Tooth Extractions An Overview

When your tooth has been damaged or decayed, our dentist will do everything possible to save it. But sometimes the best option for your long-term dental health is to remove the tooth. When you need a tooth extraction, our team at the Maryland Center for Complete Dentistry will work hard to keep you comfortable and relaxed during your treatment. 

If you need a tooth extraction in Owings Mills, call our office at  (410) 356-8400 to schedule an appointment! We look forward to helping you take care of your oral health. 

Even though it may sound counterproductive, there are several reasons why you might need to have a tooth pulled for the sake of your dental health. These can include, but are not limited to: 

• Advanced gum disease
• Trauma to the mouth
• Advanced tooth decay
• Impacted or crowded teeth
• A fractured tooth

In some cases, Dr. Silverman may be able to provide other treatments to save and restore your tooth. But if you do need an extraction, you can rely on our experienced team in Owings Mills to take care of your dental health. 

How Does a Tooth Extraction Treatment Work?

Our dentist, Dr. Jonathan Silverman, will thoroughly examine your teeth and gums at your first appointment. This may include x-ray imaging or other diagnostic procedures. Dr. Silverman will verify that removing the tooth is the best choice for your oral health and answer any questions you might have about the procedure. 

Our Owings Mills dental office is fully equipped to provide extraction services, so you will be able to get all of your treatment handled in one location. 

On the day of your extraction, our team will administer either a local or general anesthetic, depending on your preference. This will help prevent discomfort and keep you relaxed during your treatment. 

The type of extraction you receive will depend on your specific dental needs. In many cases, the dentist can use specialized tools to pull the tooth from the gums. If the tooth has broken off at the gum line, if it is very badly decayed, or if it is impacted in the gums, we may need to create an incision in your gums to extract all of the tooth, including the root. 

Once the tooth has been extracted, your gums will receive a thorough cleaning and disinfection at the extraction site. This will help to prevent infection or disease while your gums are healing. 

You may or may not receive stitches, but you will have cotton or gauze placed over your extraction site that should be left on until a blood clot forms. The blood clot is important for healing your gums.

Follow these tips to ensure a quick and smooth recovery following your tooth extraction:

• Keep The Gauze Pad In Place: For the First Few Hours, Bite Down On The Gauze Pad To Help Form A Blood Clot.
• Do Not Spit or Rinse Vigorously: It can cause the clot to be dislodged and slow healing.
• Take Prescribed Medication: Follow the instructions of Dr. Silverman for pain management and antibiotics if prescribed.
• Ice Packs: Use ice packs in the first 24 hours to reduce swelling.
• Follow Dietary Guidelines: Avoid spicy or hot foods for a couple of days.
• Maintain Dental Hygiene: Cleanse your mouth gently by brushing it and rinsing it with a solution of saltwater, while avoiding the extraction area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact the Maryland Center for Complete Dentistry, located in Owings Mills MD, if you are concerned about your dental health or need to have a tooth extracted. Dr. Silverman's compassionate team is here to offer you the expert care that you need.