Tooth Extractions | MedStar Health

Our oral surgeons remove impacted, damaged, and non-restorable teeth. We provide sophisticated, safe, and effective anesthesia services, including intravenous (IV) sedation and general anesthesia during teeth removal. Before the extraction, your oral surgeon will discuss the best sedation approach for you.

We understand that patients are very nervous and anxious about having their teeth removed, and we do everything we can to make the procedure as calm and comfortable as possible. Our surgeons use the most advanced anesthesia and pain control techniques, including local anesthesia, inhalation analgesia, intravenous sedation, and general anesthesia.

Symptoms and signs of damaged teeth

Only your oral surgeon can determine if your tooth or teeth need extraction. However, the following are signs that your tooth should be removed:

  • Pain in the tooth that does not go away, including pain that wakes you up
  • Pain in the tooth while biting down
  • Pain in the jaw

Do I need to stay in the hospital?

Unless you are having your extraction combined with another oral surgery, you will not need to stay in the hospital.

How will my oral surgeon remove the tooth/teeth?

Your oral surgeon will review the treatment plan with you before proceeding with treatment. Typically, your doctor will:

  • Take an X-ray of the tooth and roots, so they can clearly see the area in the mouth
  • Numb the area with a local anesthetic or, if you have chosen, administer intravenous (IV) sedation
  • Loosen the tooth and then remove it, being careful to extract the entire root
  • Give you a piece of gauze to bite down on for 45 minutes to one hour
  • Prescribe pain medication to help you manage the pain for the next few days. We will also give you careful written instructions on how to manage your oral care over the next few days. Follow these directions carefully

What if I want a dental implant?

Your oral surgeon will discuss replacing the pulled tooth with a dental implant. If you elect to have a dental implant, your doctor may choose to place it at the time of the extraction. Some patients do not have enough bone to support an implant, and they must receive a bone graft. Your oral surgeon may choose to do the bone graft at the time of the tooth extraction. Your oral surgeon will discuss all possibilities with you before the procedure.

How long will it take to recover?

As with any medical procedure, everyone is different. Your oral surgeon will explain and give to you in writing all post-operative instructions and will see you to determine your healing progress.

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