Tooth Extraction in Clinton, Maryland

When Is Getting a Tooth Pulled My Only Choice?

Trauma, extremely bad decay, gum disease, and overcrowding are all reasons a dentist may have to pull a tooth. There are other reasons, but the choice to pull the tooth will only be made after a thorough examination and a discussion with your dentist. If you need a tooth pulled, please call our office. We'll make the experience as pleasant as possible for you.

How Much Does a Tooth Extraction Cost?

The cost depends on whether you'll need a dental or surgical extraction, and a variety of other factors. Our dentist can quote a price after examining your tooth. If you have dental insurance, it may cover part of the cost.

Why Would an Oral Surgeon Have to Do an Extraction?

Dentists pull teeth by loosening them and then pulling them out. This is assuming he or she can grab the tooth with dental forceps. If he or she can't, such as when the tooth is broken at the gumline or impacted, you'll need a surgical extraction. If you require a surgical extraction, your dentist will recommend the procedure and ensure you understand everything that will happen. Call our office today for more information.

Why Do Dentist Suggest Pulling an Acutely Decayed or Fractured Tooth?

Sometimes, a tooth is too badly damaged to be saved. It could be fractured up to or through the root, leaving you in intense pain and not many viable options to repair the tooth. The tooth could be too decayed to receive a root canal or a crown. This is usually the case when there is not enough tooth structure left to support those options.

Why Would a Dentist Recommend Tooth Removal for a Baby Tooth?

Sometimes, baby teeth are obstinate. They won't fall out, even when an adult tooth is trying to emerge. Our dentist can confirm this with an x-ray. If the baby tooth is loose and won't fall out, it may be better to have it pulled. The loose tooth could fall out when your child is sleeping and pose a choking hazard or negatively impact the adult tooth. Please call us if you have any questions, our dentist is excellent with children.

Will Gum Disease Necessitate a Tooth Extraction?

Yes, if you have a severe form of gum disease called periodontal disease. Teeth become loose, and it's painful to chew. Unfortunately, at this stage in the gum disease progression, there is not much your dentist can do to fix the problem. An extraction can relieve the pain.

Why Do Dentist Suggest Wisdom Tooth Removal?

Wisdom teeth, known as third molars, usually appear between the ages of 17 and 25. Many people don't have jaws large enough to accommodate four extra molars. The molars may not be able to emerge from the gums, so they become impacted. An oral surgeon will have to remove them. Other times, they come in crooked and press against the second molars. This causes pain, and since they are challenging to clean, they can become infected. Our dentist can explain why your wisdom teeth may need to be removed.

Are Teeth Extractions Necessary to Eliminate Overcrowding?

Yes, a dentist may have to extract one or more teeth if your teeth are crowded and out of alignment. Extractions may be necessary before orthodontic treatment. Your teeth will need room to straighten out.

What Are the Aftercare Instructions After Having a Tooth Pulled?

When you leave our office, you'll have a gauze pad placed on the extraction site. Leave it there for several hours. Rest for 24 hours after your extraction, keeping your head propped up. Take painkillers and use ice as directed by your dentist. The most important thing you'll do after a tooth extraction is to be very careful not to dislodge the clot forming at the site. Don't spit, drink through a straw, or smoke for 24 to 48 hours. Expect to eat only soft foods with a spoon for a week. Pudding, yogurt, and applesauce are good choices.

How Long Does Tooth Extraction Healing Take?

It's going to take from seven to 10 days for the extraction site to heal. Healing occurs when new gum tissue grows over the site. Molars take longer to heal than front teeth extractions. After a week, the site should close and not feel tender anymore. Surgical extractions take about twice as long to heal. After your extraction site heals, you'll want to talk to your dentist about replacing the missing tooth if needed.

If you are seeking a compassionate dentist for a tooth extraction in Clinton, call us today at (301) 710-0439 to make an appointment. We'll do everything we can to relieve your pain and save your tooth if possible. If we can't save your tooth, we'll make the extraction as easy as possible for you.