Tooth Extractions in Annapolis, MD
At Chesapeake Bay Dentistry, we understand that no one likes to think about losing a tooth, but in some situations, a dental extraction (or extractions) is the best choice to save your health and salvage your existing teeth. Other times, it is necessary leading into dentures or before orthodontics.
Dr. Polizois may be the gentlest extraction dentist in Annapolis, MD, and he also provides cozy comforts to help you along.
These comforts include:
- Neck pillows
- Cozy blankets
- Nitrous oxide for relaxation
- Oral sedation
- Combination relaxation therapy
With a gentle dentist and compassionate team on your side, a dental extraction will be that much easier.
A Necessary Dental Extraction in Annapolis, MD
A dental extraction to remove a severely damaged tooth is often the safest option when it comes to the integrity of your health.
Many times, Dr. Polizois can help you choose a restorative option to substitute the lost tooth—a dental implant or a bridge, perhaps.
Dental Extractions Before Dentures or All-on-4
In some situations, you may only have a few teeth left, and these teeth may not be strong enough to support a partial denture.
In this case, Dr. Polizois will provide gentle and clean extractions and a healing denture to see you through.
All-on-4 means that a natural-looking denture can be permanently affixed to your jaw using four dental implants. This option especially restores your bite and helps you better digest food through stronger and more natural chewing.
Meet Our Doctor:
Dr. Keith Polizois DMD, MAGD
Keith Polizois, DMD MAGD grew up in northern New Jersey and received his undergraduate degree from Salisbury University. While playing football for the Seagulls, he graduated Summa Cum Laude with dual degrees in biology and chemistry. He then went on to earn his Doctor of Dental Medicine from the University of Florida College of Dentistry.
After dental school, Dr. Polizois completed a post-graduate General Practice Residency at the Washington DC Veterans Affairs Medical Center and received extensive training in advanced dental procedures. Dr. Polizois was honored to have the opportunity to ...
Tooth Extractions to Combat Overcrowding
If you have a small jaw and not enough space to accommodate a full row of teeth, an extraction may be your best option. In this case, the extraction will not be obvious and may contribute to a more even smile.
Dental Extractions to Combat Wisdom Teeth Pain
Wisdom teeth come in years after your adult teeth, and these back teeth do not always cooperate. Sometimes they only partially erupt, leaving you vulnerable to gum infections. Other times, they encroach on other teeth and cause pain.
These teeth do not support chewing or smile appeal. In fact, they have no real purpose. Removing troublesome wisdom teeth is often the best course for patients.
Your Wellness and Comfort Matter to Us
When it comes to a damaged tooth, Dr. Polizois only recommends removal as a last resort. If an evaluation shows him that saving the tooth may compromise your other teeth or your overall wellness, he will recommend an extraction.
However, he will keep you relaxed and comfortable throughout and provide aftercare instructions and any necessary prescriptions to help you out at home, too. Generally, discomfort following a dental extraction clears up within a few short days
Frequently Asked Questions
At Chesapeake Bay Dentistry, our mission is to take all measures possible to save a damaged tooth. This is because the best tooth is your natural tooth. But when we cannot preserve it, we will perform a tooth extraction to remove your tooth entirely and avoid further problems.
After your tooth extraction procedure in Annapolis, MD, your surrounding teeth may be sore, and you will have an empty socket in place of your tooth root sealed by a blood clot. During the first week post-extraction, one of your main goals is to protect this clot while the underlying tissue heals.
Soft Food and Liquid Diets Are Ideal after an Extraction
Here are some foods and practices that will help during your recovery:
- Cool soups with few chunky ingredients
- Smoothies
- Mashed potatoes
- Scrambled eggs
- Pasta
- Avoid spicy or acidic foods
- Avoid using a straw for anything, as suction can dislodge the healing tissue
- Take a few days off from hot beverages, which can dissolve your healing tissue
Any crunchy or hard foods may get stuck in your empty socket or cause further soreness. Focus on softer foods and non-hot drinks, and avoid chewing gum or sucking on hard candy that may inadvertently cause suction against your empty socket.
The good news is that with care, your mouth should heal relatively quickly, and you can return to your regular diet with some precautions while you think about your tooth replacement options.
Recovery time can vary depending on the complexity of your procedure, but most patients find that initial healing takes about 3 to 7 days. During this period, it’s common to experience swelling after wisdom teeth removal, some discomfort, and minor bruising.
Recovery after wisdom tooth extraction involves more than just waiting it out. Following proper post-op care for wisdom tooth extraction in Annapolis can make a big difference in comfort and healing.
Key steps include:
- Resting and avoiding strenuous activity for the first 24–48 hours.
- Applying ice packs to reduce swelling during the first couple of days.
- Eating soft foods and staying hydrated while avoiding hard, chewy, or spicy items that could irritate the extraction site.
- Keeping the area clean by gently rinsing with warm saltwater after 24 hours and following your dentist’s oral hygiene instructions.
- Taking prescribed medications or over-the-counter pain relievers as directed to manage discomfort and prevent infection.
Most patients feel significantly better after about a week, though complete healing of the extraction site and underlying bone may take several weeks. Paying attention to your recovery and following your dentist’s guidance helps ensure smoother healing and prevents complications like dry socket or infection.
Call Our Dental Office in Annapolis
If you have any concerns about how long it will take to recover from wisdom tooth removal or notice unusual pain, persistent swelling, or other issues, contact your Annapolis dentist promptly.
If adequate bone is available, implants can help secure a loose denture so it doesn’t move. In addition to being terrific anchors for stabilizing the denture, they can increase chewing force for a denture. A denture that is held in by an implant can have up to 10 times the chewing force of a traditional denture.
Call Our Annapolis Dental Clinic
Your Annapolis, MD dentist at Chesapeake Bay Dentistry would be happy to look at your dentures and help you decide the best course of action. Give our office a call to schedule your appointment today!
Featured Blog Posts - Extractions
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Wisdom teeth, those third molars at the very back of your mouth, don’t always make a smooth entrance. For many adults, they can cause pain, crowding, or other dental issues. If you’re experiencing discomfort or other symptoms, it might be time to consider wisdom tooth extraction in Annapolis, MD.
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You've just left your Annapolis dentist's office after a tooth extraction, feeling relieved that the procedure is behind you. Now, the healing journey begins. Following post-extraction guidelines is crucial to ensure an uneventful recovery and prevent painful complications, such as dry socket.
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Gentle Tooth Extractions in Loretta Heights
If you think you may need a dental extraction, are considering All-on-4, or have another reason for wanting a tooth removed, contact Chesapeake Bay Dentistry today. Our Annapolis, MD dental team is here to help.
Extractions Technology
Panoramic X-Rays
Panoramic x-rays capture two-dimensional images of your entire mouth, including structures below the surface such as your bone levels, and joints.
These x-rays provide our dentist with a landscape view of your jaw—as opposed to the natural U shape—and the inner-workings of your oral structure. These enhanced and flat images help our dentist to better spot bone problems, misalignments, wisdom teeth, and dental issues that are difficult to diagnose relying on a surface view alone.