Teeth Extractions
In cases of severe tooth damage or poor tooth positioning, our dental professionals may determine that a tooth extraction is the best possible treatment method. Our team is ready to help you every step of the way in the event that you need to have a tooth removed. We will ensure that the tooth is safely extracted and that you are made as comfortable as possible during the procedure. We will also provide appropriate post-op care, including plans to replace the extracted tooth if needed.
The process of removing a tooth starts with applying a local anesthetic that is designed to numb the tooth, jawbone and gum. This anesthetic allows the patient to feel no pain while the tooth is being pulled; however, the patient may feel some pressure during the process. In some cases, the tooth might need to be cut into multiple sections prior to its removal.
Once the tooth has been removed, a blood clot will form at the site so that the healing process can begin. This is achieved by having the patient bite down on a gauze pad for approximately 30 to 45 minutes. After the clot has been formed, great strides must be taken not to disturb it. We strongly advise patients to refrain from using a straw, vigorous rinsing, smoking, drug or alcohol consumption and intense physical exercise during this time.
Some patients may experience some pain at the extraction site after the anesthesia wears off. To combat this, we recommend over-the-counter painkillers or a prescription if necessary. We also recommend using an icepack on the outer cheek near the extraction site as a method of reducing any swelling that may occur. Typically, patients are able to fully resume their normal activities of brushing and flossing just 24 hours after the procedure. Any patient who experiences unusually intense pain or bleeding after the procedure is advised to contact our office immediately.
If you would like to learn more about tooth extractions or the associated post-op care, we encourage you to contact our office at (973) 556-7266 to schedule an appointment.