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
Dr. SanGiacomo and his aide, Stephanie, showed me the X-ray of the tooth to be extracted, and Dr. SanGiacomo described what to expect during the procedure, which went smoothly. By the time I was ready to leave, the office staff (I'm sorry - I don't remember the individuals' names) had already submitted the bill for the procedure to my insurance company (so that I did not need to do so), and they had already sent antibiotic and pain-relief prescriptions to my pharmacy. Speaking of pain - I experienced hardly any. Before going to sleep, I took an Ibuprofen as a precaution. I slept well. I appreciate the personable and professional work of Dr. SanGiacomo and his staff. Sincerely, John S.
- John S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Difficult extraction but handled with expertise.
- Andrew H
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Very satisfied. Everybody was very courteous and professional. Would return again if needed.
- Russell M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I was so nervous during the whole procedure Dr SanGiacomo and his other staff member who was in the room with me made me feel comfortable they talked to me thru out the whole process and made me feel safe. The whole team was very friendly. Thank you so much.
- A G
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Everyone in the office was very friendly and I felt "at home" right away, although I had come into the office feeling very nervous. I am thankful that I had such a good experience.
- Sue C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Great experience.
- Patricia J
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Super polite staff - sanGiacomo was brilliant; kept me informed for the entire 50 min surgery; keep tabs on if I was feeling any pain/discomfort; explained what my options were thoroughly, even when things took a turn. Everyone in the practice seems to be knowledgable, courteous, and efficient. Can't better than that.
- Caryln B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
The experience has seemed mainly fine, so far (the surgery is for my children, not me). My only concern is that when we arrived for pre-op consultation - and my son apparently had gum in his mouth at time of visit - the doc took the gum out and stuck it on my son's hand, rather than simply asking him to spit his gum out. I tried to find the humor in it, but it was really more unprofessional than humorous. Otherwise, lovely office, and I have confidence in the doctor's expertise as well as the staff's.
- jane c
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Staff and Dr Sangiacomo are great! Took great care of me with me wisdom teeth extractions....highly recommend to anyone in need of oral surgery!
- Jacob H
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
The Dr. and staff were very friendly and professional, even when my tooth gave them a rough time coming out.
- Bruce W
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. SanGiacomo and staff were really great and made this procedure much less scary and painful than I expected. Aftercare instructions booklet is actually helpful- clear, thorough, and well-written. So far healing well with no swelling and little to no pain. Thank you!
- Jen D
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Every part of the experience was phenomenal! I can't speak highly enough about the doctor and the entire staff. Highly recommended!
- Travis C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I am getting a tooth implant. I had a tooth pulled and bone grafting. It didn't take much time and was practically pain free. Everything was explained as we went along. So happy to have found this team.
- Charlene G
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I was very nervous. This was my first surgery (wisdom teeth extractions) I’ve ever had and was going to have anesthesia. Both the staff and Dr. SanGiacomo made my whole experience very comfortable and very relaxed. Everything went well with my surgery and has been going well with the recovery. I highly recommend Cortland Oral Surgery and Dr. SanGiacomo.
- Skylar C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Didn't feel a thing! THANK YOU FOR THE GREAT WORK!
- Tim B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
It was good to not have any wait at all. All the staff were pleasant and explained the procedures and after care well.
- Olivia B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I was very pleased with the doctor and his staff.
- Robert H
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Very friendly and personable people. They fit me into their busy schedule because I was having a problem... which was GREAT to get my problem tooth taken care of so I could start the healing process. THANK YOU very much!!
- Melinda C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Very pleased with the scheduling and onlinepaper work during covid, the Doctor was thorough and made sure I didn't feel any pain or unecessary discomfort. He also let me do a follow up to put me at ease as I still was sore and had slight bleeding after a few days. I would highly recommend for anyone in need of a extraction.
- Tyler c
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Tooth extraction never fun, but Dr.was polite, efficient and knew what he was doing unlike past experiences with other “professionals “.would return for sure.
- Leaf c