Tooth Extractions – Long Beach, NY
Remove Troublesome Teeth to Protect Your Smile
Under normal circumstances, the dedicated team here at Dr. Glen’s Happy Teeth does everything we can to help you and your family build and maintain happy, healthy teeth and gums. However, sometimes a tooth becomes too decayed or damaged for standard treatments to be effective.
In these cases, we can remove troublesome teeth to protect your smile. Continue reading to learn more about why this procedure is sometimes necessary and what to expect, and please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have additional questions.
Why Choose Dr. Glen’s Happy Teeth for Tooth Extractions?
- Dental Team with Decades of Combined Experience
- General Anesthesia to Enhance Patient Comfort
- Flexible Financial Plans Available
Reasons Why Tooth Extractions Are Necessary
Many patients feel anxious when they learn their damaged tooth must be removed and question whether it’s truly necessary. Understanding the reason(s) we’ve recommended this service can potentially help ease your frayed nerves.
We might recommend this procedure in Long Beach to address one or more of the following concerns:
- Address severe damage or decay that can’t be effectively repaired with tooth-colored fillings, root canals, or dental crowns.
- Create space in your mouth for another treatment, like dentures or orthodontics, to be successful.
- Remove an impacted tooth that has become trapped in your gums or is causing infection.
- Prevent decay or disease from spreading to neighboring teeth, your gum tissues, or your jawbone.
- Make way for a child’s adult tooth if their primary tooth has not fallen out on its own.
The Process of Removing a Tooth
Although the procedure itself might vary somewhat depending on your unique circumstances, typically, you can expect our providers to begin your procedure by applying a local numbing agent. This prevents the nerves in your mouth from sending pain signals to your brain, so you might feel pressure while we work, but not outright discomfort. We also offer general anesthesia, if necessary, to help you remain relaxed throughout your visit.
Then, we’ll make a small incision in your gums to access the problematic tooth. For a simple extraction, we’ll place an ‘elevator’ to help lift it from its socket, then we can grasp it firmly with forceps and gently wiggle it free. If you’re having a molar or impacted tooth removed, there’s a chance you might require surgical extraction, which can involve breaking up the tooth to be removed safely without harming your jawbone.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
Our team will provide post-operative instructions for you to follow that are designed to help you recover effectively while avoiding potential complications. For example, your mouth must form a blood clot over the site to avoid a painful condition known as dry socket.
Some common aftercare tips often include:
- Taking any prescribed medications, like antibiotics or pain relievers, exactly as directed.
- Avoid brushing your teeth for the first 24 hours. You can gently cleanse your mouth by rinsing with warm salt water instead.
- Don’t smoke cigarettes, vapes, or chew tobacco because nicotine suppresses your immune system and interferes with healing.
- Drink plenty of water, but steer clear of straws because the force of suction can dislodge the blood clot.
- Avoid strenuous exercise that elevates your heart rate or blood pressure.
- Prop your head up on pillows while sleeping to rest more comfortably.