Tooth Extractions Washington DC & Alexandria VA
Tooth Extraction Washington DC & Alexandria VA
If a tooth has suffered from severe damage or decay, the only option remaining may be tooth extraction. This procedure can help eliminate pain while also ensuring the safety of the patient. Tooth extraction is also common in the case of wisdom teeth, which may cause issues with a patient’s healthy teeth if not removed.
At Precision Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, our specialty-trained periodontists, Drs. Zalewsky, Daru, Fields, Gupta, and Lakkis have years of experience treating a wide range of stages of gum disease and placing dental implants. To learn more about tooth extractions, our clinic facilities, or to schedule an appointment, contact our Alexandria, VA office at (703) 823-2422 or our Washington, D.C. office at (202) 296-3360.
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Dr. Daru
In 2005, Dr. Daru embarked on her educational odyssey, crossing continents to pursue her passion for dentistry. She obtained her Master of Science in Oral Biology and a certificate in Periodontics from the prestigious New York University and the University of Maryland, Baltimore, in 2010. During her academic years, she delved into intensive research, particularly focusing on innovative bone regeneration techniques, showcasing her dedication to advancing the field.
Dr. Gupta
Driven by a dedication to excellence, Dr. Gupta embarked on a transformative periodontal residency at the University of Detroit Mercy. Here, she earned her Master of Science and a certificate in Periodontics while simultaneously serving as an adjunct faculty for the School of Dentistry for three years. Her commitment to advancing dental knowledge took her to an international stage, where she presented groundbreaking research on clinical treatment for gum recession and root coverage at a prestigious conference in London.
Dr. Lakkis
Dr. Dima Lakkis earned her DDS with honors in 2006 and completed her Periodontics training and Master of Science at Case Western Reserve. She is Board Certified and a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology. Dr. Lakkis provides a full range of periodontal and implant treatments, with advanced training in cosmetic procedures. She is an active member of several dental organizations and has published in the Journal of Periodontology on the link between periodontal and systemic health.
Dr. Zalewsky
Following his military service, Dr. Zalewsky pursued advanced training at Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry. There, he earned a Certificate in Periodontics and Oral Implantology, along with a Master of Science in Oral Biology. This comprehensive training equipped him to handle intricate periodontal conditions and complex oral implant procedures with precision and skill.
Tooth Extraction Procedure Expectations
As long as teeth have erupted and are visible, they can typically be removed through a simple extraction technique. A simple tooth extraction procedure will typically begin with the administration of a local anesthetic, which will numb the area of the tooth being removed. Although this will lessen the amount of pain experienced, patients will still feel a sense of pressure as the tooth is removed. During this process, your periodontist will use tools to elevate the tooth from its socket, along with forceps to grasp the tooth for the removal process. Gauze will typically be used to control bleeding while this process is occurring.
For more invasive cases, it may be necessary to make surgical incisions in the gums or break the tooth into smaller pieces so it can be properly removed. Regardless of what type of procedure you have performed, once the tooth has been removed, the area of incision will be stitched shut.
Tooth Replacement Options
Depending upon the type of tooth extraction you have performed, you may or may not require dental implants following the tooth extraction procedure. There is a range of dental implants available, including single-tooth implants, temporary bridgework, fixed/removable bridges, multiple-tooth implants, and anchored (orthodontic) implants. Regardless of the implant type, if you have a tooth extracted, it is critical that you follow this
procedure with a dental restoration in order to avoid health and cosmetic issues that will develop as a result of a missing tooth or teeth.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
To ensure you minimize post-procedural risks and have a smooth recovery experience, it is essential that you follow the post-procedure instructions that are provided to you following your tooth extraction procedure. Post-operative care instructions will vary from patient to patient and be informed by the type of dental extraction you have, but in general, it is important to avoid eating hard foods, refrain from smoking, and limit/avoid
physical activity for at least the first two to three days (maybe longer), depending upon the severity of your case.
Patients who have a tooth extraction typically experience mild bleeding following the procedure. To help manage bleeding, place fresh gauze over the socket where the tooth was extracted, replacing the gauze every 30-45 minutes, or until the bleeding stops. Swelling following a tooth extraction procedure is also common and can generally be addressed through the use of ice packs and anti-inflammatory over-the-counter medication.
Once you have completed the healing process, it will not be necessary to follow additional aftercare instructions; however, in order to maximize the benefits of your procedure, it is imperative that you continue practicing good daily oral hygiene. Be sure to brush and floss twice daily and continue scheduling regular visits to your dentist or periodontist. These regular visits ensure that your teeth will receive regular professional cleanings and will also reduce your risk of developing underlying issues such as gingivitis or periodontitis. If you follow these best practices, you will enjoy a bright and healthy smile for many years to come!
Tooth Extraction Cost
The cost of a tooth extraction will depend on a variety of factors, including how many teeth need to be extracted, your dental insurance plan, whether or not additional procedures are required, and what kind of sedation (if any) is used.
At Precision Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, we are committed to ensuring that money is not a deterrent to our patients receiving the optimal dental health care they deserve. For this reason, we offer a range of payment options regardless of what type of treatment you are having, which our staff will be happy to explain and assist with. Our office insurance coordinators work with other insurance companies to assist patients with their claims.
For your convenience, Precision Periodontics and Implant Dentistry accepts cash, check, debit, and credit cards (Mastercard, American Express, Visa, and Discover). Our clinic also accepts GreenSky Patient Solutions, a financing option for procedures and treatments not typically covered by insurance or when insurance does not cover the entire cost. We are happy to provide an application in our office. You can find out more information about this service at https://www.greensky.com/patient-faq/.
Providing you with Optimal Care
At Precision Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, we proudly offer outstanding oral healthcare for patients in the Washington, D.C., and Alexandria, VA, areas. In our calm, peaceful environment, we use state-of-the-art equipment to perform advanced procedures designed to achieve optimal results. Because collaboration is a key component of success, we work closely with your primary dentist to deliver the customized treatment and care you deserve.
To schedule your appointment for a tooth extraction, contact us today. We look forward to helping you achieve and maintain a bright and healthy smile!