Tooth Extractions in Washington, D.C.
There are times when a tooth can’t be saved or when one must be removed to protect the health of the mouth. When you need a tooth extraction in Washington, D.C., or the surrounding area, rely on District Smiles to make the experience as positive as possible.
No one looks forward to an extraction unless perhaps that tooth has been causing a lot of pain. Because we understand this very well, we focus on helping each patient stay as comfortable as possible throughout an extraction procedure.
Why Do Some Teeth Need to Be Extracted?
Teeth with the following type of problems may need to be extracted:
- A badly broken or injured tooth
- One that has suffered too much decay
- An infected tooth that does not respond to antibiotics
- A tooth loosened by severe gum infection
For most extractions, a tooth can usually be grasped with forceps and gently rocked back and forth until it loosens. It can then easily be drawn out of the gum. In some cases, a larger tooth may need to be sectioned into pieces before it is removed.
How We Can Help
Before we start the extraction, we’ll make sure the area of the extraction is completely numb. When we start, we will tell you what we are going to do and what to expect. As we proceed, we will check with you and ensure you are comfortable. If you need us to take a break, just give us a signal.
At District Smiles, we can perform simple extractions for patients of all ages. If you need a surgical extraction, we have selected expert dental surgeons in this area. We are happy to refer you to one of these colleagues and then continue our care after the extraction.
Aftercare
After your extraction, we will advise you on how to care for the area of the extraction. Your body will form a blood clot in this area and you will need to avoid doing anything to dislodge this clot, such as spitting, drawing liquids through a straw, swishing water in your mouth and smoking.
In just a few days, you should be feeling normal again as any swelling goes down and healing progresses. You may want to have an over-the-counter pain reliever on hand when you get home from your dental appointment in case you need it. We take great care to minimize any disturbance to the tissues around your tooth so you may not experience much discomfort.
You should notify us if you are still in pain a few days after your extraction or if the swelling does not subside.
If you anticipate needing a tooth extraction in Washington, D.C., or the surrounding area, please contact us with confidence. We will do our best to schedule you for an appointment as soon as possible.
If you experience any anxiety during dental visits or have any special concerns before your extraction, please let us know before we start your procedure. We will do our very best to address these concerns for your comfort and relaxation during your visit.