You may need a tooth extraction if your teeth are crowded, diseased, or have gone through some sort of trauma. Dr. Charles Sours in Woodbridge, VA, performs dental extractions and can tell you more about them.

How to Care for Teeth After Extraction

Don't eat or drink for a few hours. Don't use a straw and ice the tooth extraction area. Use painkillers if needed and avoid smoking or drinking alcoholic beverage after the procedure. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water for constant disinfection, and call your Woodbridge doctor if you're suffering from severe pain, it may be a dry socket (blood hasn't clotted properly).

Reasons for a Tooth Extraction

Wisdom teeth, trauma from a sport, or overcrowded teeth are some reasons you may need a tooth extraction.

Your doctor will:

• Examine the severity of the situation and schedule an appointment for the tooth extraction.
• An anesthetics will be administered before your procedure to numb your mouth.
• Your doctor will extract whatever is left of the natural tooth.
• They will stitch the extraction area and place gauze to stop bleeding, and help with blood clot formation.

How to Prevent Tooth Extraction:

To reduce the chances of needing a tooth extraction from diseases, here are some preventative measures to follow:

• Professional dental cleanings to remove hardened plaque that's accumulated on and around teeth and gums
• Drink fluoride-containing water
• Brush teeth at least twice a day
• Stop chewing tobacco and smoking
• Dental checkups every six months to examine teeth and gums for cavities
• Get fluoride treatment to prevent serious issues, like gum disease and tooth decay
• Floss at least once before bed to remove food debris

If you think you need a tooth extraction or are dealing with a dental issue, then you should call your Woodbridge, VA, dentist today at (703) 491-2131.