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.

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Front desk is very helpful-everyone is friendly and fun

- Christene W

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Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Had to have a molar removed. Sounds mighty scary and painful but it was neither. Dr. SanGiacomo had that sucker out of there in no time, and with a minimum of discomfort. That was yesterday. Had a bit of dull, aching pain last evening, as is to be expected, but no trouble sleeping last night and no pain at all today, even without the use of any meds.

- John S

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Everyone was great! My procedure went well with no complications! Thanks for the great work!

- Darci G

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Very Good

- Gary B

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With covid procedures in place I felt comfortable and safe. Staff and Dr Tom couldn't have been more friendly and compassionate.

- Dawn K

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Excellent descriptions of my procedures that day.

- Phyllis H

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Great, caring staff! Dr. SanGiacomo did an excellent job

- Diane S

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My son’s wisdom tooth extraction was as smooth as possible. We couldn’t be happier.

- Ed M

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Great experience. Very friendly staff. Excellent doctor.

- John R

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Would highly recommend

- Sheryl R

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Fast, painless extraction of two cracked molars. Staff was very friendly and answered all my questions.

- Nicholas S

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Staff is very friendly

- manny d

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Though there was an unavoidable power outage, you were able to reschedule my appointment asap. I don’t remember the visit but that’s probably a positive being you had to take out my wisdom teeth!

- Alexander H

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This was our first visit to the office and considering what is happening with the pandemic, we felt very comfortable. The staff and doctor were very nice. The ease of appointment, paperwork and care after was great!!

- Kerry M

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Excellent patient service, very friendly staff, quick execution of the procedure and no pain!

- Karl S

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I highly recommend Cortland Oral Care.

- Steve M

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Dr. SanGiacomo was very calming and explained things well. Has a great personality.

- Victoria W

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Good visit, quick and painless.

- Rhonda F

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Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Such a great office! I was in so much pain and everyone that was there was really kind and helpful-from scheduling my appointment(that I was able to move ahead of time due to a cancellation), to making sure I was warm, comfy, and properly numbed before my procedure. Dr. SanGiacomo was very skilled and knowledgeable, and my procedure went by smoothly and quickly (the pain was to be expected). Overall everything from beginning to end was really easy, the pricing was very fair (especially for someone like me with no dental insurance) and I will absolutely continue to come here and recommend this place to everyone I know.

- Preya C

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Our Latest Patient Testimonial

It was very fast, I was in and out! And the recovery is amazing, wouldn’t want to go to another oral sergeant!

- Trisha K

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