Tooth Extractions in Towson, MD
At Osler Dental Professionals, we try to save your natural teeth whenever possible, protecting or restoring them as necessary. However, when extraction can’t be avoided, our experienced team of dentists in Towson, MD, headed by Dr. Christopher J. Constantine and Dr. Lewis L. Libby, provide gentle and thoughtful care in a comfortable atmosphere.
Why Extractions Are Needed
Tooth extraction or “having a tooth pulled” is necessary when we can’t preserve a tooth, either due to advanced tooth decay, an injury, an impaction, overcrowding, an infection, or another reason.
Before resorting to extraction, we may try protecting a damaged or severely decayed tooth with a dental crown. Additionally, when you have an infected tooth, we can often save the tooth with root canal therapy, eliminating the infection.
When you visit us with a damaged or weakened tooth, our skilled dentists will examine the tooth to see if we can save it with restoration or protection options. If we find the tooth is beyond preserving, we will then discuss extraction, which may be the best option for your overall oral health.
We’re a patient-centered dental practice in Towson, MD with a team that genuinely cares about your oral health needs. We strive to be available for your dental emergencies, and in addition to regular appointments, we provide emergency dental extractions on a case-by-case basis.
Are Tooth Extractions Painful?
Our dentists can perform most simple extraction procedures using only local anesthetic, which makes the procedure a pain-free experience for most patients near Towson, MD. However, if you are nervous about having your tooth extracted, please discuss your anxiety with our dental team so we can do our best to make you comfortable.
Tooth Extraction
After your extraction, we will provide you with clear instructions on caring for the extraction site. Basic instructions generally include avoiding hard or crunchy foods for a little while after the procedure and avoiding sucking through straws, which may disturb the blood clot that has formed. It’s best to stick to soft or liquid foods at a cool temperature.
Additionally, we often use platelet-rich fibrin in conjunction with dental procedures, including extraction, to reduce pain during healing and speed the healing process. With this fantastic treatment, we use a concentrated mix of platelets, immune cells, and growth factors to help regenerate tissue.
If you have any questions about using PFR, contact our friendly dental team in Towson. We’re happy to discuss the benefits and PFR process with you before your treatment.
Tooth Replacement Options for Missing Teeth
Replacing missing teeth is vital to maintaining a proper bite and the health of your remaining teeth. When we extract a tooth in our Towson dental office, one of our experienced dentists will discuss your tooth replacement options with you.
Many patients choose to replace their missing teeth with dental implants, All-on-X implants, or implant-supported dentures. However, there are a variety of tooth replacement choices available, and we will take your dental situation, lifestyle, and budget into account when discussing options.
Book a Dental Exam in Towson, MD
If you think you need a tooth extracted, contact Osler Dental Professionals in Towson, MD. Our empathetic team provides gentle, efficient tooth extractions along with excellent tooth replacement options.
We pride ourselves on being long-standing members of the Towson community, and we love helping Towson patients achieve ideal oral health. However, we also welcome patients from nearby areas, including Cockeysville, Dundalk, Parkville, Owing Mills, Pikesville, and Timonium.
Frequently Asked Questions
When you return home from your tooth extraction in Towson, MD, it's best to eat soft foods that don't require biting or chewing until you've healed fully. Your dentist will provide you with detailed instructions for aftercare, recovery, and diet following your tooth extraction.
However, the team at Osler Dental Professionals has outlined what foods most patients can eat during tooth extraction recovery.
Foods to Eat at 0–2 Days
These foods require no chewing or biting, so they're recommended during the first couple of days of recovery:
- Mashed potatoes
- Ice cream, sorbet, milkshakes
- Yogurt
- Jell-O
- Pudding
- Eggs
- Oatmeal
- Lukewarm soups
Foods to Eat at 2–5 Days
These foods require minimal chewing:
- Bread
- Pasta or noodles
- Soft vegetables
- Ground beef
- Soups
- Eggs
- Cheese
5 Days After Tooth Extraction Surgery
Five days after tooth extraction, you may feel like eating more solid foods, but only if you feel comfortable doing so and if your mouth is adequately healed.
Gentle Tooth Extraction in Towson, MD
Dr. Chris Constantine and Dr. Lewis Libby at Osler Dental Professionals provide gentle, pain-free tooth extractions in Towson, MD. Because each patient's oral health and needs are unique, we create personalized treatment and recovery plans. Call us today at (410) 321-1144 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Constantine or Dr. Libby.
Tooth extraction can take only minutes if it’s simple, a tooth pulled straight from the gum without nerve or root considerations. However, it can take longer in complex extractions where nerves are near the extraction site, or roots are close to neighboring roots. The timeframe is also based on the number of extractions.
Your dentist in Towson, MD, has a better idea about how long extraction will take after evaluating the tooth that needs to be pulled. This may include x-rays and image-guided help for more complex cases.
Tooth Extraction in Towson, MD
We extract teeth for a few reasons, including:
- Before dentures, if the remaining teeth are not healthy enough for partials
- Before orthodontics, if the jaw cannot accommodate teeth (overcrowding)
- Severe periodontal disease where the tooth is loose and mobile
- Impacting or encroaching wisdom teeth
- Severe decay or breakage below the gumline
If we pull a tooth due to breakage or similar reasons, we always encourage tooth replacement to keep the jawbone healthy and smile level. Tooth replacement can include a dental implant or bridge.
Contact Your Dentists in Towson, MD
Severely decayed or broken teeth may be salvageable with dental crowns. However, it’s crucial to arrange treatment before breakage escalates. To learn more or arrange a consultation with the dentist, call Osler Dental Professionals today.
Meet Our Doctors:
Dr. Christopher J. Constantine
Dentist
Dr. Christopher J. Constantine was born and raised in Towson, MD, and he loves providing exceptional dental services to his fellow community members.
His interest in dentistry began at a young age. As a child, he ...
Dr. Lewis S. Libby
Dentist
As a third-generation dentist, Dr. Libby has a long-standing relationship with the Baltimore area. Dr. Lewis S. Libby was born in Baltimore and attended Loyola College in Baltimore before graduating from dental school at the ...
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