Expert Care for Safe, Gentle Tooth Removal
At Drewyer Dentistry, our focus is on preventive care, but we also perform tooth extractions when necessary. We aim to help you avoid extractions by keeping your oral health strong through regular cleanings, healthy diet guidance, and treatment for gum disease, cavities, and infections. As a general dentist, we also restore damaged teeth to help you maintain your natural smile for years. If you’re experiencing pain or need tooth repair, call 301-622-1717 to schedule an exam. We’ll determine whether your tooth can be saved or if extraction is the best option to stop infection and relieve discomfort—all while keeping you comfortable throughout the process.
The Process of Having a Tooth Extraction
If you do need to have a tooth extraction, there are several ways that we can go about the procedure. First, we will numb the area of your mouth so that you do not feel any direct discomfort. You may feel some pressure during the procedure but otherwise remain relaxed and comfortable. If your tooth has matured and broken through the gums, we can use dental tools to gently loosen and remove it from the socket. Afterward, the area will be cleaned thoroughly, and gauze will be used to stop the bleeding while you recover.
If your tooth is impacted or still below the surface—as is common with wisdom teeth—oral surgery may be necessary. When completing this procedure in our dental office, we typically create a small incision in the gums to access the impacted tooth. In many cases, we can lift the tooth out of the socket, but if there is bone or tissue on top, it may need to be gently removed first. Occasionally, if the tooth is particularly stubborn, it might be sectioned into smaller pieces for easier removal. Once the tooth has been removed, the area is cleaned before the flap is repositioned and sutured. Gauze is then applied to stop the bleeding.
How to Care for Your Mouth After a Tooth Extraction
At Drewyer Dentistry, we perform extractions in the least invasive manner possible to minimize discomfort and recovery time. Most patients recover in the office for about an hour while we ensure that bleeding has slowed and anesthesia is wearing off. We typically recommend having someone drive you home after your procedure.
During recovery, eat soft, nutritious foods such as soups, yogurt, and smoothies made with fruits, vegetables, and protein powder. As healing progresses, gradually reintroduce soft foods like noodles before returning to your normal diet.
To keep your mouth clean, brush your surrounding teeth gently, avoiding the surgical site. You may rinse with warm salt water or an antibacterial mouthwash to reduce infection risk. We may schedule a follow-up appointment to check your healing progress.
Signs That You Might Need a Tooth Extraction
At Drewyer Dentistry, we emphasize preventive care but can also help in emergencies. If you feel intense discomfort in your tooth or jaw, contact us right away, as this may indicate a dental abscess or infection. Pain when chewing, swelling, bleeding, or pus are also signs that you should call 301-622-1717 and schedule an appointment with our dental office as soon as possible.
What You Should Know About Wisdom Teeth Removal
If you still have your wisdom teeth, you may need to have them removed. We invite you to schedule an appointment at Drewyer Dentistry so we can examine your teeth and take X-rays to determine whether removal is necessary. Not everyone requires wisdom teeth extraction—it depends on how much space you have and whether the teeth are growing in straight or impacted.
The process of removing wisdom teeth is similar to other extractions, though it’s often recommended during the teenage years to prevent potential complications. General extractions, on the other hand, are more common in adults when a tooth becomes severely damaged or infected. To find out whether your wisdom teeth should be removed, call 301-622-1717 to schedule an appointment.