Teeth
Extractions
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Emergencies
You suddenly feel a ‘crack’ in your back tooth as you bite into an almond or another hard object. Your teen gets elbowed in the mouth at soccer practice and you know something is wrong. Perhaps you were at work and suddenly felt pain in a tooth. You visit your dentist and are told the tooth has deep decay, is fractured, or has an abscess and it cannot be saved. For teeth extractions, whether an emergency or not, we offer innovative techniques and approaches for a painless and pleasant experience and a rapid recovery.
Call us at 301-654-7070 for immediate assistance.
Atraumatic Technique for Faster Healing
With our non-invasive extraction techniques along with extensive experience of a board-certified oral surgeon, teeth extractions are completed in a few minutes with minimal discomfort and complications. Such techniques help to minimize or avoid post-operative swelling, infections, and dry-sockets which are often related to invasive and traumatic surgical approaches. Patients also experience less pain during and after the extraction and return to work or school in less time.
For enhanced healing, ask for platelet rich grow factor placement into the extraction site.
Why Teeth Require Extraction?
Teeth may require extraction for several reasons:
- Severe pain where root canal is not possible or desired
- Significant caries hence making the tooth non-restorable
- Infection or abscess
- Significant bone and tissue loss from gum disease (periodontitis)
- Tooth fractures (broken)
- Injuries
- Bony cysts
- For orthodontic reasons
Treatment Options Following Extractions
Dr. Kazemi will initially examine your tooth in question and evaluate X-rays provided by your dentist. Anesthesia options will be discussed, and other X-rays may be taken. You are then prepared for the extraction. Depending on the tooth’s location, root anatomy, and health of the surrounding tissues, bone grafting or immediate implant placement after the extraction of the tooth may be recommended.
Tooth Replacement Options
There are several tooth replacement options following extraction. Dental implants are the most ideal and currently the standard-of-care for long-term tooth replacement.
Another option is a conventional dental bridge which is very invasive and requires reduction (cutting down) of adjacent teeth, hence not recommended. Many of the supporting teeth suffer recurrent caries, root canal complications, and fractures resulting in eventual need for extraction. Patients are highly discouraged from getting conventional dental bridges.
The final option is a removable partial denture which uses clasps and denture saddle for support. Unfortunately, partial dentures are quite unsightly and cause damage to supporting teeth and underlying bone, hence not recommended.
Anesthesia For Managing Your Anxiety
Anxiety is not uncommon among people having teeth extractions. This anxiety is mostly related to hearing others’ bad experiences with excessive pain, swelling, or complications. We resolve this in several ways. First, the use of IV sedation allows patients to nap during the surgery. This helps greatly to make them comfortable and reduce anxiety. Second, patients will be cared for by a group of affable staff members who take time to personally connect with each patient and allay their fears and concerns. Third, the surgery is done conservatively, which minimizes or avoids swelling, pain, and complications.
Anesthesia as the solution:
The best way to manage anxiety and make sure you have the best possible experience is to opt for IV sedation. It is the recommended method and chosen by many patients. Dr. Kazemi is trained and licensed in administering office anesthesia. Its safety is attributed to continued monitoring techniques, the short acting nature of the medications, availability of emergency equipment, and, most importantly, proper training of the surgeon and the staff. Another option is local anesthesia, with or without nitrous oxide (laughing gas), but in that case, the patient is completely awake and fully aware of the procedure.
Recovery
Most patients are primarily concerned about pain and swelling after surgery, what they can eat, and when they can return to normal activities. Recovery can vary based on the following factors:
- Complexity of surgery: The more complex the surgery, the higher the chance of increased discomfort, swelling, and overall recovery.
- Surgical approach and technique: Conservative and minimally surgical approaches can minimize discomfort, possibly avoid swelling, and speed of recovery.
- Length of surgery: Typically, longer surgical procedures require more healing and recovery time.
- Post-operative instructions: You can improve your recovery by closely adhering to both pre-operative and post-operative instructions. Follow them closely and you can recover faster.
- Individual’s physiology and healing potential: This is highly variable between different individuals. Good nutrition and general state of health help to speed up your recovery.
April Nowicki
“I was welcomed immediately by the same person who I had been corresponding with prior to my visit, and waited less than five minutes in the waiting area. The procedure (four wisdom teeth extractions, IV sedation) was quite enjoyable, actually, since I was totally asleep and what with the attractive Dr. Kazemi and his adorable, smiling assistants all over the place. Recovery was much quicker than I expected and as close to painless as it could be given the circumstances.”
While recovery is different for everyone, you may expect the following.
Pain:
Level and duration of pain depends on the complexity of the surgery, technique, and patient’s tolerance. Most patients experience three to four days of elevated pain, commonly managed with pain medications such as Vicodin or Percocet. As pain gradually diminishes over the next two to three days, Ibuprofen (Advil) or Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be used. After seven to ten days, most patients no longer have pain and may stop their medications.
Swelling:
Any swelling related to surgery will maximize in 36 to 48 hours following procedure, and gradually taper over the next five to seven days. Ice helps to reduce swelling in the first 24 hours. If extractions were done in a conservative fashion, you may experience no swelling at all.
Diet:
Upon arrival home, you may have water, juices, soups, shakes, puree, and very soft food. A soft diet is recommended up to five to seven days. No hard, crispy, or spicy should be eaten during this period. The general rule is if you have to chew, it’s probably too hard. After seven days, patients may gradually return to normal food.
Activity:
Get plenty of rest on day of surgery. Some patients may feel well enough the following day to walk and go out. That’s all right, but take it easy. Avoid strenuous activities for the first two to three days. Refrain from sports, lifting, or doing anything that requires exertion. After three days, if patients feel more comfortable, they can walk, go for a gentle swim, or do very low-impact exercise., such as swimming or walking. Mild activities may cause some pain but not enough to disturb the surgery site or open the sutures.
Most patients return to work, school, or some normal activities one to two days after surgery. Most schedule their surgery on a Friday and are ready to return to wok or class by Monday. There is no problem with traveling or flying the following day, although it’s best to rest for a day or two. Of course there are always variations in overall response and recovery.
Your Visit, Experience, and Recovery
Preparing for Your Visit
Information on how to prepare for your visit: Appointments, X-rays, pre-op instructions, and financial preparation
Pre-Operative Instructions
Pre-operative instructions including diet restrictions, transportation, and medical precautions
Post-Operative Care
Post-operative instructions including what to eat, activity, medications, oral hygiene, and more
Treatment Fees & Insurance
Treatment fees, insurance benefits, and payment plans
Brochure
Detailed information brochure on teeth extractions
Frequently Asked Questions
See our frequently asked questions on teeth extractions