Extractions

You and Dr. SanGiacomo may determine that you need a tooth extraction for any number of reasons. Some teeth are extracted because they are severely decayed; others may have advanced periodontal disease, or have broken in a way that cannot be repaired. Other teeth may need removal 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 related to your chewing ability, problems with your jaw joint, and shifting teeth, which can have a major impact on your dental health.

To avoid these complications, in most cases, Dr. SanGiacomo will discuss alternatives to extractions as well as replacement of the extracted tooth.

The Extraction Process

At the time of extraction the doctor will need to numb your tooth, jaw bone and gums that surround the area with a local anesthetic.

During the extraction process you will feel a lot of pressure. This is from the process of firmly rocking the tooth in order to widen the socket for removal.

You feel the pressure without pain as the anesthetic has numbed the nerves stopping the transference of pain, yet the nerves that transmit pressure are not profoundly affected.

If you do feel pain at any time during the extraction please let us know right away.

Sectioning a tooth

Some teeth require sectioning. This is a very common procedure done when a tooth is so firmly anchored in its socket or the root is curved and the socket can’t expand enough to remove it. The doctor simply cuts the tooth into sections then removes each section one at a time.

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.

Cortland Oral Surgery

5 out of 5 stars based on 527 reviews.

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Great experience....much better than expected as I was dreading this extraction

- Anonymous

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Very friendly frontline staff. Dr. S. was great and available for follow up questions after the procedure. Great experience! He has a good sense of humor and was able to calm my daughter’s fears before the surgery.

- Autumn L

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Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Thank you for a no pain experience

- Rodger C

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I just want to say that I could not be happier with the treatment I received. Since I had a tooth extracted, that is saying something. Everyone was most understanding and kind and the Dr. was professional. They are a great team. Thank you.

- John W

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

As much as I wasn’t looking forward to the extraction, everything went extremely well. Aftercare instructions were clear and worked as discussed. The only thing that could be better is being able to get an appointment in less time than a month. Understand they are busy but, less of a wait would be better

- Mark M

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

The best dentist I’ve ever been to highly recommend Will never hesitate to go back if needed super great dentist super great staff extremely friendly and I’m not one for needles in my mouth but he did an awesome job Barely felt the needles

- Ron G

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Made me feel very comfortable. Staff was very curtious and friendly. Would reccomend him.

- Bonnie C

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Good experience. Described what to expect during and after surgery. No complaints.

- Leslie W

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

My wisdom teeth surgery was very scary to begin with, but the nurses and doctor eased my mind the second I stepped in the room to have my procedure done. They were all absolutely amazing with everything. I would definitely recommend them to anyone else looking to get their wisdom teeth out.

- Samantha M

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I was surprised at the lack of pain. I kept waiting for the pain to kick in but it never did. I did not take any medication for pain. Not so much as an aspirin. Excellent work and excellent staff.

- Brian B

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Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Very professional and friendly . Doctor was on time and didn't have to wait. Was in and out, less than 30 minutes. I wiould go there again , if I need futher work.

- Grraldine F

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Easy and friendly!

- Hayden W

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Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Great staff. Great dentist

- Jessica C

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Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Having a tooth pulled is bad enough but I had just the root to be pulled.. little scary..ok alot scary but, this was the best experience ever...everyone was very nice.Thank you very much for having so much compassion.

- Carol N

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I had a wisdom tooth extracted, process was quick and easy for me. Staff was great and the process went well. Very satisfied with the care I received.

- Dylan B

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

The entire staff was amazing. They rock

- JACKIE E

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

For an extraction that no one wants to go through, Dr. S was very kind and quick in getting the procedure done.

- Teresa V

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

The staff were are all extremely nice and helpful. Dr. SanGiacomo did great work and I would return in the future if I ever have a need. It was a pleasant experience for having a tooth pulled.

- Ashly D

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Would most definitely recommend.

- Anne S

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Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Easy to talk to, very personable.

- Wendy C

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