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
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
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
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Easy and friendly!
- Hayden W
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Great staff. Great dentist
- Jessica C
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
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
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
The entire staff was amazing. They rock
- JACKIE E
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
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
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Would most definitely recommend.
- Anne S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Easy to talk to, very personable.
- Wendy C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Very professional, friendly staff and Dr. S makes conversation that helped make the process calm. You get an instruction booklet for after the process that is very helpful.
- Jerri A
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Very friendly and professional.
- Kim F
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
The oral surgeon is WONDERFUL, very caring, and will do what it takes to make everything right for you.
- George C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
The staff is super nice and knowledgeable. The doctor is very efficient, the whole extraction took less than 30 minutes. I am very pleased with the service and the care I received.
- Divya G
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Difficult extraction was painless.
- Tom S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Excellent Service and great care during procedure
- Todd C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Excellent staff. Procedure was VERY fast and efficient.
- Stephanie C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
As one might expect I went into the implant process anxious about the amount of discomfort and pain that would be involved. This was from the drilling of the jawbone to the recuperation afterward. Now the following day I realize the anxiety was completely unfounded. Dr SanGiocomo's surgical process was efficient and completely without discomfort. He explained what he was going to do and it unfolded as he had felt it would. Returning home, once the novocaine wore off, I anticipated at least a few hours of discomfort mollified by doses of Ibuprofen. That negative anticipation was unwarranted as well. There was no post surgery discomfort at all. Seriously! By the end of the day I was ready to send Dr SanGiocomo and his assistants a box of chocolates, but I didn't want them to worry about cavities.
- Rick R
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Extraction was not as bad as I feared! Whole visit very efficient.
- Palette F