Tooth Removal in Arlington VA

When Is Tooth Removal Necessary?

There are many reasons a dentist may recommend removing a tooth. Before recommending an extraction, we carefully examine the affected area and determine whether other treatment options may allow the tooth to be preserved.

Some common reasons for tooth removal include:

• Severe tooth decay: A tooth affected by extensive decay may eventually become too compromised to restore successfully. Removing the tooth may be recommended when the damage is significant and the tooth cannot be predictably repaired.
• Advanced periodontal disease: Gum disease can damage the tissues and bone responsible for supporting the teeth. In advanced cases, a tooth may become loose or lose enough support that extraction becomes necessary.
• Broken or badly damaged teeth: Accidents, sports injuries, falls, or biting down on hard objects can severely fracture a tooth. When the damage extends beyond what restorative dentistry can repair, tooth removal may be the appropriate treatment.
• Dental infection: An infection involving the inside of a tooth or surrounding tissues requires prompt attention. Depending upon the condition of the tooth and the extent of the problem, extraction may sometimes be recommended.
• Orthodontic treatment: In certain orthodontic cases, removing one or more teeth may provide the space needed to properly align the remaining teeth and improve the patient’s bite.
• Problematic wisdom teeth: Third molars that are impacted, incorrectly positioned, difficult to clean, or causing other dental concerns may need to be removed.

If you’re experiencing significant tooth pain, swelling, sensitivity, or another dental problem, don’t assume that extraction is automatically necessary. A professional dental examination can help determine the cause of the problem and the most appropriate treatment.

What to Expect During a Tooth Extraction

We understand that the idea of having a tooth removed can make some patients apprehensive. Columbia Pike Family Dentistry places a strong emphasis on making dental treatment as comfortable and straightforward as possible.

Your visit begins with an examination of your teeth, gums, and surrounding oral structures. Dental X-rays may be used when appropriate to evaluate the tooth and its roots and help determine the best approach to treatment.

Before the extraction begins, the treatment area is thoroughly numbed. The tooth is then carefully removed while minimizing disruption to the surrounding tissues whenever possible.

The exact procedure varies depending on the tooth’s location and condition. A fully erupted tooth may require a relatively straightforward extraction, while a tooth that is broken, impacted, or located beneath gum tissue may require a more involved procedure. After treatment, we’ll provide instructions for caring for the extraction site and supporting the healing process.

Wisdom teeth, also called third molars, are the teeth located farthest toward the back of the mouth. For some people, wisdom teeth emerge without causing significant problems. For others, there may not be sufficient space for the teeth to develop or erupt normally.

At Columbia Pike Family Dentistry, we evaluate wisdom teeth carefully to determine whether removal is appropriate. Regular dental examinations and X-rays can help us monitor wisdom tooth development and identify potential problems before they become more serious. Our current special offer for a single wisdom tooth removal is $350!

Why Do Wisdom Teeth Sometimes Need to Be Removed?

Wisdom teeth are not automatically removed simply because they are present. The decision should be based on the individual patient’s oral health, tooth position, symptoms, and potential for future complications. Some of the most common reasons wisdom teeth extraction may be recommended include:

Impacted Wisdom Teeth

A wisdom tooth is considered impacted when it cannot erupt normally into the mouth. It may remain partially or completely beneath the gum tissue or become trapped within the jaw. Impacted wisdom teeth can sometimes contribute to discomfort, infection, or problems involving nearby teeth. An examination and dental imaging allow the dentist to evaluate the position of the tooth and determine whether removal should be considered.

Wisdom Teeth Growing at an Angle

Third molars do not always develop vertically. A wisdom tooth may angle toward another tooth, toward the back of the mouth, or even develop in a more horizontal position. Improperly positioned wisdom teeth can place pressure on nearby teeth or create areas that are particularly difficult to keep clean.

Crowding and Pressure on Nearby Teeth

When there isn’t adequate room at the back of the jaw, emerging wisdom teeth can create additional pressure in the area. Your dentist can evaluate whether a wisdom tooth’s position could affect adjacent teeth or contribute to other oral health concerns.

Partially Erupted Wisdom Teeth

Sometimes a wisdom tooth breaks through the gum only partially. The location at the back of the mouth can make the area difficult to brush and floss thoroughly. Food particles and bacteria may accumulate around partially erupted wisdom teeth, potentially increasing the likelihood of decay, gum inflammation, or infection.

Difficulty Keeping Wisdom Teeth Clean

Even wisdom teeth that erupt may be challenging to maintain because they are located so far back in the mouth. If a wisdom tooth repeatedly develops decay or contributes to gum problems, removing it may provide a better long-term solution.

Signs You May Have a Wisdom Tooth Problem

Wisdom tooth problems can develop gradually or become noticeable relatively quickly. Symptoms that warrant an urgent dental evaluation may include:

·     Pain or tenderness toward the back of the mouth

·     Swollen or irritated gums near a wisdom tooth

·     Difficulty comfortably opening your mouth

·     Persistent discomfort when chewing

·     Swelling around the jaw

·     An unpleasant taste associated with the affected area

·     Repeated inflammation around a partially erupted wisdom tooth

·     Pain or pressure involving nearby teeth

Comfortable, Personalized Tooth Extraction Care

Every patient’s dental needs are different. That’s why Columbia Pike Family Dentistry takes an individualized approach to tooth removal and wisdom teeth extraction in Arlington VA. Before recommending treatment, we evaluate the condition of your tooth, surrounding gums, bone, and nearby teeth. We also explain our findings so that you understand the reason for the recommendation and can make an informed decision about your dental care.

Comfort is an important part of the treatment process. The extraction area is appropriately numbed before the procedure, and our dental team works carefully throughout treatment. If you’re nervous about an upcoming dental procedure, please let us know. We want you to feel comfortable asking questions and discussing any concerns before treatment begins.

Caring for Your Mouth After Tooth Removal

Proper care following an extraction is important for comfortable healing. We’ll provide specific post-treatment instructions based on your procedure. Patients are generally advised to protect the extraction site while the initial healing process takes place. Following your dentist’s instructions regarding eating, drinking, oral hygiene, and physical activity can help minimize irritation and support recovery.

Contact our office if you experience symptoms after an extraction that concern you or appear different from the recovery expectations discussed with your dental team.

Replacing a Tooth After an Extraction

Wisdom teeth typically do not need to be replaced after removal. However, when another permanent tooth is extracted, leaving an open space can potentially affect your bite and the position of surrounding teeth.

Depending on your situation, Columbia Pike Family Dentistry can discuss options for replacing a missing tooth. One potential solution is a dental implant, which replaces a missing tooth with a restoration designed to look and function much like a natural tooth.

Dr. Malika Kohli has specialized training in implant therapies, and Columbia Pike Family Dentistry can provide extraction, dental implant placement, and porcelain crown restoration at its Arlington location. This allows appropriate patients to complete multiple stages of implant treatment through the same dental practice.

Why Choose Columbia Pike Family Dentistry?

Patients seeking tooth removal or wisdom teeth extraction in Arlington VA deserve dental care that combines clinical experience with a comfortable, welcoming environment. Dr. Malika Kohli has practiced as both a general dentist and periodontist since 2008 and completed additional specialization in periodontics and dental implant therapies. Columbia Pike Family Dentistry provides comprehensive dental services from its convenient Arlington location, allowing patients to receive a wide range of preventive, restorative, emergency, and implant dental care from one practice.

Our office serves patients throughout Arlington and surrounding Northern Virginia communities, including Rosslyn and Shirlington, as well as patients coming from nearby Washington, D.C.