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

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Great experience, no pain and friendliness of staff was wonderful

- Maria W

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very good

- s f

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Will be back again - recommended him to my wife

- Jeffrey N

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Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Was so nervous about having tooth pulled but I never felt a thing, just a few pricks from the needle used to numb me up! Well done!

- Tama S

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They did an amazing job!

- Amber C

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I was very nervous but Dr and staff were awesome and very informative. Thank you

- Helena W

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Very nice people

- Chris O

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Very kind and caring .

- Jodie W

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Dr SanGiacamo made me feel at ease! He made sure I was comfortable and very numb before he started the procedure. He was quick and efficient.

- Anonymous

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Great

- Chasity K

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Had a great experience at Cortland Oral Surgery. It's generally not a good thing when you need to see an oral surgeon, but Dr. SanGiacomo and his team made the visit a real pleasure.

- Pamala E

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Everyone was very nice. Don't even remember being knocked out and they wheeled me out to my car after the procedure was done.

- Shawn M

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very happy with my complete visit was nervous the nurse put me at ease she explained whole procedure the dr made sure i was comfortable i would recommend your service

- michael pease f

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Dr. Sangiacomo is a quite talented oral surgeon, with a good bedside manner!

- Debra S

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Very friendly and professional - We had a very good experience

- Donna V

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An excellent experience.

- Candace C

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Fabulous service, care and courtesy. I highly recommend. Thank you.

- Heidi M

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I put off my wisdom teeth surgery for seven years due to extreme anxiety. When they inevitably had to come out, I ended up having an amazing experience with Cortland Oral Surgery! The staff were all very friendly and helpful, and Dr. SanGiacomo has a sense of humor and a way with patients that really makes you feel at ease. I waited no more than a few minutes between checking in and getting into the chair. My IV was placed, and the next thing I remember, the whole procedure was over. My recovery has been a breeze so far and I had very little bleeding or pain. I would definitely recommend this office to anyone seeking oral surgical care.

- Elizabeth C

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Fast easy and painless for the first time ever at a dentist

- Nicholas W

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I would definitely recommend this office to anyone who will listen. Words that I never thought I would say ..., I love this dentist and staff.

- Nadine R

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