At Dr. Mark Jefferies practice, we believe that every smile deserves gentle care—even when it means letting go of a troublesome tooth! As an experienced cosmetic and family dentist, Dr. Jefferies provides expert tooth extraction solutions to relieve discomfort and restore oral health.

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What is a Tooth Extraction?

A tooth extraction is a procedure to remove a tooth from your mouth. It is typically performed when a tooth is severely damaged or decayed to the point where it cannot be repaired with fillings, crowns, or other treatments. Extractions may also be required for impacted teeth, infected teeth, baby teeth that do not fall out on their own, or to make space for braces or a dental implant.

There are several types of extractions:

• Simple extractions: This involves removing teeth that are visible in the mouth and generally requires only the use of instruments to loosen and lift out the tooth.
• Surgical extractions: For teeth that are broken off at the gum line or impacted under your gums, the dentist may need to surgically remove gum tissue and bone to access and take out the tooth or tooth fragment. This is more complex than a simple extraction.‍
• Biopsy extractions: If your dentist suspects issues like cancer or cysts, the extracted tooth will be sent for biopsy to diagnose the condition.

When Tooth Extractions May Be Necessary

There are a number of dental issues that could potentially require a tooth extraction by Mark S Jefferies:

• Severe tooth decay or tooth infection
• Fractured, damaged or broken tooth that cannot be repaired
• Crowded teeth to make space for braces
• Baby teeth that fail to naturally fall out
• Teeth affected by gum disease
• Cysts or tumors in the mouth or jaw

If you experience any symptoms like jaw pain, gum swelling, loose teeth, sensitivity to hot and cold, gum abscesses, or difficulty chewing, see Dr. Jefferies right away. Addressing these issues promptly can help maintain oral health and prevent complications, ensuring your smile stays bright and healthy!

When Should You Get Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?

There is no appropriate age to remove your wisdom teeth although it is commonly recommended in late teens and young adults. However, most dentists recommend removing wisdom teeth at a younger age because it can promote faster healing. If you are unsure if wisdom teeth removal is right for you, please contact our dental care team.

Does Everyone Have Wisdom Teeth?

No, not everyone will develop wisdom teeth. Although rare, it is completely normal for you not to develop wisdom teeth. During your appointment, we will perform the necessary x-rays and imaging to determine the location of your wisdom teeth.

Preparing for a Tooth Extraction

Dr. Jefferies will provide you with pre-op instructions to ensure you are prepared and comfortable for your extraction procedure. Tips include:

• Arrange for a ride home, as you will be given anesthesia or sedation. Do not drive yourself.
• Take medications only as directed and avoid blood thinners if possible.
• Eat a light meal beforehand and avoid alcohol.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing with short sleeves for IV access.
• Plan for rest after the procedure. Most extractions require 24 hours of downtime.

During the Tooth Extraction

Your comfort is our top concern. Here's what you can expect:

• Oral sedation: We offer oral dental sedation to keep you completely relaxed and comfortable throughout the extraction
• Numbing: The area around the tooth will be numbed with a local anesthetic so you have no sensation of pain.
• Advanced technology: Dr. Jefferies uses 3D imaging and other tools to see clearly and remove the tooth with precision.
• Gentle technique: With his expertise, the tooth is loosened and lifted out. Stitches may be placed to aid healing.
• Follow-up care: We'll provide all instructions for post-op care and schedule a follow-up to check your healing.

After Your Tooth Extraction

To support healing and prevent complications, be sure to follow Dr. Jefferies' recommendations:

• Rest at home and avoid strenuous activities for 24 hours.
• Keep gauze on the site, changing it as needed to stop bleeding.
• Take prescribed medications for pain and swelling relief.
• Eat soft foods, avoid hot drinks, and don't drink from a straw.
• Rinse gently with warm salt water to keep the area clean.
• Avoid smoking or drinking alcohol as it can disrupt healing.
• Limit vigorous brushing initially - brush other areas gently after teeth cleaning.

Call Dr. Jefferies immediately if you experience excessive bleeding, fever, chills, moderate bleeding that does not stop, or severe pain. Report any pus, foul smell, or taste to ensure proper healing of your tooth extraction site.

The Cost of Tooth Extractions

The cost of a tooth extraction can range from $75 to $600+ per tooth depending on type and complexity. Surgical extractions tend to cost more. At Mark Jefferies, we will provide you with an exact quote after an exam. We also offer a variety of payment options, Membership Programs, and accept most dental insurance plans.

Why Choose Mark Jefferies for Your Tooth Extraction?

At our Herndon, VA office, Dr. Mark Jefferies and our team provide advanced tooth extraction treatments focused on your comfort, convenience, and optimal outcomes. Benefits of choosing us include:

• Oral sedation dentistry for an anxiety-free procedure
• 3D imaging for precision and accuracy
• Gentle, minimally invasive techniques to preserve tissue
• Comfortable office with compassionate care
• Experienced cosmetic dentist for artful, aesthetically pleasing results
• Convenient scheduling and walk-ins and follow-up to support healing
• Dental financing and insurance to reduce costs

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If you're experiencing signs of needing a tooth extracted or if you need emergency care in Herndon, we encourage you to get in touch with our team for a prompt evaluation and supportive treatment.

You can call or schedule your appointment online for your initial dental evaluation. We look forward to providing you with expert dental care in our relaxed and welcoming office. Your smile is our top priority!