Tooth Extraction—North Bethesda, MD

Tooth Removal with a Light Touch

While our top priority is to help our patients preserve and protect their natural teeth for as long as possible, in many cases, removing a problem tooth is the best choice for someone’s oral health.

Tooth extraction in North Bethesda can be beneficial in both the short and long term, but we understand that this procedure can make some patients quite nervous.

That’s why at Aesthetic & Family Dentistry of North Bethesda, we do everything we can to make the experience as comfortable and seamless as possible. If you have a hurting or painful tooth that you think might need to come out, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with us to get the relief you deserve.

Female dentist smiling at male patient

Why Choose Aesthetic & Family Dentistry of North Bethesda for Tooth Extractions?

  • Same-Day Emergency Dental Appointments Available
  • A Friendly, Experienced Dental Team
  • Dental Insurance Accepted, In-House Plan Available

Reasons Why Tooth Extractions Are Necessary

We may recommend a tooth extraction if…

  • The enamel is so damaged due to trauma or decay that it cannot be repaired with a filling or crown.
  • Gum disease has weakened the bone at the base of a tooth, causing it to be unstable.
  • An infection in one tooth is likely to spread to the nearby teeth or jawbone.
  • More room is needed in the mouth for orthodontics or a denture.
  • A stubborn baby tooth is preventing an adult tooth from coming in.
  • The wisdom teeth are impacted and causing pain/infection.

The Process of Removing a Tooth

Before we suggest having a tooth removed, our team will exhaust all other restorative options first. At that point, the procedure will start with thoroughly numbing the area. Then, your dentist will use a special instrument called a dental elevator that will allow them to gently wiggle the tooth until it slips out. There is never any pulling! Most patients report feeling next to nothing while in the chair, and they usually can’t tell when the tooth is all the way out.

Tooth Extraction Aftercare

We will have the patient bite down on a gauze pad to manage the bleeding in the area. For the first 24 hours, they should avoid drinking with a straw, spitting, using tobacco, or doing any strenuous activity.

A blood clot needs to form to protect the nerves and bone in the area, and these could interfere with that. It’s also wise to follow a soft food diet (yogurt, soup, scrambled eggs, etc.) for the first few days.

For any soreness that might develop afterward, OTC medication is usually strong enough to do the trick.