New Patients (410) 221-3085

Current Patients (410) 628-6070

1 Texas Station Ct Suite 110 Timonium, MD 21093

Tooth Extraction Timonium MD

Do you have an impacted wisdom tooth? Are you experiencing severe tooth pain? Dr. Paul Karpovich provides tooth extraction treatment as a part of general dentistry for his patients in Timonium, MD. Tooth extractions are needed when patients have damaged or decayed teeth. Removing problem teeth and sometimes replacing them can improve your oral health.

Tooth Extraction in Timonium, MD

Why Do I Need to Remove My Teeth?

If patients have wisdom teeth coming in, they may need to be removed to prevent impaction. Additionally, we need to remove damaged or infected teeth. You can replace them with dental implants. We will refer you to a specialist for implant surgery. However, we can provide the dental crown, bridge, or denture.

Replacing missing teeth prevents gum disease, tooth cavities, and further loss. Restoring the dental structure also prevents facial sagging and speech problems. Wisdom teeth need not be replaced; their sockets will close up after extraction.

Tooth Extraction Treatments in Timonium, MD

There are two types of dental extractions: simple and complex. Dr. Karpovich will replace a tooth above the gum line during a simple extraction. It can take minutes to complete this treatment. Dr. Karpovich removes a tooth at or below the gum line during a complex extraction. Most wisdom tooth extractions are complex and may take hours to complete. Treatment time will also depend on the level of tooth impaction.

To begin tooth extraction treatment, Dr. Karpovich will numb the area to minimize discomfort. He may also use sedation or localized anesthetic for the patient’s comfort during the procedure. Then, Dr. Karpovich will loosen and pull the tooth.

After the tooth is extracted, the socket is packed with gauze. The socket can bleed 30 to 60 minutes after extraction. Replace this gauze as needed until the bleeding stops.

Depending on the length of treatment, you may receive sedation. Ensure you have transportation to and from your appointment. Rest and take off work after a tooth extraction if you need a complex extraction.

Post-Extraction Instructions

Avoid smoking or drinking through a straw for at least 24 hours after your extraction. This may dislodge the protective blood clot that forms on the extraction site. Additionally, avoid rinsing your mouth to prevent this problem. It can also lengthen the healing process.

Apply a cold cloth or ice to the side of your face for any pain or swelling. We will prescribe pain medication for you as needed. About 24 hours after the procedure, you can brush your teeth. Brush and floss gently, avoiding the socket.

Within one to two weeks, your extraction sites will close. Before that time, you can rinse debris and food from the sockets to keep them clean.

What is a Dry Socket?

A dry socket is a condition that may develop after removing a tooth. A blood clot typically forms over the tooth socket. However, if this clot does not form or dislodges before the socket can fully heal, it creates dry socket. This condition can delay your healing and cause sudden, intense pain.

Please call us if you are concerned that you may have a dry socket. We can provide recommendations for your pain. Pain medication and gentle care can help you as you heal.

Tooth Extraction FAQs

Tooth extractions are standard procedures we perform every day in our office. Learn more about tooth extraction in our Timonium, MD, office with the answers to these commonly asked questions:

What shouldn’t I do before a tooth extraction?

Don’t eat a heavy meal right before your extraction. If you request sedation, the impact of the anesthetic can make you nauseous. It would be best if you also avoid smoking or using tobacco for at least 24 hours before your appointment. Avoid drinking alcohol or taking aspirin before the procedure, too. Both of these things can increase bleeding when the extraction takes place.

When can I eat after a tooth extraction?

Wait until the local anesthetic has worn off before you attempt to eat anything. For the first 24 hours after the extraction, stick to drinks or extremely soft foods like pudding or Jell-O. You can slowly work up to eating other foods like mashed potatoes or pasta in the days following. Please do your best to avoid chewing in the area where we extracted the tooth.

What shouldn’t I do after a tooth extraction?

The focus for the first 24 hours is ensuring the blood clot forms properly. Don’t do anything that creates suction in the mouth, such as drinking through a straw. We recommend you avoid substances like tobacco and alcohol, as these can slow the healing process and irritate the forming clot. It can cause dry socket and other, more serious, complications.

Should I rinse my mouth after a tooth extraction?

Avoid rinsing the area for the first 24 hours. This can create suction and dislodge the clot. After this timeframe, rinsing your mouth a few times daily with warm salt water benefits the healing process and keeps the area clean.

How should I brush my teeth after a tooth extraction?

Be extremely careful when you’re brushing your teeth after extraction. Don’t run your toothbrush over the area where the tooth was extracted. Use a soft-bristled brush, and brush all your other teeth very gently. Don’t rinse your mouth out or use mouthwash until the first 24 hours have passed.

Do I need a tooth extraction?

We practice conservative dentistry at our office, preserving natural tooth structure. But sometimes, an extraction is the best option for your oral health.

Common reasons include baby teeth that won’t come out, severely decayed or damaged teeth, or crowded teeth requiring extraction to proceed with orthodontic treatment. Wisdom teeth often need extraction as well. If you’re concerned you may need a tooth extraction, call our office to schedule an appointment immediately.

Do tooth extractions hurt?

Before our dentist removes a tooth, he will give you a local anesthetic. It numbs the area around the tooth, so you won’t feel pain during the extraction. While the tooth is being removed, you might feel some pressure or tugging, but you shouldn’t feel sharp pain. If you do, let us know right away.

After the numbing wears off, you can feel some soreness or discomfort in your mouth where the tooth was removed. This is usually mild and can be managed with over-the-counter pain medicine.

When can I replace my tooth or teeth after a tooth extraction?

After a tooth is removed, the area needs time to heal. This usually takes about 1 to 2 weeks. During this time, the gums will close up, and any swelling will decrease.

After your extraction, your dentist will schedule a follow-up appointment to check how well you are healing. This is a good time to talk about when you can replace your tooth. If you are getting a dental implant you may need to wait around 3 to 6 months for the bone to heal properly. This healing allows the implant to be placed securely.

Schedule a Dental Appointment for a Tooth Extraction

Are your wisdom teeth coming in? Do you have severely infected or damaged teeth? Call Dr. Karpovich if you require dental extraction treatment. Contact his Timonium, MD, dental office for a tooth extraction at (410) 221-3085. You may also schedule an appointment with Dr. Karpovich online.