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 would recommend Cortland Oral Surgery to anyone who needs procedures done. They have very friendly staff and the work is performed quickly but with great care and attention to detail.
- Hunter S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Everyone was so nice and friendly. Very pleasant experience. Wonderful Dr. and Staff!
- Cynthia R
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
We were happy with the quality of service received for this medical procedure. We were pleasantly surprised by a family discount due to another sibling having the procedure done previously.
- Erin B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Wonderful service. Made me feel comfortable. Pretty much painless surgical extraction. Professional staff. Highly recommend this doctor.
- John E
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Excellent service and fast
- Richard C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
These people made a stressful, normally uncomfortable procedure all most fun! Very appreciative.
- JOHN A
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Wonderful staff, the dentist was very gentle, and funny too! I went in anxious as ever, but was soon at ease. Very little pain and swelling the days following 3 teeth extractions.
- Adajean W
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Very good experience everyone was very professional and friendly. If I ever need an oral surgeon again I would definitely go back.
- Cindy C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Everyone in the office is wonderful! They've exceeded my expectations and made the process as easy and affordable as possible. I would (and have) highly recommend Dr. SanGiacomo to anyone who needs work done.
- Raechel A
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
very pleased
- Ronald B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Great experience with a difficult procedure! Thank you!
- Carter F
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I would absolutely recommend friends and family to this practice. Thank you!
- Kevin T
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Excellent service!!
- Debbie R
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I am an Anesthesiologist practicing in town. I have tried to have 2 back molar implants placed since my medical residency in the early 90's. I have been to multiple specialist, which all had said, because of the bone erosion there is not enough bone to place an implant. Everyone from colleagues I perform anesthesia for to Clear Choice shown on TV, none where able to even try. I did not know Thomas R. SanGiacomo, DMD, but thought I would give it one more try. To my surprise I had a 3-D CT scan in his office and he said he believed he could use a specialized implant called a Fatboy. Well, after less the a year I have 2 permanent excellent chewing surfaces. The whole experience was exceptional, he and his office staff out like a real hidden treasure here in Cortland and I have been all over the U.S. and world trying to have this performed. I can not say enough about the experience and end result. I had tried a partial before and there is no comparison between wearing a partial and having solid permanent teeth. If you or someone you know are missing teeth I highly recommend you visit this outstanding Specialist. He has clean ultra modern equipment, a wondering pleasant staff, and a tremendous skill. His prices are absolutely the best and he accepted my insurance, which was an added bonus. I highly recommend if you are reading this you take the first step and make an initial appointment.
- Rob S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I was very anxious about getting these extractions. The staff were very encouraging and put me at ease. Dr SanGiacomo was very professional and has a great sense of humor,which I really appreciated!
- Patricia M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Everything went very smooth, the tooth extraction was actually easier than I thought
- Timothy T
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Had a bad tooth ache, called and got me right in. Great service and great result as I have not had any issues. Staff was very friendly and helpful. Doc is the best.
- Gary H
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Great place and amazing staff
- Nicole S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Very efficient, I felt very comfortable.
- Mike K
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
friendly staff that makes you feel very comfortable. made sure i was not in pain during the procedure. explained everything clearly
- tim f