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
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
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
A+ I don't much like going to the dentist, let alone for an extraction. This was amazing.
- Mary S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
My first tooth extraction in years turned out to be quick and easy! I'll return here if there's ever a need beyond my regular dentist!
- A W
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
excellent and explanations.
- Susan S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
A very positive appointment from the office receptionist through the procedure to check out. Will definitely recommend Dr. SanGiacomo.
- Barry B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
It’s obvious that you and your entire staff treat your patients the same way you would like to be treated if you were the patient. Thank you.
- Thomas J
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I could not be more satisfied. I needed two extractions but since it was my first experience I only scheduled for one. It went so smoothly with the doctor explaining everything I could expect. My confidence in the team was such that I went ahead and let them pull the second tooth. ( Which he did without hesitation ) My anxiety was fairly high and the team was very reassuring. Tooth extractions is not something I wish to do again, but if faced with need, I would definitely choose them. A huge thank you to the entre team. You made a very intimating experience much easier and you have definitely put the smile back on my face. Thank you. You rock!
- Lori C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
They did a very good job, I was very impressed. They got me in and out quickly, and they asked multiple times throughout my surgery if I was okay and how I was feeling.
- Leslie W
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Fast, efficient, personable, and reasonable fees. What more do you need?!
- Danial H
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Had a broken tooth and they got me right in, staff was very friendly and professional. Doctor Sangiacomo is a fantastic Dentist.
- Steve R
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