Tooth Extractions – Bedford, VA

Reasons Why Tooth Extractions Are Necessary

Your natural teeth are strong and invaluable to your quality of life. However, some situations call for removal, especially when a problem tooth or two threatens your overall oral health. Common reasons for tooth extractions include:

• Severe decay or infection that can’t be treated with a filling or crown
• Advanced gum disease causing tooth loosening
• Impacted wisdom teeth
• Overcrowding before orthodontic treatment
• Severe trauma or fractures

At PeaksView Dental, we’ll always give your mouth a thorough exam and discuss alternatives before moving forward. You can be sure that we’ll only recommend extraction when it’s the best choice for your smile.

The Process of Removing a Tooth

The removal process can vary in complexity depending on the state of your tooth. If it’s mostly erupted, it can usually be extracted like a regular tooth, but for impacted teeth that are trapped beneath the surface, we’ll have to perform a minor surgery to take it out.

Either way, before the procedure, we’ll numb the area completely to ensure you don’t feel pain during the extraction. For more complex cases, we may recommend sedation for added relaxation.

During the extraction, the tooth is gently loosened using specialized instruments, then removed with minimal pressure. In cases of impacted or broken teeth, we may make a small incision in your gums to access the tooth. Once it’s out, the area is cleaned, and stitches may be placed if necessary.

Tooth Extraction Aftercare

Healing properly after a tooth extraction helps prevent infection and promotes faster recovery. Our Bedford dental team recommends:

• Biting on gauze for 30–45 minutes to stop bleeding
• Using ice packs to reduce swelling during the first 24 hours
• Avoiding hard, hot, or crunchy foods for a few days
• Keeping the extraction site clean by rinsing gently with saltwater after 24 hours
• Taking prescribed medications as directed to manage discomfort

If you experience severe swelling, persistent bleeding, or worsening pain after your extraction, contact us immediately. Your safety and comfort are our top priorities, and we want to ensure your oral health is secure for years to come.