121 Jericho Turnpike Mineola, NY 11501
Why a Tooth Extraction May Be Necessary
Dr. Druz, Dr. Sukiasian, Dr. Weinreb, Dr. Baine, Dr. Joseph or Dr. Gavras may determine that a tooth extraction is necessary for a number of reasons. Some teeth are extracted because they are severely decayed, while others have advanced periodontal disease or have broken in a way that cannot be repaired. Other teeth may need to be removed because they are poorly positioned in the mouth, such as impacted teeth, or in preparation for orthodontic treatment.
The removal of a single tooth can lead to problems with your chewing ability, your jaw joint, and shifting teeth, all of which can have a lasting impact on your dental health. To help you avoid these complications, our doctors will always discuss possible alternatives to extraction, as well as options for replacing the extracted tooth, before moving forward with treatment. Patients throughout Mineola, NY, Garden City, New Hyde Park, East Williston and Roslyn Heights trust our team with even the most complex extractions.
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When Is an Extraction the Right Choice?
A tooth extraction may be recommended if you are experiencing any of the following:
- Severe decay that has destroyed too much of the tooth structure to support a filling or crown
- Advanced periodontal disease that has compromised the bone and tissue supporting the tooth
- A tooth broken beyond repair due to injury or trauma
- Impacted or poorly positioned teeth that cannot function properly in the mouth
- Extra or overcrowded teeth that need to be removed as part of orthodontic treatment planning
If an alternative to extraction is available, our doctors will always walk you through those options first.
How to Prepare for Your Extraction Appointment
A little preparation before your appointment helps your extraction and recovery go as smoothly as possible. Before your visit, our team will review your dental and medical history, along with any medications you are currently taking, since certain medications can affect bleeding and healing. Digital x-rays are typically taken beforehand to help the doctor understand the exact position of the tooth and root, including whether sectioning may be needed.
We recommend eating a light meal before your appointment if you will be receiving local anesthesia only, and arranging for a ride home if any form of sedation is planned. Wearing comfortable clothing and clearing your schedule for the rest of the day also helps make your recovery more comfortable from the moment you leave our office.
What Happens During a Tooth Extraction
At the time of your extraction, the doctor will numb the tooth, jawbone and surrounding gum tissue with a local anesthetic. Here is what to expect step by step:
1
Numbing the Area
The doctor applies a local anesthetic to the tooth, jawbone and surrounding gum tissue, ensuring the area is fully numb before treatment begins.
2
Loosening the Tooth
The doctor gently rocks the tooth back and forth to widen the socket. You will likely feel pressure during this step, but the anesthetic blocks the nerves responsible for pain while leaving pressure sensation largely intact.
3
Sectioning, If Needed
Some teeth are firmly anchored in their socket or have a curved root that prevents removal as a single piece. In these cases, the doctor carefully cuts the tooth into sections and removes each part individually, which is a routine part of many extractions.
4
Removing the Tooth
Once loosened, or sectioned if needed, the tooth is carefully removed from the socket.
5
Supporting Initial Healing
Gauze is placed over the extraction site to support clot formation, and the doctor reviews aftercare instructions with you before you leave the office.
Home Care Instructions After Tooth Extraction
After tooth extraction, it’s important for a blood clot to form to stop the bleeding and begin the healing process. Bite on a gauze pad for 30-45 minutes immediately after the appointment. If the bleeding or oozing still persists, place another gauze pad and bite firmly for another 30 minutes. You may have to do this several times to staunch the flow of blood.
After the blood clot forms it is important to not disturb or dislodge the clot. Do not rinse vigorously, suck on straws, smoke, drink alcohol or brush teeth next to the extraction site for 72 hours. These activities may dislodge or dissolve the clot and hinder the healing process. Limit vigorous exercise for the next 24 hours, as this increases blood pressure and may cause more bleeding from the extraction site.
After the tooth is extracted you may feel some pain and experience some swelling. An ice pack or an unopened bag of frozen peas or corn applied to the area will keep swelling to a minimum. Take pain medications as prescribed. The swelling usually subsides after 48 hours.
Use pain medication as directed. Call our office if the medication doesn’t seem to be working. If antibiotics are prescribed, continue to take them for the indicated length of time even if signs and symptoms of infection are gone. Drink lots of fluids and eat nutritious, soft food on the day of the extraction. You can eat normally as soon as you are comfortable.
It is important to resume your normal dental routine after 24 hours. This should include brushing and flossing your teeth at least once a day. This will speed healing and help keep your mouth fresh and clean.
After a few days you should feel fine and can resume your normal activities. If you have heavy bleeding, severe pain, continued swelling for 2-3 days, or a reaction to the medication, call our office immediately.
Trust Your Extraction to an Experienced Team
If you are dealing with a damaged, decayed or problematic tooth, our team at PM Dental Care in Mineola, NY is here to help you through the process with care and comfort at every step.
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