We rely on our teeth to eat, chew, smile, and speak. Even one missing tooth can negatively impact a smile. While your dentist will help you keep as many of your teeth as possible, sometimes they need to be removed due to injury, decay or crowding.

The removal of a tooth is called tooth extraction. Tooth extraction does not have to be a horrible procedure. Sometimes tooth extraction is the best option for eliminating pain, removing the infection, and restoring your smile to good health and function. In fact, most people get their wisdom teeth removed, with excellent results.

At Pop Smiles Dentistry, we will do your best to save your teeth. However, sometimes an extraction is needed to improve your oral health. We will remove your tooth as gently as possible. Once the tooth is removed, our dentist will determine which type of replacement will work best for your smile. Make an appointment with Dr. Jamil Sowan today. To learn more about tooth extractions in Manassas, Virginia, call Pop Smiles Dentistry at (703) 844-0404.

When are Tooth Extractions Needed?

While your adult teeth are called permanent teeth, sometimes they are not so permanent. There are some conditions in which a tooth extraction may be required. Among these are the following:

• Crowding caused by too many teeth in the mouth
• Severe infection that has destroyed a large part of the tooth and bone
• Serious decay that has caused significant tooth damage

Removing a tooth can be a major procedure. We will make sure that the process is as comfortable and painless as possible. Our dentist is highly skilled and careful during tooth extractions. We will give you detailed instructions on how to care for your mouth after tooth extraction so you can avoid infections and other side effects. Once your mouth has adequately healed, you can replace the tooth with an implant or other dental option.

Types of Tooth Removal

There are two main types of tooth removal. A simple extraction is done easily when the tooth can be easily seen in the mouth. The tooth is loosened with a device called an elevator. Forceps are then used to remove the tooth.

For more complicated removals, surgical extraction is needed. Surgery is needed when the tooth has not erupted all the way or has broken off. The dentist will cut into the gums to gain better access to the tooth.

Tooth Extraction Recovery

To speed up recovery and reduce pain, follow these tips:

• Use ice packs to reduce swelling.
• The day after surgery, clean your mouth with warm salt water.
• Avoid hot and hard foods during recovery. Opt for cool and soft foods for the first few days.
• Avoid smoking, spitting or using a straw after surgery, as these can affect the blood clot.

Contact Us Today

If you have a damaged tooth due to decay, disease or injury, tooth extraction may be necessary. We can replace the tooth with a bridge or implant. We can answer any questions you may have about the process. For more information on tooth extraction, contact Pop Smiles Dentistry today. To schedule an appointment with our friendly dentist at (703) 844-0404. We are committed to improving your smile!