Do you have an impacted wisdom tooth? Are you experiencing severe tooth pain? Dr. Paul Karpovich provides tooth extractions as a general dentistry treatment for his patients in Timonium, MD. Tooth extractions are needed when patients have damaged or decayed teeth.
If patients have wisdom teeth coming in, they may need to be removed to prevent impaction.
If damaged or infected teeth are removed, they need to be replaced with dental implants. We will refer you to a specialist for implant surgery, however, we can provide the dental crown. Addressing missing teeth prevents gum disease, tooth cavities, and further tooth loss. Restoring the dental structure also prevents facial sagging and speech problems. Wisdom teeth do not need to be replaced; their sockets will close up after extraction.
Tooth Extractions in Timonium, MD
To begin tooth extraction treatment, Dr. Karpovich will numb the area to minimize discomfort. He may also use sedation or localized anesthesia 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. It is normal for the socket to bleed for 30 t0 60 minutes after extraction.
Avoid smoking or drinking through a straw for at least 24 hours after your extraction as this may impact the healing process. For any pain or swelling, apply a cold cloth or ice to the side of your face. We will prescribe pain medication for you as needed. Brush and floss gently, avoiding the socket.
What is a Dry Socket?
A dry socket is a condition that may develop after a tooth is extracted. It happens when your blood clot dislodges before the socket can fully heal. 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 so we can help alleviate your pain and provide the appropriate treatment.
Tooth Extraction FAQs
Tooth extractions are common procedures that happen every day in the dentist office. Learn more about extractions with the answers to these frequently 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. You should 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. Do your best to avoid chewing in the area where we extracted the tooth.
What shouldn’t I do after a tooth extraction?
For the first 24 hours, the focus 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?
For the first 24 hours, avoid rinsing the area, as 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 of 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.
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 dental office at (410) 221-3085. You may also request a consultation with Dr. Karpovich online.