Brighter Smile Family Dentistry and Orthodontics is a full-service dental practice that offers many dental solutions. We offer a full range of treatment options, including simple and complex tooth extractions. Dr. Zahra Kavianpour leads a committed team of professionals who help each of our patients get their best smiles back. We will examine your teeth, gums, and bone structure to determine if you need a tooth extraction in Sterling, VA. Our goal is to build a treatment plan that is right for you.
Reasons For Tooth Extractions
- Impacted tooth: Impacted teeth are teeth that don’t emerge past the bone or gums. In these cases, the tooth will need extraction to avoid pain, discomfort, or infection.
- Deep tooth decay: If the decay reaches the pulp of the tooth, extraction may be necessary.
- Gum disease: in advanced cases of gum disease, it can lead to extensive tooth damage.
- To prepare for braces: If you have overcrowding teeth, you may need a tooth extraction to make room for braces.
- Damaged teeth: We extract teeth that are too damaged to be saved.
Tooth Extraction in Sterling, VA
Tooth extractions are either a simple extraction or a surgical extraction. Both types of extractions are performed under a form of sedation dentistry to ensure that patients are comfortable and relaxed throughout all phases of their care.
- Simple extractions: Simple extractions occur when the tooth is fully erupted and visible from the gum line. It is then easily accessible by the dentist. Your dentist will use special dental tools to grasp the tooth and remove it from the socket. Most simple tooth extractions can be completed in under 40 minutes.
- Surgical extractions: A dentist performs a surgical extraction when the tooth has not erupted and is not visible from the gum line. Surgery may also be necessary when the tooth is impacted, severely damaged, or has curved or long roots. These circumstances make it difficult for the dentist to remove it with standard forceps. A small incision is made into the gum tissue, and a small amount of the bone structure is removed to access the tooth. The procedure typically takes longer, often about 40 – 60 minutes or longer depending on the complexity of the case.
Wisdom Teeth Removal in Sterling, VA
Wisdom teeth, also known as the third molars, usually develop in the late teens or early twenties. They are the final set of molars that develop in the back of the mouth; two on top and two on the bottom. As we have evolved as humans, there is often not enough space to accommodate these teeth. This is why many dentists recommend removing wisdom teeth to avoid complications in the future.
Why Do I Need to Remove My Wisdom Teeth?
Due to limited space in the back of the mouth, sometimes wisdom teeth are known to not fully erupt or not erupt properly. The can erupt in the incorrect position and become blocked by other teeth or bone. When this happens, they can become impacted in the jaw bone, which may lead to pain and discomfort. Sometimes an impacted wisdom tooth can lead to a more serious problem such as a cyst formation, infection, damage to surrounding teeth, or damage to the surrounding bone.
In other cases, wisdom teeth can simply add pressure on the teeth, gums, and surrounding nerves. This can make chewing and speaking uncomfortable and lead to minor discomfort and pain. Oftentimes, if wisdom teeth are not causing too much of a problem, they will eventually succumb to decay. They are very hard to access therefore they are very difficult to keep clean.
Our team at Brighter Smile Family Dentistry and Orthodontics can assess the condition of your wisdom teeth and determine if removal is necessary. During your regular dental appointments, we will also take X-rays and examine your teeth. Our team makes every effort to keep you informed and comfortable throughout all phases of your care.
Wisdom teeth removal is a common dental procedure. We use local local anesthesia or sedation to ensure your comfort during your appointment. Our team will send home with after care instructions to promote proper healing and to eliminate any chance of complications.
Replacing Extracted Teeth
Missing teeth can affect the health and function of your smile, so it is important to find the right tooth replacement for your needs. Patients with wisdom teeth and overcrowded teeth don’t need to replace them when they’re extracted. Other extracted teeth need replacement. We offer a full range of tooth replacement options, including dental implants, dental bridges, and dentures.
The type of tooth replacement you receive will depend on the number and location of your missing teeth, as well as your cosmetic goals. Dr. Kavianpour and our team will work with you to explore all of your options. For patients who are receiving dental implants, we can perform all phases of your care in the comfort of our Sterling dental office.
Tooth Extraction FAQs
Every patient has a different understanding about dental procedures. Some of our patients know what to expect during a tooth extraction while others have many questions. The following are answers to common questions we get asked about tooth extractions.
Will I need dental sedation for a tooth extraction?
Most patients undergoing tooth extraction get dental sedation. Sedation ensures that you don’t feel nerve pain during the extraction procedure. Some patients may request not to be sedated. This is unusual and not recommended unless there is a medical reason.
How painful is tooth extraction?
The tooth extraction process is typically not painful since your dentist will use local anesthetic and oral sedation if you choose so. You will only feel the dentist rocking the tooth back and forth as well as them tugging the tooth from the socket. However, once those wear off, you will likely feel some level of discomfort. In most cases, your dentist will suggest over the counter painkillers to help manage the pain.
How long does the average tooth extraction take?
The procedure can vary depending on many factors. Some extractions are more complex than others and the location of the tooth will also determine the length of your appointment. If you are in good oral health, your procedure will go more smoothly and faster. On average, a tooth extraction should take under an hour from start to finish. If you have to have multiple teeth extracted it may be a longer process. For each additional tooth, it typically takes an extra 10-20 minutes.
How long does it take to recover after a tooth extraction?
Every patient heals at a different rate. The recovery time after a tooth extraction will vary depending on how complex the case was and how well the patient heals. In most cases, it will at least take a few days for the extraction site to heal. For some, this could take a week or longer. During this healing period, it is very important to follow all of your aftercare instructions and extraction site care guidelines that we provide you.
What can I eat after a tooth extraction?
You will be able to eat after your appointment however you will need to follow some basic guidelines. It is best to avoid eating or drinking immediately after your appointment while you are still numb. This is simply because you can harm yourself from not being able to feel anything. Once the anesthesia wears off, you can gradually start eating food. Start with soft foods that are cool such as jello, yogurt, or cooled down mashed potatoes. You should avoid hot, hard, or overly crunchy items that could irritate your extraction site.
Can I smoke after a tooth extraction?
You should not smoke after your procedure. This will create suction which will disrupt your healing blood clot in the socket. Suction can cause the clot to come loose and lead to condition known as “dry socket.” This is a painful condition that should be avoided at all costs. We suggest avoiding smoking for about a week following the extraction.
Brighter Smile Family Dentistry and Orthodontics is a full-service dental office that can provide you with a tooth extraction in Sterling, VA. Our dental practice includes a full range of dental treatments to help improve the health and function of your smile. If you would like to learn more about the tooth extraction procedure or one of our other services, call 703.444.3412 or request an appointment online.