Gentle and Precise Tooth Extraction in North Bethesda Maryland
At Potomac Dental & Implant Center, we make every effort to save your natural teeth whenever possible. However, when a tooth becomes too damaged or infected to restore, a gentle extraction may be necessary for your oral health. Our experienced team performs extractions with precision, care, and comfort using the latest technology — including CBCT 3D imaging — to plan and perform every procedure safely.
Why Choose Us for Tooth Extraction?
At Potomac Dental and Implant Center, we combine advanced dental technology with a gentle approach to make tooth extractions as safe and comfortable as possible for patients in North Bethesda, Potomac, Bethesda, Rockville, and surrounding Maryland communities.
Advanced CBCT Imaging
We use 3D CBCT imaging to visualize teeth, roots, nerves, and bone structure in detail. This allows for precise planning and safer extractions with minimal trauma and faster healing.
Comfort and Experience
Our skilled dentists use modern techniques and local anesthesia to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure. For patients with dental anxiety, we also offer sedation options to make your visit stress-free.
Comprehensive Post-Extraction Options
After an extraction, we help you restore your smile with durable and aesthetic replacement options, including crowns and bridges or dental implants. We’ll discuss which solution best fits your needs, smile goals, and bone health.
What to Expect During a Tooth Extraction
Your comfort and safety are our top priorities. Before your procedure, we’ll take a proper xray or CBCT 3D scan to evaluate your tooth and surrounding bone. Local anesthesia ensures a pain-free experience, and our precise techniques help minimize discomfort and swelling. After your extraction, we’ll provide clear, personalized aftercare instructions to promote fast, complication-free healing.
Aftercare and Healing
Following your tooth extraction at Potomac Dental & Implant Center, it’s essential to take proper care of the extraction site to promote healing and prevent complications. Our team will review these steps with you before you leave, but here’s a helpful overview:
- Keep pressure on the gauze pad: Bite down gently for about 30–45 minutes to help stop bleeding and form a stable blood clot.
- Avoid disturbing the clot: Do not rinse vigorously, spit forcefully, smoke, or use a straw for at least 24 hours, as these can dislodge the clot and cause dry socket.
- Use ice packs: Apply ice to the cheek in 15-minute intervals for the first 24 hours to minimize swelling.
- Rest and take it easy: Avoid heavy exercise or bending over for the first day, as increased blood pressure can cause bleeding.
- Eat soft, cool foods: Stick to yogurt, smoothies, soup, or mashed potatoes for the first few days. Avoid crunchy, spicy, or hot foods.
- Maintain gentle oral hygiene: Brush and floss the rest of your mouth normally, but avoid the extraction site for the first day. You may rinse gently with warm salt water after 24 hours.
- Take prescribed medication: Follow your dentist’s directions for pain relief or antibiotics as needed to ensure a comfortable recovery.
- Watch for unusual symptoms: Contact our office if you experience persistent bleeding, severe pain, swelling after 3 days, or signs of infection.
Most patients begin to feel significantly better after 2–3 days, with complete healing of the extraction site occurring over the next few weeks. Once healed, we’ll discuss replacement options such as dental implants or crowns and bridges to restore your smile and function.
What Is a Dry Socket and How to Prevent It
A dry socket (alveolar osteitis) is a condition that can occur after a tooth extraction when the protective blood clot that normally forms inside the socket becomes dislodged or dissolves too early. Without this clot, the underlying bone and nerves are exposed, leading to pain and delayed healing.
Dry socket usually develops 2–3 days after extraction and may cause throbbing pain that radiates to the ear or jaw, an unpleasant taste, or visible bone at the extraction site. It is more common in patients who smoke, use straws, or rinse too vigorously within the first 24 hours.
To reduce your risk, avoid smoking, spitting, or disturbing the surgical area during early healing. Keep the mouth clean with gentle saltwater rinses after the first day, and follow all aftercare instructions carefully.
If you experience symptoms of dry socket, contact Potomac Dental & Implant Center right away. Our team will gently clean the area, apply a soothing medicated dressing, and provide pain relief to help the site heal quickly and comfortably.
What Should I Expect During a Tooth Extraction?
At Potomac Dental and Implant Center, a tooth extraction is performed in a safe and comfortable environment. We begin by evaluating your tooth and surrounding tissues with X-rays and a thorough oral exam.
Local anesthesia is administered to numb the area, ensuring you feel minimal discomfort. Our dentists use gentle techniques to carefully remove the tooth and provide instructions for healing.
We will discuss sedation options for anxious patients, and answer all your questions so you feel prepared and relaxed.
How Do I Prepare for a Tooth Extraction?
- Medical history and list of current medications
- Insurance card or payment method
- Questions or concerns about the procedure
- Arrange for a ride if you are receiving sedation
Following these steps helps ensure a smooth and stress-free procedure.
What Can I Expect After the Extraction?
After the extraction, it is normal to experience mild swelling, bleeding, and discomfort for a few days. We provide detailed aftercare instructions, including how to manage pain, reduce swelling, and promote healing.
Avoiding strenuous activity, smoking, or using straws helps prevent complications like dry socket. Follow-up visits ensure proper healing and allow us to answer any questions during recovery.
What is a Dry Socket and How Do I Prevent It?
A dry socket occurs when the blood clot at the extraction site is dislodged, exposing the underlying bone and nerves. This can cause intense pain and delay healing.
To prevent dry socket, follow our aftercare instructions carefully: avoid smoking, do not use straws, maintain gentle oral hygiene, and eat soft foods for the first few days.
If you experience severe pain or notice a foul taste, contact our office immediately.
Will I Need Stitches?
Some extractions require stitches to help the gum tissue heal properly. We use dissolvable stitches whenever possible, so you won’t need to return to have them removed.
Your dentist will let you know if stitches are necessary and explain how to care for them during the healing process.
When Can I Resume Normal Activities?
Most patients can return to normal daily activities within 24–48 hours after a tooth extraction, but avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, and smoking during the initial healing period.
Follow-up appointments allow us to monitor your recovery and advise when it’s safe to resume your usual routine.
How Much Does a Tooth Extraction Cost?
The cost of a tooth extraction at Potomac Dental and Implant Center varies depending on your insurance and treatment plan. For patients with insurance, extractions may be fully covered, while for others, prices can range from a simple extraction to over $1,000 if an implant is planned.
We offer transparent pricing and flexible financing options to make your care affordable. To see our current offers, visit our Specials Page .
Schedule Your Appointment Today!
Don't let cavities, toothache or missing teeth compromise your smile and oral health. Contact Potomac Dental and Implant Center today to schedule your consultation. We look forward to helping you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile that lasts a lifetime.