Do you have impacted wisdom teeth? We provide tooth extraction treatment in our Suffolk, VA dental office. At Gwaltney Dental, Dr. Whitney Gwaltney, Steve Gwaltney, and Dr. J. Ryland Gwaltney offer general dentistry treatments to help maintain the health of the teeth and gums. Tooth extractions are needed when teeth are severely infected, damaged, or overcrowded. We can also remove impacted teeth that can cause pain for some patients.
When is a Tooth Extraction Needed?
If you have an infection or tooth decay, it is essential to see a dentist as soon as possible. If dental plaque has accumulated in the area, it could lead to further damage of your teeth and gums. We do our best to try and save the tooth from extraction before recommending this treatment. There are several reasons why patients require tooth extraction treatment, including:
Cavities
Cavities are caused when bacteria erode the enamel and infect the pulp within the tooth chamber. Root canal treatment can remove this infection and reseal the tooth with a dental filling. However, if the tooth is severely infected and weakened, it will need to be removed.
Orthodontic treatment
Overcrowded teeth affected by malocclusion, also known as tooth misalignment, may require the extraction of one tooth to make space for remaining teeth. Tooth extraction treatment is needed for more severe cases of malocclusion and overcrowding. Then, patients can undergo orthodontic care.
Wisdom tooth extraction
The wisdom teeth are also known as third molars, and are the last teeth to emerge. Impacted wisdom teeth occur when the teeth do not have enough room to emerge. This can cause pain and even infection. We suggest that patients with painful wisdom teeth receive tooth extraction treatment.
Tooth Extraction Treatment at Gwaltney Dental
Some patients may think that a tooth extraction is painful, but we will numb the area for pain-free treatment. The extraction itself usually lasts around 10 minutes. During the extraction procedure, we loosen the tooth gently and then remove it. The dentist will numb the area and remove the tooth with forceps. The gums and bone will then be cleaned and covered with stitches if necessary. Then, we pack the socket with gauze.
We recommend that patients eat soft foods and apply an icepack to the side of their face to combat swelling. Patients can also brush and floss regularly but take care to avoid the socket.
Replacing Teeth After Extraction
Most dentists would agree that a dental implant supported restoration is the best way to replace a missing tooth. We can easily replace an extracted tooth with a single dental implant after tooth extraction treatment. When necessary, we will place a temporary crown on the tooth for aesthetic purposes. The implant will need about three to six months to fuse with the surrounding bone before a permanent crown is secured.
If you are having several teeth extracted, we can replace them with multiple dental implants and a bridge or denture.
Tooth Extraction FAQs
What should I avoid after tooth extraction?
After a tooth extraction, we recommend avoiding any foods that are difficult to chew. We also recommend avoiding drinks that are particularly hot or cold, as this may cause sensitivity. Patients should refrain from drinking through a straw as this may cause a dry socket. They should also avoid smoking and any tobacco products, as this will slow healing.
What happens if you eat too soon after tooth extraction?
If you eat too soon after a tooth extraction you run the risk of increased bleeding or dislodging the blood clot. This can make your recovery longer and more difficult. We recommend sticking to a soft diet for at least a few days after any tooth extraction.
What are the restrictions after having a tooth extracted?
Over the first few days after an extraction, avoid meals that are crunchy or hard. We recommend stocking up on soft foods like rice, pasta, eggs, yogurt, and applesauce. You should refrain from using straws when drinking because they might create dry sockets and dislodge blood clots.
Request A Dental Exam Today
Remove infected, painful, or overcrowded teeth with comfortable care in our Suffolk, VA office. Schedule a consultation with one of our dentists online or call us at 757.982.8467.