Oral Surgery

Tooth Extractions in Bel Air, MD: Comfortable, Efficient, and Always a Last Resort

Extracting a tooth is never the first option at Elevated Smiles Dentistry. Dr. Joshua Englander always evaluates whether a tooth can be saved before recommending removal. When extraction is the right decision, whether because of severe decay, fracture, advanced gum disease, crowding, or impaction, he performs the procedure with precision and care to make the experience as comfortable as possible.

Expert Care

Expert Care

Modern surgical techniques

What Is the Difference Between a Simple and Surgical Extraction?

A simple extraction is performed on a tooth that is fully visible above the gumline. Dr. Englander numbs the area, loosens the tooth with an instrument called an elevator, and removes it with forceps. The procedure is quick and recovery is straightforward. A surgical extraction is used for teeth that are broken at the gumline, partially or fully impacted beneath the gum and bone, or have roots that are curved or fused to the bone in a way that prevents straightforward removal. Surgical extractions require an incision in the gum and sometimes sectioning the tooth into pieces for removal. Both procedures are performed under local anesthesia at our Bel Air office.

What Are the Most Common Reasons for Tooth Extraction?

The most frequent reason for extraction at Elevated Smiles is decay so extensive that there is not enough healthy tooth structure remaining for a crown or root canal to restore the tooth to function. Teeth fractured below the gumline present a similar situation. Severe periodontal bone loss that has left a tooth without adequate support may make extraction necessary even when the tooth itself is intact. Impacted wisdom teeth are removed when they cause pain, infection, crowding, or damage to the adjacent molars. In preparation for orthodontic treatment, select teeth may be extracted to create space for alignment.

What Happens After a Tooth Extraction?

After extraction, a blood clot forms in the socket and the healing process begins. Bite on gauze for 30 to 45 minutes to control initial bleeding. Apply ice to the cheek for the first 24 hours to reduce swelling. Stick to soft foods for the first few days and avoid smoking, drinking from a straw, or vigorous rinsing, all of which can dislodge the clot and cause a painful condition called dry socket. Most patients return to normal activity within one to three days. Dr. Englander will discuss tooth replacement options at or following your extraction appointment, as leaving a gap untreated leads to neighboring teeth shifting over time.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tooth Extractions

Can I get an implant placed the same day as an extraction?

In some cases yes. Immediate implant placement into a fresh extraction socket is possible when the socket is free of infection and bone volume is adequate. Dr. Englander will evaluate the extraction site and let you know if same-day placement is appropriate.

How long does tooth extraction pain last?

Most discomfort resolves within three to five days. The first two days are typically the most uncomfortable. Over-the-counter or prescribed pain relief manages it well for most patients. Contact us if pain increases after day three rather than improving.

What is dry socket and how do I avoid it?

Dry socket occurs when the blood clot in the extraction socket is dislodged or dissolves before the wound heals, exposing the underlying bone. It is painful and delays healing. Avoid smoking, drinking through straws, and forceful rinsing for the first 72 hours to prevent it.

Do I need to replace an extracted tooth?

For most teeth, yes. Missing teeth cause neighboring teeth to drift and tilt into the gap over time, changing the bite. The jawbone beneath a gap also begins to shrink. Implants, bridges, or partial dentures all prevent these changes. Dr. Englander will review replacement options with you.

Is wisdom tooth removal the same as a regular extraction?

Wisdom teeth are most commonly removed surgically because they are often partially or fully impacted. The procedure follows the same local anesthesia protocol as other surgical extractions. Sedation is available for patients who want to be more relaxed during the procedure.
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