we are happy to provide this service to you in our Glyndon, MD dental office.