Our main goal when we treat our patients is to protect their oral health. Most of the time, we can find a solution without the need for invasive procedures. But sometimes we need to remove a tooth to keep your mouth healthy. Dr. Joseph Cavallo provides a tooth extraction in Woodbridge, VA as part of his general dental services.
We know that getting a tooth pulled can make some patients nervous. Our experienced team is here to help you through the process with care and skill.
What is a Tooth Extraction?
A tooth extraction is a dental procedure where Dr. Cavallo removes a tooth from its socket in the jawbone and gum. Dr. Cavallo or an oral surgeon usually performs this procedure using local anesthesia to numb the area and make it as comfortable as possible.
Why Would You Need a Tooth Extraction?
While we always try to save your natural teeth whenever possible, sometimes a tooth extraction is the best option to protect your oral health and overall well-being. Here are some common situations where removing a tooth might be necessary:
Severe Decay or Damage
If a tooth is badly decayed or damaged, we usually try to repair it with a filling, crown, or root canal. However, if the damage is too extensive and the tooth can’t be saved, extraction may be needed to prevent infection, pain, and further complications.
Gum Disease
Advanced gum disease can damage the bone and tissues that support your teeth. Over time, this damage can cause your teeth to become loose or even fall out. If the disease has progressed too far, removing the affected tooth may be the best option to protect your remaining teeth and gums.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth often don’t have enough room to grow in properly. When they get stuck under the gums (impacted), they can cause pain, infection, and damage to nearby teeth. Removing impacted wisdom teeth is a common solution to prevent these problems.
Orthodontic Treatment
Sometimes we need to remove teeth to create enough space for braces or other orthodontic treatments. This helps ensure your teeth can be properly aligned for a straighter, healthier smile. It also makes it easier to keep your teeth clean and reduces the risk of future dental problems.
Crowding
Overcrowded teeth can make it hard to clean properly, leading to decay and gum disease. In some cases, removing one or two teeth can create more space. They can make it easier to maintain good oral hygiene and improving the alignment of your teeth.
Risk of Infection
For people with weakened immune systems—such as those undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplants, or other medical treatments—even a small tooth infection can be dangerous. In these cases, removing the tooth may be the safest way to prevent serious health risks.
Trauma
If a tooth is badly damaged from an accident, injury, or sports-related trauma, it might not be possible to save it. For example, if a tooth is cracked, broken, or knocked out completely, it can be difficult or even impossible to repair. In these cases, removing the tooth is often the best choice to protect your oral health.
Recovering from a Tooth Extraction
Many people worry about the pain from a tooth extraction, but it’s similar to other dental procedures. You won’t feel any pain during the procedure because of local anesthesia. To help your recovery, there are a few steps you can follow.
Right after the procedure, bite down on a gauze pad placed over the extraction site to help control bleeding. Rest up and avoid heavy activities for at least 24 hours. For the first day, don’t spit, rinse, or use a straw, as these actions can dislodge the blood clot that forms in the socket. Applying an ice pack to the outside of your face near the extraction site can also help reduce swelling.
Stick to soft foods and liquids initially. Gradually add solid foods as you start to heal, and avoid hot foods or drinks right after the extraction procedure.
Continue to brush and floss gently, but avoid the area around the extraction site. After 24 hours, rinse your mouth with warm saltwater several times a day to aid in healing and keep bacteria at bay.
The initial healing period usually takes about 1 to 2 weeks. During this time, the gum tissue and bone begins to fill in the space left by the extracted tooth. Healing can take several weeks to a few months.
Wisdom Teeth Removal
The wisdom teeth are the last set of molars at the back of your mouth. They can come in during your late teens or early twenties. Sometimes, there isn’t enough room in your mouth for these teeth, which can cause problems. That’s why our dentist might suggest removing them.
If wisdom teeth don’t come in properly, they can get stuck beneath the gum, causing pain and possibly infections. This is called an impacted wisdom tooth. Impacted teeth can also push on other teeth and make them crooked.
A wisdom tooth extraction is a common treatment in our Woodbridge, VA office. Dr. Cavallo will use local anesthesia to numb the area, so you won’t feel any pain during the removal. You might feel some discomfort or swelling afterward, but you can manage this with ice packs and over-the-counter pain medicine.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
After the procedure, you must to follow care instructions. Like a normal extraction, you should rest and avoid hard and crunchy foods. Keep your mouth clean by gently brushing and rinsing with warm saltwater. This helps prevent infections and speeds up healing.
Most people recover from wisdom teeth removal in about 1 to 2 weeks. At this time, your gums will heal and the swelling will go down. Contact Dr. Cavallo for advice if you have any concerns or severe pain.
Replacing Extracted Teeth
Dr. Cavallo provides implant dentistry to restore one or more teeth after extraction treatment. Dental implants are a popular and long-lasting solution for replacing missing teeth. They consist of a small titanium screw that acts like a tooth root and is placed into your jawbone. Then, an abutment connects the post to the replacement tooth. Implants can secure crowns, bridges, and dentures.
Compared to removable dentures or traditional bridges, implants look and function just like your real teeth. Because they are secure in your mouth, they prevent bone loss by stimulating your jaw bone. With the proper care, implants can last a lifetime.
Treat Your Teeth
Do you have a problem tooth? Get a tooth extraction in our Woodbridge, VA, dental office. Call Dr. Cavallo today at 571-520-9306. You can also request an appointment with us online.