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

5 out of 5 stars based on 527 reviews.

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Even though I had a tooth extracted, the total experience was as pleasant as could be.....

- Doug P

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Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Thank you!

- Agnes J

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Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Was really nervous about the visit, everyone there put me at ease . Much easier than anticipated. Would definitely recommend.

- Lisa P

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Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Everyone I came in contact with were all great, friendly and knowledgeable. The Dr and my nurse were great keeping me informed and comfortable. Great staff!

- April C

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I would not hesitate to go back if I needed any further oral surgery. It took a bit to remove the tooth, but he remained 'calm' so I did also.

- Jean D

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Overall I had a very pleasant and painless experience. The doctor and the staff are amazing and willing to work with you for your specific needs, especially if you have an emergency. I will definitely be returning in the future for any more oral surgery needs!

- Luciarose B

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Excellent

- Paul D

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Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I have had many dentist visits over the years and dental work is not pleasant for the most part. Dr. SanGiacomo is one of the best and the staff is also at the top of the list. I do not live in Cortland and am not familiar with the area, but Dr. was recommended by my dentist and I am very appreciative of that. If I need more work done in the future, I know where to go. Also, the payment was less than the estimate given at time of appointment - always a pleasant surprise. I highly recommend Cortland Oral Surgery Center.

- Judy B

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Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Good experience

- Catherine B

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Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Overall good experience. I was extremely stressed about it and the staff was very friendly which made me feel better.

- India S

4 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I'm very pleased with the procedure. My only complaint is that the armrests are not sufficiently long enough for proper white knuckling! Although I plan not to be a regular, should I require oral surgery in the future, I'd call you folks first.

- Michael V

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Great services and staff is very friendly.

- Heather D

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Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Very professional

- David P

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Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Although I had some nerves before the surgery, I felt very comfortable because I was in such caring hands between the doctor and the nurses in the office. I’m so appreciative of how they treated me.

- Katherine M

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Pulling teeth is never a fun thing, but thanks to the friendly and professional staff it turns into something that is easier to deal with. My greatest appreciation to Dr. SanGiacomo and the Practice staff for the great experience. Thank You.

- Dorothy C

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Quick, relatively painless. Doctor definitely eased the tension. Didn’t push me when I started gagging. Assistants were extremely nice, routinely checking on me to makes sure I was comfortable and ok. Was as pleasant experience as it could be, all things considered.

- Timothy L

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Cortland Oral Surgery is a fantastic place of business, very clean and professional. The entire staff is very patient and friendly and completely thorough with paperwork for patients' history, needs, and insurance reimbursements. They tackle any concerns you may have before, during, and after the procedures and always with smiles. Wonderful place to take kids and teenagers for oral care!

- Kristin K

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Would like to thank everyone for my care.. I was in pain and they without hesitation asked me to come back and they dealt with me kinda freaking out. Couldn’t ask for a better person in that situation

- Seth W

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Best oral surgeon ever!

- Kali D

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Tooth extraction went as well as I possibly could have hoped for.

- Bill K

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