Many patients think getting a tooth pulled is painful. But removing problem teeth can actually help prevent crowding, crooked teeth, decay, and other damage. At Coastal General Dentistry, we make sure extractions are a painless general treatment for our patients.
Extractions are the best choice for impacted and severely decayed teeth. When tooth decay destroys the enamel, it can harm your gums and lead to gum disease. Sometimes, removing a tooth is the best way to protect your oral health. Dr. Cappy Sinclair and Dr. Mark Reichley perform extractions in our Virginia Beach office to keep your smile healthy.
Tooth Extraction Services in Virginia Beach, VA
We provide two types of tooth extractions: simple and complex. Simple extractions remove teeth that are above the gum line, and we use local anesthesia to make this quick and easy. For teeth that are at or below the gum line, we perform complex extractions. We use sedation to keep you calm during these procedures.
We may also perform surgical extractions if you’re replacing a tooth with an implant or bridge. This is similar to complex extractions. Our experienced oral surgeon will make a small incision in the gum to access the tooth. This may involve removing bone or cutting the tooth into sections for easier removal.
After we extract the tooth, we will carefully stitch up the incision to promote proper healing. Our team will provide detailed aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery process. We will also discuss any necessary follow-up appointments to monitor your healing progress.
At our practice, we prioritize your comfort and safety during all dental procedures, including extractions. Trust our skilled team to provide gentle and effective care for your dental needs.
The Tooth Extraction Process
The extraction process is straightforward. First, we numb your mouth with local anesthetic. The dentist will then gently loosen the tooth before pulling it out of the socket. Once the tooth is out, we place gauze over the site to help form a clot.
If the clot comes out, it can lead to a dry socket, which can be very painful. Let us know if this happens. We also prescribe pain medicine to make your recovery easier.
After the extraction, you’ll need to eat soft foods and avoid the area for a few days while it heals. If you have bleeding at the site after a few days, call us right away. We’ll provide emergency care to control the bleeding and see what’s wrong.
The cost of extractions can vary based on a few things, including:
- The type of tooth being removed
- The complexity of the procedure
- The number of teeth
- Additional treatments, like surgery or antibiotics
Wisdom teeth removal can cost more depending on how complicated it is. Pulling more than one tooth can also affect the price.
Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth are the last set of adult teeth to come in. They usually erupt when you’re in your late teens or early twenties, but sometimes happens later. You may feel pain behind your back molars when they begin to come in.
Most of the time, there isn’t enough space in your mouth for wisdom teeth, so they push against other teeth or grow at odd angles. Contact us if you notice this happening or feel pain because you might have impacted wisdom teeth.
Not everyone needs their wisdom teeth pulled, but we recommend regular visits so we can keep an eye on them. X-rays are important because they help us see things you might not notice, like wisdom teeth that haven’t come in yet. Schedule your wisdom tooth extractions today, and we’ll make sure you have a pain-free experience.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
Taking care of your mouth after a tooth extraction is key to making sure it heals properly.
Right After the Tooth Extraction Procedure
Once the tooth is removed, you’ll need to bite down on gauze to stop the bleeding and help a blood clot form. Keep gently biting on the gauze for about 30 minutes. If the bleeding doesn’t stop after you remove the gauze, put in a fresh piece and keep biting until the bleeding slows.
For pain and discomfort, over-the-counter pain relievers can help. You can also use a cold compress to reduce swelling and bruising. For the first 24 hours, use the compress for 15 minutes at a time with 15 minutes in between. If you have extreme pain or bleeding, call our office right away.
In The Days After Tooth Removal in Virginia Beach, VA
Be careful when brushing your teeth. Don’t brush or rinse near the extraction site to avoid disturbing the blood clot. You can start rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater after the first day, especially after meals. This will help with healing and keep the area clean.
Avoid using tobacco for at least 72 hours. Nicotine affects blood flow, which can slow down healing. Also, stay away from using straws. Both of these can lead to dry socket, which is painful.
Stick to soft foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt, and soup for a few days. Avoid chewing near the extraction site, and don’t eat anything very hot or cold. Slowly introduce more solid foods as you feel ready.
Take it easy for at least 24 hours after the extraction. Avoid heavy lifting or hard exercise, as these can cause bleeding or disturb the blood clot. This is a good time to rest and avoid anything that raises blood flow to your face and neck.
Tooth Extraction FAQs
Is Wisdom Tooth Removal Always Necessary?
Most of the time, wisdom teeth need to be removed. If left in, they can cause many dental problems later, like crooked teeth, jaw issues, or unexplained tooth pain.
Is it Better to Remove or Repair a Damaged Tooth?
Dentists usually recommend repairing a damaged tooth instead of removing it. Removal is the best option in severe cases, but keeping natural teeth is better for your overall oral health.
Can I Go to Work After Tooth Extraction?
Our dentist does not recommend to return to work the same day. You need time to let the extraction site heal. For the first few days, avoid hard foods, smoking, using straws, and chewing sticky foods. Give yourself 2-3 days to heal before going back to work.
How Long Should I Rest After An Extraction?
Patients should rest for at least 24-72 hours after a tooth extraction. Rest is the most important part of the healing process.
How Can I Heal Faster After a Tooth Extraction?
To speed up healing, get plenty of rest and follow a soft food diet for the first few days. Avoid smoking and using straws, as these can lead to dry socket and slow down healing.
How Long Will the Pain Last After a Tooth Extraction?
Swelling and pain are normal after a tooth extraction. The worst pain usually happens in the first few days, but it should lessen after 24 hours.
Schedule a Consultation Today
Do you need your wisdom teeth removed? Are toothaches or decay affecting your smile? Contact us at 757-216-9914 for comfortable dental extractions in Virginia Beach, or request an appointment online. Our team is here to answer any questions and help you feel your best.