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
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Smooth appointment, great service . Procedure was done well.
- H Paul S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Although my original hesitancy for this dental procedure was due to my initial concern of never having extractions in my life of 87 years ! However, my fears were unfounded! Dr.Sangicamo was very skilled and with great support from his assistant ,was a very tolerant procedure and my recovery is going well.
- Richard H
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
This was my 2nd tooth extraction (last one about 10 yrs. ago). I thought that the positive experience then was a fluke, but it wasn't. Believe me, I dread going to the dentist, but he makes the whole experience relatively painless. The worst part is usually the Novocain, but even that wasn't too bad & he removed the remaining pieces of my broken tooth quickly & without pain. Highly recommend!!! (And I wasn't paid to say any of this)
- Denise M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Excellent experience, staff were all friendly and kind, doctor was efficient but very nice. Minimal discomfort when being blocked and the block worked very well 🙂
- Kathy B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Everything was great- front staff so friendly and helpful- dentist great! Highly recommend
- Amber V
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
In what seems like a world of poor dentists, Dr Sangiacomo is a blessing. He is highly competent. Both my mother and I go to him. We have extremely long tooth roots and my mother has had traumatic experiences at two other offices. I'm very grateful to have found Dr. Sangiacomo.
- Shelly N
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I have PTSD with severe anxiety. I also suffer from depression and am on a fair amount of medications. I was in severe pain from an absessed tooth and the infection was spreading like wildfire. Someone cancelled their appointment and the staff called me right away. They got me through the procedure while helping me to stay as calm as possible. I was a shaking mess. My tremors were uncontrollable at that point, but the nurses worked very hard to help me try to calm down. Then, Dr. Sangiacomo began telling jokes and express his wonderful sense of humor. That REALLY helped to put me at ease. The entire staff understood my situation and helped me through my anxiety attack as well. I would never dream of going anywhere else. Thank you for your support and unmatched level of care. Not sure I would have made it through this with all their help and kindness.
- Lloyd S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
OUTSTANDING!
- samuel f
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Everyone was kind and caring, efficient and professional. They all tried to set me at ease and answered all my questions thoroughly. The booklet on information was well done and helpful to take with me following the procedure.
- Theresa S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Procedure was ray & well done!
- Sally Y
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Staff is friendly and attentive (and humorous). Am pleased to have been introduced to this office.
- Judith L
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
doctor is obviously very experienced and very nice minimal discomfort postop, at least so far friendly doctor and staff
- eric t
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I so appreciate the follow up phone comments from staff and Dr. even though it was a holiday week, The after hours answering service a big A+.
- Kathleen B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I’m very satisfied with my visit to Cortland Oral Surgery. The staff was very friendly and professional. I liked that I was able to fill out the patient questionnaire online before my visit. I would certainly recommend this practice to others.
- Thomas C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I had an incision & drainage procedure for a cyst. Everyone I interacted with were very nice and helpful and ready to answer any questions I had. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this office to someone and would definitely go there again myself if I ever need an oral surgeon.
- Julie R
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Maya said staff was funny and helped her stay calm.
- Maya D
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I was really nervous and they went out of their way to make me feel comfortable.
- Theresa R
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Great staff and Dr SanGiacomo is wonderful. Wouldn’t hesitate to recommend his services to anyone
- Nancy B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I am so glad I found Dr. SanGiacomo's practice. The staff is amazingly comforting and helpful and I couldn't be happier with my surgery and overall experience. I will tell anyone I know if need of oral surgery that you're the first practice they should consider. Thanks for your hard work!
- Zachary A
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
A very wonderful place!
- Coral G