Dental Designs of Maryland News

Hearing that you need a tooth extraction can feel intimidating, but in many cases, it’s actually the best step for protecting your long-term oral health. Dentists don’t recommend removing a tooth without careful consideration. When extraction is suggested, it’s usually because keeping the tooth poses a greater risk than removing it. Understanding the reasons behind this recommendation can help put your mind at ease.

Severe Tooth Decay or Infection

One of the most common reasons for tooth extraction is advanced decay. When a cavity reaches deep into the tooth and causes significant infection, saving the tooth may no longer be possible. If the infection spreads beyond the tooth and into the surrounding bone or tissue, extraction may be necessary to prevent further complications.

In these situations, removing the tooth helps stop the infection from spreading and protects the health of nearby teeth and gums.

Advanced Gum Disease

Gum disease doesn’t just affect your gums — it can also damage the bone that supports your teeth. In advanced stages, teeth may become loose due to bone loss. When a tooth can no longer be stabilized, extraction may be the healthiest option.

Removing severely affected teeth can also help improve overall gum health and make it easier to treat remaining areas of infection.

Impacted or Problematic Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth are a frequent cause of extractions. These teeth often don’t have enough room to come in properly, leading to impaction, crowding, or partial eruption. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, swelling, infection, and damage to neighboring teeth.

Extracting problematic wisdom teeth can prevent ongoing discomfort and reduce the risk of future oral health issues.

Dental Crowding and Orthodontic Needs

Sometimes, extractions are recommended as part of an orthodontic treatment plan. When the mouth is overcrowded, removing a tooth can create the space needed to properly align the remaining teeth.

While it may seem counterintuitive, strategic extractions can improve bite function, aesthetics, and long-term oral health when recommended by a dentist or orthodontist.

Cracked or Damaged Teeth Beyond Repair

Accidents, injuries, or long-term wear can sometimes cause cracks or fractures that extend below the gum line. When a tooth is too damaged to be repaired with a crown or other restorative treatment, extraction may be necessary.

In emergency situations, patients often search for help with severe pain or trauma and may need an emergency tooth extraction near me to address the issue quickly and prevent complications.

Preparing for Restorative Treatment

In some cases, a damaged or failing tooth needs to be removed to prepare for future treatment, such as a dental implant or bridge. Extracting the tooth allows the area to heal properly and sets the stage for a more stable, long-lasting restoration.

While tooth extraction can sound daunting, it’s often a proactive step toward relieving pain and restoring oral health.

About the Practice

At Dental Designs of Maryland in Hanover, you’ll find a team of experienced dentists and specialists working together to provide comprehensive dental care under one roof. Our providers include family dentists, cosmetic experts, a periodontist, and implant specialists, all focused on delivering personalized treatment and compassionate care.

Call us at (410) 931-9400 or request an appointment online.

As you get ready to get a root canal, you may be anxious about the procedure itself. While you learn more about what you can expect during it, you should also familiarize yourself with what happens after. Knowing about the general recovery process can help you feel more confident and prepared as you heal. Here’s typically what happens in the days following this treatment.

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If your dentist has recommended root canal therapy, one of your first questions might be, “How long is this going to take?” Many patients are surprised to learn that root canal treatment is often quicker and more comfortable than they expect. Thanks to modern techniques, advanced technology, and improved numbing methods, the procedure is more efficient than ever. Here’s a clear breakdown of what determines how long a root canal takes and what you can expect during each step.

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No one wants to experience a dental emergency, much less one you wouldn’t expect to happen! It’s one thing when you break a tooth playing a high-intensity sport, but it’s a completely different thing when you’re enjoying a meal only to hear a sickening crunch. A crunch that you’re pretty sure was your dental filling.

If you’ve lost your filling, try not to panic. The next five steps you should take are fairly simple, and your emergency dentist will help you with the rest!

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Finding yourself in a dental emergency can be a worrying experience. It can leave you panicked and overwhelmed in any situation. This is especially true if a tooth has come out after an accident. However, knowing what to do and acting fast can help ensure you have a higher chance of saving it. Keep reading to learn how to handle a knocked-out tooth and what your dentist can do to help.

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You probably already know that brushing and flossing can prevent common oral issues, such as cavities and gum disease. However, that doesn’t mean that you’ll never experience a dental emergency.

For instance, you might develop a severe or persistent toothache overnight when your dentist’s office is closed. It can be difficult to wait for relief, especially if you can’t get comfortable enough to fall asleep. If the pain is keeping you awake, continue reading to learn about 3 helpful tips for getting some much-needed rest!  

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Cosmetic dentistry focuses on enhancing the appearance of your smile through procedures that improve tooth shape, size, color, and alignment. Many people wonder whether these treatments can harm their teeth or overall oral health. The good news is that, when performed by a trained cosmetic dentist, these procedures are not only safe but can also support your dental health.

Modern cosmetic treatments use advanced materials and techniques that are gentle on your teeth and gums. In fact, many cosmetic procedures are minimally invasive, preserving as much natural tooth structure as possible while delivering beautiful, lasting results.

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Imperfections in your smile can leave you feeling self-conscious. You may want to show off your grin, but flaws like chips or stains can make you think twice before doing so. As you explore ways to transform your teeth, you may find yourself scrolling through various cosmetic dental treatments. They are a perfect way to safely give you the pearly whites you’ve always dreamed of!

However, before your dentist allows you to get them, they want to ensure your mouth is a healthy foundation. Don’t get discouraged about having to wait to flaunt a new smile, here is why good oral health is important before any cosmetic dental work.

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If you’ve recently hurt one of your teeth, or you have a pretty serious cavity that a filling can’t address, your dentist might’ve informed you that you’ll need a dental crown on that tooth. You may have many questions pop into your head when you hear this, including ones that concern what the crown will be made out of. Continue reading to learn a little more about dental crowns and the types of materials that are used to create these versatile, impressive restorations!

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The great news about dental implants is that they look, feel, and function just like your real teeth. Better still, they’re permanent solutions to tooth loss, meaning that once you get them, you’ll likely never need to replace them. But when it comes to caring for and maintaining them, how do these prosthetics stack up against your natural smile? Here are a few ways you can protect your dental implants from damage, stains, and implant failure so your new smile stays complete for a lifetime!

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