Tooth Extraction in Alexandria

When Might a Dentist in Alexandria Recommend Tooth Extractions

If there’s any way possible to save a damaged or diseased tooth, a dentist will try their best to do so. If that’s not possible, however, or if it could pose a risk to other teeth or the gums, then the dentist may decide that a tooth extraction in Alexandria is the only option to protect your oral health as well as your overall health.

Instances in which a dentist might recommend extracting one or more teeth include the following:

• Cavities or extreme tooth decay
• Severe gum disease
• Fractured or impacted tooth
• Teeth crowding
• Dental injuries, like tooth luxation

Benefits of Pulling a Tooth

There are several benefits to extracting a tooth. Key among them is that it reduces the damaging bacteria that can harm your gums and teeth. Without treatment, a damaged or decayed tooth can damage your appearance and your oral health. The health of your mouth affects the health of your entire body, necessitating the proper care of your oral health.

In addition, having a tooth pulled can almost instantly help relieve dental pain, such as if you have a severely infected or broken tooth.

Who Performs Teeth Extractions?

When having a tooth removed, either your dentist or an oral surgeon will generally perform the procedure. Periodontists can also perform a tooth extraction, however.

Tooth Extraction Cost and Insurance

The cost of extractions varies depending on several factors including your general health, the location of the tooth needing to be pulled and the extent of the damage. Dental insurance usually does not cover this type of procedure.

Steps of the Extraction Procedure

Ahead of the Procedure

Your dentist will assess the tooth and the gums surrounding it and take dental X-rays to assess the extent of the damage and bone levels.

Inform your dentist of all your medications and supplements, both prescription and OTC.

During the Procedure

You’ll receive local anesthesia to number the tooth and surrounding area. Then, the dentist will loosen and lift the tooth from place. The dentist may need to make incisions to access it, such as if it’s broken off or decayed. The dentist next cleans and disinfects the socket. The dentist may also use a bone graft and/or stitches if necessary.

Tooth Removal Aftercare

After a tooth extraction in Alexandria, the dentist will provide you with a list outlining specific post-procedure directions, which generally include:

Ensure the extraction site remains clean.

To ensure proper tooth extraction healing, rinse the area gently two or three times daily using an antiseptic mouth rinse. Don’t brush direction over the site unless your dentist in Alexandria has told you it’s safe for you to do that. However, continue to brush and floss every other part of your mouth as normal.

Adhere to your medication protocols.

Take all the medications your dentist prescribed, such as pain relievers and antibiotics as directed. Unless your dentist says otherwise, you can take over-the-counter pain relief medications like ibuprofen and acetaminophen as well.

Avoid straining yourself.

For at least two days after the procedure, stay away from strenuous activity. Avoid going to the gym for the first two to three days. Elevating your heart rate can raise your discomfort level and induce post-procedure bleeding. Your dentist will instruct you on when you’re ready to resume your normal activities.

What can you eat after a tooth extraction?

For the first few days after the procedure, stay away from crunchy and hard foods. Make sure you have plenty of soft foods like applesauce, yogurt, eggs, pasta, and rice on hand. In addition, avoid using a straw to drink, since it can cause blood clots to dislodge and lead to dry sockets.

How long is it before you can return to school or work?

Generally, people are able to go back to school or work within one or two days after the procedure. If your job requires a lot of physical labor or heavy lifting, you could have to take a bit more time off of work.

When should you contact your dentist?

If you develop dental pain or a toothache, call us to set up an appointment with a dentist in Alexandria. We can help you determine what’s causing it and help you figure out and implement the most appropriate treatment.

If you’ve had a tooth pulled already, call us at Dental Care of Alexandria & McLean in Alexandria if you develop a fever higher than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius, the extraction site produces pus or drainage around it, or you experience extreme pain that medication is unable to relieve.