Faith Cousins DDS
General Dentistry located in Silver Spring, MDYour permanent teeth are meant to last a lifetime, but that isn’t always possible as a result of cavities, gum disease, and overcrowding. The team at Faith Cousins, DDS, in Silver Spring, Maryland, regularly performs in-office tooth extractions using safe, effective means. If you’re suffering from a toothache or other problem, don’t hesitate to reach out. Call the office or click the online booking tool today.
Why would I need a tooth extraction?
There are several reasons you might need to have a tooth extracted, including:
Infection
If you develop a cavity and bacteria makes it to the center or pulp of your tooth, you may develop an infection. Root canal therapy may provide relief, but it isn’t always effective. If the infection progresses, your dentist might recommend an extraction to prevent more serious oral health problems.
Risk of infection
If you’re undergoing chemotherapy or preparing to have an organ transplant, you’re at a higher risk of developing an infection. This is also true if you have a weakened immune system due to diabetes or another chronic ailment. Your dentist might recommend extraction as a preemptive measure to prevent more serious health problems in the future.
Overcrowding
If you have a crowded mouth, your teeth are harder to clean. In addition, teeth that are too close to each other can affect your bite or misalign your jaw. If your dentist recommends orthodontic treatment, they might also perform extractions to prepare your teeth for braces.
Impacted wisdom teeth
Your wisdom teeth come in after all of your other permanent teeth. Because of this, there’s often little room left for them to break through the gumline. Impacted wisdom teeth are painful and increase your risk of infection. To prevent these or other problems, your dentist might recommend an extraction.
Is a tooth extraction painful?
Thanks to modern anesthetics and treatment techniques, extractions are safe and well-tolerated. Prior to pulling any of your teeth, your dentist administers a local anesthetic that numbs your teeth and gums. The team at Faith Cousins, DDS, has years of experience performing extractions, ensuring your comfort and safety.
What is recovery like following a tooth extraction?
After completing your tooth extraction, your dentist sends you home with a list of recovery instructions. In the first few days, it’s perfectly normal to experience some mild pain and swelling. Avoid brushing your dry socket, stick to soft foods such as yogurt and soup, and take your medications as prescribed. You should feel back to normal within 3-4 days.
If you’re experiencing a toothache or other similar problem, call the office of Faith Cousins, DDS, or click the online booking tool to make an appointment for a tooth extraction today.