Our Services
Trusted Care for a Healthier Smile
At Sunshine Smiles Dental Care, we strive to restore and maintain damaged teeth. However, extraction is sometimes our only viable option to safeguard your oral health. Whether it’s to alleviate pain, prevent the spread of infection, or make way for orthodontic treatment, Dr. Horng, Dr. Aleman, and our entire team are dedicated to ensuring you are comfortable and well taken care of throughout the procedure.
Why Would You Need to Have a Tooth Extracted?
The following are some reasons you may need to have a tooth extracted:
- Tooth damage beyond repair
- Extensive tooth decay
- Advanced periodontal disease
- A loose tooth
- A failed root canal treatment
- A tooth fracture below the gumline
- A poorly positioned tooth
- Preparing for orthodontic treatment
- A partially erupted tooth
- An impacted tooth
- Problematic wisdom teeth
What Are the Types of Tooth Extraction?
Depending on your unique needs, we may recommend a simple or surgical extraction.
- Simple Extraction: Most teeth require simple extractions. The procedure is performed on teeth visible above the gum line and easily accessible. After numbing the area, we will loosen the tooth and remove it with tools called an elevator and forceps.
- Surgical Extraction: A surgical extraction is a more complex process typically performed on teeth impacted or trapped below the gum line or those that are weak and prone to breakage. The procedure may involve making an incision in the gum tissue and cutting the exposed tooth into sections to facilitate its removal.
Will a Tooth Extraction Hurt?
Before your tooth extraction, we will administer a local anesthetic for your comfort. You may feel some pressure but should not feel pain. If you are anxious about the procedure, we are happy to offer oral conscious sedation to help you feel calm and relaxed.
Depending on your type of extraction, you may feel some discomfort in the following days. We may prescribe pain medication for use as needed.
Promoting Healing After Your Tooth Extraction
You may experience minor bleeding in the first 24 hours after the procedure. You may also have some swelling and pain at the extraction site, which is no cause for alarm. We recommend eating soft foods for a few days as the area heals.
After tooth extraction, a blood clot will form in the tooth’s socket. Avoid spitting, drinking out of a straw, rinsing, or smoking for at least 24 hours. That helps reduce the risk of disrupting the blood clot, which can cause a painful complication called dry socket. If you have questions or concerns in the days following your tooth extraction, contact our office for guidance.
Replacing a Missing Tooth
After having a tooth extracted, we may recommend replacing it with a dental implant, partial denture, or bridge. Otherwise, the surrounding teeth may shift out of position, leading to tooth misalignment and affecting your bite. Leaving a gap in your smile can also make it hard to chew and speak and can cause a host of oral health concerns.
Tooth Extractions Near Me
If you have a damaged or painful tooth, contact Sunshine Smiles Dental Care in Silver Spring, MD, to set up a consultation. If you require a tooth extraction, our experienced dentists will ensure you receive the highest level of care and have the most comfortable and stress-free experience possible.
If you have any questions about tooth extractions or any of our other services, give our office a call at (301) 565-8889. You can also use our online contact form - one of our friendly staff will get back to you as soon as possible. We look forward to delivering the one-of-a-kind dental experience you deserve.