- What Are Tooth Extractions?
- How Are Tooth Extractions Performed?
- What Are the Benefits of Tooth Extractions?
- Dr. Anna Pavlotsky Family & Cosmetic Dentistry Reviews
- Frequently Asked Questions About Tooth Extractions
- Tooth Extraction with Your Comfort in Mind
- Get In Touch
- Related Procedures
What Are Tooth Extractions?
Although our team at Dr. Anna Pavlotsky Family & Cosmetic Dentistry always strives to preserve natural teeth whenever possible, there are situations when removing a tooth is one of the best ways to protect your oral health. A tooth may need to be extracted if it has extensive decay, significant damage, advanced gum disease, or is causing overcrowding in the mouth. We perform different kinds of tooth extractions for patients throughout the Warwick, RI area, including simple and surgical extractions, planning each treatment to help patients move forward with a healthier, more comfortable smile. Whatever your reason for needing a tooth extraction, we're committed to providing you and your family with the care you deserve. Get in touch with our friendly family dentists today to learn more and schedule your next dental exam.
How Are Tooth Extractions Performed?
We perform two different types of tooth extractions at Dr. Anna Pavlotsky Family & Cosmetic Dentistry. The first is a simple extraction, which involves loosening the tooth with a special device called an elevator before removing it. The second kind is a surgical extraction, which is performed by making incisions into the gums, breaking the tooth into smaller pieces (if necessary), and removing it. The approach we use in your case will depend on the tooth's root structure, the health of the surrounding bone, and whether or not the tooth is trapped (impacted) below the gumline, as is common with wisdom teeth. Tooth extractions are performed with local anesthetic, so you should experience minimal discomfort during your treatment.
What Are the Benefits of Tooth Extractions?
While tooth extraction may not be the first treatment anyone hopes to need, removing a damaged or problematic tooth can sometimes be the best way to protect your oral health. The benefits of tooth extractions performed at Dr. Anna Pavlotsky Family & Cosmetic Dentistry include:
- Relieving discomfort caused by severely damaged or infected teeth
- Reducing the risk of infection spreading to nearby areas
- Protecting neighboring teeth from damage caused by an affected tooth
- Addressing overcrowding that may interfere with dental alignment
- Supporting healthier gums when a tooth is contributing to gum disease
- Creating space for orthodontic treatment when necessary
Dr. Anna Pavlotsky Family & Cosmetic Dentistry Reviews
Dr. Pavlotski has been my families dentist over 25 years. She is very efficient and I have never had a bad experience what so ever!
New Dentist and the best I've had - Dr. Pavlotsky, the dental hygienist & receptionist were all incredibly kind & professional. They made me feel at ease & I can actually say I had a very pleasant & even enjoyable experience. As a woman recovering from a long term eating disorder, I've always had fear &anxiety to the point of tears when visiting dentist, but all of that washed away the moment I met Dr. Pavlotsky. She was kind, patient, understanding, and gave me advice as well as words of comfort. She asked all the right questions & let me voice my concerns & share my story. I felt at ease & at peace for the 1st time in my adult life, at 38 yrs old, sitting in a dentist chair! I am very happy to be a new patient and I look forward to remaining a patient there. Absolutely the best dentist practice I've been to. 5 starts and more!!
Always available, alway attentive, always helpful, great work, love them
Excellent Dentist, restored my earlier damaged crown beautifully. Also a lovely lady with an amazing comedic style…She could moonlight as a stand up comedian…
Dr. Pavlotsky and her staff are wonderful! Thank you for taking care of my filling.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Tooth Extractions
Does a tooth extraction hurt?
We'll numb the tooth and surrounding area before beginning an extraction, so you should feel little to no pain during the procedure. You may notice some pressure as we loosen and remove the tooth, but the anesthetic will help keep you comfortable. It's normal to experience some soreness or swelling afterward, and we'll explain how to manage discomfort as you recover. If you feel pain during the procedure, let our team know so we can address it.
How long does a tooth extraction take to heal?
The initial healing period usually takes a few days, with soreness and swelling gradually improving during the first week. However, the gum tissue and underlying bone will continue healing for several weeks after the extraction. Following the aftercare instructions we give you will help support healing and reduce the risk of complications.
What can I eat after a wisdom tooth extraction?
For the first few days, choose soft foods that require little chewing, such as yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, smoothies eaten with a spoon, and lukewarm soup. As your mouth becomes more comfortable, you can gradually add other foods back into your diet. Avoid hard, crunchy, chewy, or spicy foods while the extraction sites heal, and stay away from small foods like seeds that can become lodged in the sockets. Don't use a straw, since the suction can disturb the blood clot that protects the healing area.
How can I brush my teeth after tooth extraction?
You should continue brushing your teeth during recovery, but take care around the extraction site. Brush the other teeth gently as usual, using a soft-bristled toothbrush, and avoid brushing directly over the socket until our team tells you it's safe. During the first 24 hours, avoid vigorous rinsing or spitting because these actions can disturb the blood clot.
What is dry socket?
Dry socket is a painful complication that can develop when the blood clot that normally forms in the extraction site becomes dislodged or doesn't form properly. The clot protects the underlying bone and nerves while the area heals. Without that protection, the exposed tissue can cause significant pain, sometimes spreading into the jaw, ear, or side of the face. After your extraction, our team will provide detailed aftercare instructions to help avoid dry socket.
Tooth Extraction with Your Comfort in Mind
A tooth that can't be saved can affect more than the area where it sits. Removing it when necessary can help address pain, protect surrounding teeth, and give you a chance to plan for what's next. At Dr. Anna Pavlotsky Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we take the time to explain why an extraction may be recommended and what options you'll have afterward. If you're dealing with a damaged or problematic tooth, contact our Warwick, RI office to schedule an evaluation and learn if you might benefit from a tooth extraction.