Are your wisdom teeth causing pain and discomfort? Do you have a tooth abscess or infection? Sometimes, removing problem teeth can prevent complications and save other natural teeth for patients with infected, impacted, and overcrowded teeth. Dental extractions are general dental treatments that prevent tooth pain and the spread of dental infection. At Smiles by Mia, we perform comfortable tooth extraction treatments for patients in Burke, VA.
Tooth Extraction Treatment in Burke, VA
Our dental office provides simple or complex tooth extractions. Simple extractions remove teeth above the gum line. We use a local anesthetic to numb the treated area, then gently rock the tooth back and forth to remove it from the socket. Complex extractions remove teeth that are at or below the gum line. We utilize anesthetic and general anesthesia to ensure patient comfort during this treatment. We may need to cut the gum tissue to access teeth during complex extractions.
After tooth extractions, we place gauze over the tooth socket. Covering and protecting the socket helps create blood clots after several hours of bleeding. Blood clots cover the sensitive nerves in the bone tissue. If this clot is dislodged, patients can experience dry socket, a highly painful dental problem.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the final permanent teeth that emerge behind the back molars. Typically, these teeth erupt when patients are in their late teenage years or early twenties. However, they can emerge earlier or later in life.
Although not every patient needs their wisdom teeth removed, they can become a problem for many patients. The most common wisdom teeth problem is impaction. Impacted teeth do not have enough room to erupt, so they can grow sideways, dig into other teeth, and cause overcrowding.
Patients with impacted teeth can experience pain and discomfort in the back of their mouth. At routine appointments, we take dental x-rays to track when the wisdom teeth emerge. If you feel your wisdom teeth emerging behind your molars, please call our office, and we will determine if you need an extraction. Wisdom teeth extractions can prevent the risk of further pain, infection, and impaction.
Tooth Extraction FAQs
Tooth extraction can be necessary to preserve your oral health. Learn more.
Does a tooth extraction hurt?
During the procedure, you will be given local anesthesia to numb the area, so you should not feel pain. If the extraction is surgical, you may receive sedation to help you relax. After the anesthesia wears off, some discomfort and swelling are normal. To ease recovery, your dentist will provide pain management options, such as medication and cold compresses.
How long does it take to recover from a tooth extraction?
Recovery from a tooth extraction typically takes about one to two weeks. The first 24–48 hours are critical for healing, and you should rest and avoid strenuous activity. Swelling and mild discomfort should improve within a few days. Following aftercare instructions will help speed recovery and prevent complications like dry socket.
What is dry socket, and how can I prevent it?
Dry socket occurs when the blood clot that forms after an extraction becomes dislodged or dissolves too early. This exposes the bone and nerves, causing severe pain and delaying healing. To prevent dry socket, avoid smoking, drinking through a straw, or rinsing forcefully in the first few days after extraction. Contact us immediately if you experience severe pain a few days after the extraction.
Can I eat after a tooth extraction?
Yes, but for the first few days, you should stick to soft foods like yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes, and soup. Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that may irritate the extraction site. As healing progresses, you can slowly reintroduce solid foods. Be sure to chew on the opposite side of the mouth to avoid disturbing the extraction area.
Can I smoke after a tooth extraction?
Smoking after a tooth extraction is strongly discouraged because it increases the risk of dry socket and infection. The sucking motion from smoking can dislodge the blood clot, leading to pain and delayed healing. It’s best to avoid smoking for at least 72 hours after the procedure, but quitting altogether will improve overall oral health.
How long does bleeding last after an extraction?
Bleeding usually stops within a few hours after the procedure, but slight oozing may continue for up to 24 hours. Biting down on gauze for 30–45 minutes helps control bleeding and allows a clot to form. If bleeding persists beyond 24 hours or is excessive, contact us for further instructions.
Request a Dental Consultation
Are your wisdom teeth coming in? Do you need to schedule a tooth extraction? Call Smiles by Mia today at (571) 789-1265 or schedule your next dental visit with us online.