Protect Your Smile with a Tooth Extraction
Our goal is always to save your natural teeth rather than extract them. However, in some cases, a tooth extraction is the best way to protect the health of your smile. Dr. Victor R. Siegel focuses on treating the underlying cause of your symptoms. At our Rockville, MD, practice, we emphasize solutions which maintain both your oral and overall health. If a tooth has been severely damaged and is beyond repair, Dr. Siegel can perform a safe and virtually painless extraction. We always ensure we have a plan in place for replacing an extracted tooth to maintain the integrity of your smile.
Reasons for an Extraction
There are a variety of situations which would prompt Dr. Siegel to recommend an extraction over an alternative restorative solution. Some common reasons to extract a permanent tooth include:
- Severe decay or damage
- Infection which does not respond to root canal therapy
- A very loose tooth
- Overcrowding
- Periodontal disease
When a tooth becomes impacted, or stuck, below the gum line, an extraction can prevent damage to other aspects of your smile. This is especially common with wisdom teeth. In some cases, Dr. Siegel will also extract baby teeth which do not fall out in time for permanent teeth to erupt.
Planning Your Treatment
Dr. Siegel can determine if a tooth needs to be removed during a regular appointment at our office. Before performing the extraction, Dr. Siegel will discuss your options for replacing the tooth with you. In the past, the only option for replacing a single tooth was a traditional dental bridge.
When serious issues arise, an extraction may be the best way to protect your overall oral health.
However, at Dr. Siegel's practice, we offer dental implants as an alternative to traditional tooth replacement options. A dental crown supported by an implant offers a healthier and more stable option for replacing the extracted tooth. You can learn more about your candidacy for a dental implant during your appointment.
The Extraction Procedure
Before removing the tooth, Dr. Siegel will completely numb the area around it with a local anesthetic. Then he will grasp the tooth with forceps and gently move it back and forth to loosen it. In some cases, he may need to remove some gum and bone tissue or extract the tooth in pieces. Once the tooth is removed, Dr. Siegel will place a gauze pad into the socket to encourage a blood clot to form in the area. Dr. Siegel may also perform socket preservation to help avoid deterioration of jawbone density.
Recovery and Aftercare
It is important to carefully follow all of our instructions after your tooth is removed to avoid issues with your oral health. We recommend relaxing for at least 24 hours and limiting your activity for a few days to allow your body time to heal. You should also avoid rinsing or spitting forcefully, or using a straw for the first 24 hours. Eat soft foods and avoid tobacco products as you heal to speed your recovery.
Maintain Your Oral Health
At the practice of Victor R. Siegel, DDS, we focus on prevention because we know how important it is to keep your natural teeth. However, when serious issues arise, an extraction may be the best way to protect your overall oral health. If you are concerned about an infected or damaged tooth, contact our office online or call (301) 963-4330 to speak to a member of our team about your options today.
