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
Thank you for your caring treatment!
- Jung L
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Any form of dentistry always makes us cringe. It would seem to be a natural reaction. We dread even making the initial call for an appointment. However, I can honestly say that after my tooth extraction, I would have no hesitation contacting this office again. Extremely busy, but well organized staff. From the moment you enter and approach the check-in counter, they are ready for "you". Very friendly and professional.
- Linda W
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
My overall experience was great. I was warmly welcomed and greeted in the waiting room as the window was busy. I have never had this happen. Everyone was very kind and welcoming.
- Connie P
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Overall - - The receptionist, staff, & dental assistant were very pleasant & made me feel @ ease & comfortable in facing a tooth extraction. The Doctor (Dentist) made me feel at peace & felt real confident in his expertIse. The tooth extraction was done in a shorter period of time than I expected.
- Arlene L
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr SanGiacomo rescued me by doing an unanticipated extraction shortly before an international flight. I was very grateful.
- Karin S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Highly recommend this office. Great staff and dentist.
- Maryann W
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
The staff was wonderful you can tell they care about there patients.
- Anonymous
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Very professional crew. Amazed at how painless the procedure was... The pain two days after was pretty bad, but following directions given by your office was very helpful....
- penny L
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
My surgery went well. I was very pleased with this office.
- Daniel D
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Excellent dental practice. Thank you for your care and concern.
- Linda H
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I was anxious and the nurse as well as Dr. SanGiacomo assured me I would be fine. Through their caring ways and kind words, I was able to have my extractoin and bonegraft without any sedation. I highly recommend this office for needed oral procedures.
- Virginia D
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Very warm and caring staff.They took me in on the same day I called and in 1 hour I was done.Wonderful Surgeon who was polite and very skilled.Will surely return if needed.
- michael c
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I needed an emergency wisdom tooth extraction, but no one in the syracuse area was available. Dr. SanGiacomo's office explained the options I had if I wanted to have the procedure done immediately, and they were able to schedule me THAT DAY! Although I was hesitant to only use Novocain, the procedure was extremely quick and pretty much painless as far as tooth extraction goes.
- Calli S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
My experience with Cortland Oral Surgery was very enjoyable under the circumstances. I would definitely recommend them to anyone needing oral surgery.
- Terry B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I could not have been more thrilled with the extraction of my wisdom tooth. I was very anxious, but the office staff were quick to put me at ease. Dr. SanGiacomo was friendly, fun, and expedient- and made a very stressful situation quite pleasant. My wisdom tooth extraction only took a few minutes, and I had very little pain. THANK YOU for a great experience!
- Stacey G
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
My 15 year old daughter had all four wisdom teeth extracted. The staff and doctor were so kind and funny and made her feel at ease. I was extremely happy with the entire experience. I would recommend this office over and over again.
- Christine T
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Thank you for being so patient and understanding.
- Tracy K
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I was given the drs name by a friend and a relative. and I would def. share his name to anyone who may ask if I know of a oral surgeon.. He's that good... along with his staff.. Everyone here looked out for my needs and always checked on me to see how I was doing...
- kathleen e
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I was so pleased with my treatment. Even though I was in extreme pain when I walked in, I walked out with very little pain and with a smile on my face. That rarely happens after a dentist appointment !!
- Patricia H
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Very professional staff and dr my husband had a stroke and is sometime very uncomfortable going to someone new by himself. They treated him very professional and with utmost respect thank you for your respect and compassion
- Ronnie O