Tooth Extractions
Our advanced techniques and sedation options to ensure a comfortable, stress-free tooth extraction experience.
The Benefits of Tooth Extraction
While the goal of modern dentistry is to help you keep your natural teeth, a tooth may sometimes become too damaged or infected to save. In cases such as these, extraction is necessary and beneficial. At Smiles of Chevy Chase, we provide simple, painless tooth extractions to preserve your oral health, increase orthodontic treatment efficiency, and prepare you for restorative options.
What Is Tooth Extraction?
Tooth extraction is the process of extracting, or removing, a tooth from your mouth. While you may need a tooth extracted because it is too damaged to save, tooth extraction can also prepare your mouth for restorative options such as implants, bridges, and dentures. Extraction also helps permanent teeth erupt when baby teeth are blocking them, and makes orthodontic treatments like Invisalign® more effective by giving teeth room to move.
Overview
Our experienced dentists make every effort to save and preserve your natural teeth, there are cases in which a tooth or teeth may need to be extracted. A simple extraction removes a tooth that is visible above the gumline. This is typically used for a tooth that is damaged or decayed beyond repair while a surgical extraction removes a tooth that has not erupted above the gumline.
Whatever the reason for getting a tooth extraction at Smiles of Chevy Chase, our team will treat you with the best care. Our Chevy Chase, MD office performs simple tooth extractions on patients and offers many different sedation techniques, like nitrous oxide, The Wand anesthesia, and oral-conscious sedation, allowing you to remain calm and comfortable during your procedure. Contact our team for more information or to schedule an exam with the dentists to improve your oral health.
What To Expect From Tooth Extraction
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Initial Consultation & Evaluation
Before your tooth extraction, your dentist will conduct a thorough consultation to determine if extraction is the best option. During this appointment, they will:
- Examine your teeth and gums using X-rays to assess the condition of the affected tooth.
- Discuss alternative treatments, such as root canals or restorative options, to see if extraction can be avoided.
- If extraction is necessary, your dentist will explain the procedure, aftercare, and potential risks.
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Preparation for the Procedure
Once an extraction has been scheduled, you will need to prepare for the procedure by following any pre-operative instructions your dentist provides. This may include:
- Avoiding eating or drinking for a certain period if sedation will be used.
- Arranging for a responsible adult to drive you home if you’re receiving sedation.
- Wearing comfortable clothing and avoiding smoking or alcohol, which can interfere with healing.
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Tooth Extraction Procedure
On the day of your appointment, the dentist will ensure you are comfortable before beginning the procedure:
- A local anesthetic will be applied to numb the area around the tooth.
- For simple extractions, the dentist will use a tool called an elevator to gently loosen the tooth before removing it with forceps.
- The entire process can take anywhere from a few minutes to about 30 minutes, depending on the complexity of the case.
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Post-Extraction Recovery & Immediate Aftercare
Once the tooth is removed, your dentist will place gauze over the extraction site to help stop bleeding and promote clot formation. You will be given specific aftercare instructions, which may include:
- Biting down on the gauze for about 30–45 minutes to control bleeding.
- Avoiding spitting, drinking through straws, or rinsing forcefully for at least 24 hours.
- Resting for the remainder of the day and avoiding strenuous activities for at least 24–48 hours.
Aftercare
It is important to follow proper care instructions to ensure your tooth heals properly. To care for your tooth after the procedure, here are some guidelines you’ll need to follow:
- Brush and floss as usual, taking care around the treated tooth to avoid irritation or damage.
- Take any prescribed pain medication or antibiotics as directed by Dr. Markogiannakis.
- Follow a soft food diet for the first few days after the procedure.
- Contact Smiles of Chevy Chase if you experience severe pain, swelling, or other concerning symptoms after your procedure.
Tooth Extraction Recovery
Depending on the complexity of your extraction process and factors such as your body’s unique physiology, your recovery process will vary. However, there are guidelines you’ll need to follow post-procedure in order to make a full recovery.
Post-procedure,the dentist will discuss the recovery process with you and give you specific care instructions to follow. While your mouth heals, you should avoid smoking, using straws, and spitting. Since your mouth will be swollen after extraction,we recommends using cold compresses and over-the-counter pain medication. If she’s written a prescription for pain relievers or antibiotics, be sure to use them as directed.
Expect to return to Smiles of Chevy Chase for follow-up appointments as directed by our team to ensure that your healing process is going smoothly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between simple tooth extraction and surgical tooth extraction?
Simple tooth extraction involves removing teeth that can be seen inside the mouth. Surgical extraction is used for teeth that cannot be seen with the naked eye, like impacted or wisdom teeth. Extracting these teeth requires making surgical incisions into the gums. If you require a surgical extraction, Dr. Markogiannakis will refer you to a local oral surgeon so the tooth can be taken care of.
What kind of sedation methods can be used during extraction?
At Smiles of Chevy Chase, we offer many different options for sedation including nitrous oxide, The Wand anesthesia, and oral conscious sedation. Be sure to mention sedation to Dr. Markogiannakis during your consultation. She can choose a sedation option tailored to fit your unique needs based on your medical history, medication use, allergies, and any phobia or anxiety you may experience at the dentist’s office.
If I choose a restoration, can I have it installed/made the same day as my extraction?
When you can have a restoration installed after extraction depends on a number of factors such as the kind of restoration you’ve chosen, whether or not you’ve opted for sedation, the complexity of the procedure, and your body’s unique physiology. Dr. Markogiannakis will let you know the specifics of installing restoration options like bridges and implants during your consultation.
Simple Tooth Extraction Can Save Your Smile
While you may not feel positive about having a tooth removed, tooth extraction can help you maintain and enhance your oral health by stopping the spread of infection and preserving the integrity of your other teeth. Using simple tooth extractions, Dr. Markogiannakis can prepare your smile for restoration options and increase the effectiveness of orthodontic treatments. Rest assured, at Smiles of Chevy Chase, your simple tooth extraction will be comfortable and quick.
To learn more about simple tooth extractions or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Markogiannakis, contact Smiles of Chevy Chase at 301-652-0656. You can also schedule an appointment by submitting a contact form and a friendly team member will get back to you to answer any questions.
