Tooth ExtractionsAt any time in our lives, we have all lost a tooth from our mouths. After all, we did not develop our permanent adult teeth without the gradual loss of our baby primary teeth. However, our permanent teeth are just that – permanent! Having a permanent tooth removed can be somewhat scary for our patients, as they may be uncertain as to what they can do after their tooth has been removed to maintain an attractive and natural-looking smile. Other patients may be nervous because they have been told that their tooth needs to be removed and they may be anxious about possible discomfort during the procedure. We here at Progressive Oral Surgery & Implantology of Long Island are extremely knowledgeable about dental extractions and will work to ensure both your comfort and your peace of mind if you ever require a dental extraction. Everything You Need to Know about a Dental ExtractionDental, or tooth extraction, is simply a fancy term for the process in which a tooth is removed from your mouth surgically. Having a surgical extraction in our office is a straightforward and routine outpatient procedure. When we perform a dental extraction here, we are careful to ensure your comfort during the entire process. Not only will we make sure that you receive anesthesia so that you experience no pain or discomfort, but we will also work with you afterward to make sure you are comfortable as you recover from this minor surgery. For the majority of our patients, we perform a dental extraction when a tooth is unhealthy and needs to be removed for your safety or protection. Occasionally, however, we do have to remove healthy teeth because they are putting your other teeth in danger. This may be due to overcrowding in your mouth, or to remove teeth to make way for orthodontic work. Surgical ExtractionMany of our dental extractions are considered simple extractions, but occasionally we do have to perform a more intensive type of extraction called a surgical extraction. Yes, simple extractions are also surgical, but it is a different type of procedure entirely.
Surgical extractions are required if your tooth has broken off under your gums or has sustained advanced decay. A surgical extraction is more intensive and may require a combination of topical (local) anesthesia and possibly intravenous or general anesthesia. The type of anesthesia that you receive will depend largely on the reason we are performing the extraction for you. If you get general anesthesia, you will be unconscious throughout the procedure. To perform a surgical extraction, we will cut into your gums and possibly into your bone tissue. We may need to cut into your tooth, as well. Restoring with Dental Implants After an ExtractionIf you have had a tooth extracted, then it is understandable if you are feeling self-conscious or shy about your smile afterward. Many people may be embarrassed to reveal their teeth if there is a gap in them, but for our patients who have had a tooth removed, there are options available to them to help restore their confidence and their smile. Many of our patients elect to have a dental implant placed in the site where their tooth was removed, giving them a permanent and natural-looking alternative to other types of dental prosthesis like bridges, partials, or dentures. If you are missing just one tooth, you may be a good candidate for a single dental implant. Dental implants are made up of three components. The part that goes into your mouth is called the implant or the post and is made out of titanium. It is surgically placed up underneath your gums, directly into your jawbone.
Restoring with Multiple TeethIf you are missing several teeth, you may need multiple implants. You may also be a candidate for implant bridges or implant dentures. An implant-supported bridge is similar to a regular bridge, but instead of attaching to your tooth, it attaches to an implant. This is a great option for patients who have lost several teeth, but do not want dentures or to replace their teeth one at a time with single implants. Implant-supported dentures are another option available to our patients and include replacing an entire arch with implants supported on posts. Instead of replacing your missing teeth one at a time, which may not work for patients who have severe bone loss or who may be wanting to avoid much surgery, we instead place four posts into your jaw. We are then able to permanently affix your prosthetic teeth to those posts, giving you an alternative that is vastly superior to conventional dentures in fit, appearance, and comfort. To learn more about extractions and dental implants, or to speak to us directly with any questions you may have regarding this routine and safe procedure, please give us here at Progressive Oral Surgery & Implantology of Long Island a call today at (516) 741-4415! Tooth Extraction Post-Operative InstructionsFollowing tooth extraction you may experience bleeding, oozing, soreness or moderate to severe pain. Bleeding should stop by 8–12 hours following the extraction. If you experience significant bleeding past this time please call our office at (516) 741-4415 immediately. Oozing of pink fluid for 1–2 days is normal. Discomfort following the tooth extraction is best managed with a mild analgesic like Tylenol, Advil or Aleve. If you experience severe pain that lasts more than 2–3 days after your extraction please call our office. Healing should be as smooth as possible following tooth extraction. It is important to not disturb the extraction site. Remember to eat a soft diet and avoid vigorous rinsing for 24 hours following the extraction. After 24 hours rinse with strong warm salt water for 1 minute a couple of times daily for 3–4 days. This will reduce the number of bacteria in your mouth and will promote better healing. If you have any further questions, please feel free to call us at (516) 741-4415. |
Garden City601 Franklin Ave, Suite 110 Garden City, NY 11530 (516) 741-4415 Fax: (516) 741-4417 GC@progressiveoralsurgery.com Great Neck23 Bond St, Suite 8 Great Neck, NY 11021 (516) 482-0329 Fax: (516) 482-0401 GN@progressiveoralsurgery.com New Hyde Park2035 Lakeville Road, Suite 301 New Hyde Park, NY 11040 (516) 437-2666 Fax: (516) 358-6954 NHP@progressiveoralsurgery.com Hicksville400 S Oyster Bay Rd. #104 Hicksville, NY 11801 (516)-735-7800 Coming soon. |