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
Wonderful experience, which sounds very strange for a tooth extraction, I was really scared, and the doctor and staff were wonderful, very professional, very patient and caring. Procedure was very quick and I was done before I had a chance to panic.
- chris h
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Professional and attentive
- George P
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Courteous, friendly and professional...I never felt rushed and was well cared for start to finish.
- Steven F
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I was there for consultation on a tooth problem. The doctor and the staff were all wonderful - professional, friendly, caring, explained everything very thoroughly for me. I'd most certainly go back if ever need be.
- Juleene C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I had a wonderful experience throughout my oral surgery procedure. Staff was friendly and welcoming and the doctor put me at ease, thoroughly explaining options and answering all of my questions. I was kept very comfortable throughout the entire process and felt I was in excellent hands.
- Natalie S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
everything was very professional
- JAMES M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Friendly, efficient and knowledgeable staff.
- Joe D
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
what a great office - these folks have a genuine feeling of family - very rare these days - and Dr. San Giacomo is simply the best, most skilled oral surgeon in our part of Upstate NY - he is amazingly focused and patient, and great to communicate with - after my experience with Dr. San Giacomo and his staff, i would never consider seeing another oral surgeon....it's just that simple:
- richard d
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Great job by all
- Amy D
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
The office was clean and orderly. The procedure was done within a timely manner once started.
- Karen C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
An absolutely pleasant and professional experience from my first call to the office.
- Mary Beth Z
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Two thumbs wayyyyyy up
- Ed L
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Very friendly staff and quick process to get in and taken care of.
- Shannon P
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Excellent in every way. Difficult to see how they could improve. Being able to schedule a little sooner would have been good. It was also very difficult to get through on the telephone to make the appointment, it was always busy. It is no wonder the office is so busy as doc is just so so good. Wish there were dental providers in the area half as good. Thank you for the great care.
- helen G
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
i was impressed with the professionalism of the staff and how very pleasant they were throught my visits there.
- Maury T
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Everyone in the office from the receptionists to the dental hygienists to the doctor were all really great, sympathetic and professional. I would highly recommend this office for your procedure.
- lorraine b
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
They were very friendly talked to you through the procedure.I am very thankful for all they did.
- Barbara W
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Can't say enough good about Dr. S.G. and his practice... Already referred two people from Ithaca to his office
- Ann B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
This was my third time going to see Dr. SanGiacomo to have teeth removed. He has been great all three times. The office, and nursing staff are always friendly and wonderful at easing any concerns or questions you might have. When it comes to the surgery(for me anyway) Dr. SanGiacomo is very thorough, from placing the IV and medication. The extractions and making sure that he has gotten every last bit of debris. Then making sure all the extraction sites are closed and stitched up properly before waking you up. I am also very happy with how the staff interacts with the person that comes with you. Also how they are very detailed in making sure that your person is informed on the after care. I would happily refer friends and family to go here if they are ever in need of having teeth removed.
- Connie R
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Pleasant experience for an unpleasant procedure
- Steven M