When we treat our patients, our main goal is to protect their oral health. Most of the time, we can find a solution without needing invasive procedures. However, sometimes it’s necessary to remove a tooth to keep your mouth healthy.
Tooth extractions are one of the general dental services Dr. Joseph Cavallo offers in Woodbridge, Virginia. We know that getting a tooth pulled can make some patients nervous, but our experienced team is here to help you through the process with care and skill.
What is a Tooth Extraction?
A tooth extraction is a dental procedure where Dr. Cavallo removes a tooth from its socket in the jawbone and gum. Dr. Cavallo or an oral surgeon usually performs this procedure using local anesthesia to numb the area and make it as comfortable as possible.
Why Would You Need a Tooth Extraction?
Although tooth extraction isn’t our first choice, sometimes it’s the best option to improve your oral health. Here are a few situations where you might need a tooth removed:
- Severe Decay or Damage: When you have a badly decayed or damaged tooth, we usually try to fix it with fillings or crowns. But if the damage is too extensive, an extraction might be necessary to prevent further infection and pain.
- Gum Disease: Advanced gum disease, known as periodontitis, can cause loose teeth as the supporting bone and tissues are destroyed. In some cases, removing the affected tooth is the best way to protect your overall oral health.
- Impacted Wisdom Teeth: Wisdom teeth often don’t have enough space to come in properly. When they get stuck under the gum line (impacted), they cause pain, infection, and damage to nearby teeth. In these cases, extraction is often the best solution.
- Orthodontic Treatment: Sometimes, removing a tooth is necessary to create enough space for proper alignment during orthodontic treatment.
- Crowding: Overcrowded teeth can cause alignment problems, make cleaning difficult, and increase the risk of dental issues. Extracting a tooth or two can help create space and improve your dental health.
- Risk of Infection: For people with weakened immune systems, like those undergoing chemotherapy or organ transplants, even a minor tooth infection can be risky. In such cases, extraction might be the safest option.
- Trauma: Severely damaged teeth from an accident or injury may need extraction if the dentist can’t save them.
Recovering from a Tooth Extraction
Many people worry about the pain from a tooth extraction, but it’s similar to other dental procedures. You won’t feel any pain during the procedure because of local anesthesia. To help your recovery, there are a few steps you can follow.
Right after the procedure, bite down on a gauze pad placed over the extraction site to help control bleeding. Rest up and avoid heavy activities for at least 24 hours. For the first day, don’t spit, rinse, or use a straw, as these actions can dislodge the blood clot that forms in the socket. Applying an ice pack to the outside of your face near the extraction site can also help reduce swelling.
Stick to soft foods and liquids initially. Gradually add solid foods as you start to heal, and avoid hot foods or drinks right after the extraction procedure.
Continue brushing and flossing gently, but avoid the area around the extraction site. After 24 hours, rinse your mouth with warm saltwater several times a day to aid in healing and keep bacteria at bay.
The initial healing period usually takes about 1 to 2 weeks. During this time, the gum tissue and bone begins to fill in the space left by the extracted tooth. Healing can take several weeks to a few months.
Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars at the back of your mouth. They usually come in during your late teens or early twenties. Sometimes, there isn’t enough room in your mouth for these teeth, which can cause problems. That’s why your dentist might suggest removing them.
If wisdom teeth don’t come in properly, they can get stuck beneath the gum, causing pain and possibly infections. This is called an impacted wisdom tooth. Impacted teeth can also push on other teeth, making them crooked.
Removing wisdom teeth is a common procedure. Dr. Cavallo will use local anesthesia to numb the area, so you won’t feel any pain during the removal. You might feel some discomfort or swelling afterward, but you can manage this with ice packs and over-the-counter pain medicine.
After the procedure, it’s important to follow care instructions. Like a normal extraction, you should rest and avoid hard and crunchy foods. Keep your mouth clean by gently brushing and rinsing with warm saltwater. This helps prevent infections and speeds up healing.
Most people recover from wisdom teeth removal in about 1 to 2 weeks. During this time, your gums will heal and the swelling will go down. If you have any concerns or severe pain, contact Dr. Cavallo for advice.