Dr. Lotardo, Dr. Pop, or Dr. Caesar may recommend a tooth extraction to address severe decay, tooth damage, or overcrowding of teeth. Tooth extractions are a general dentistry service Bella Smiles provides to the public in Long Island, NY. Sometimes, extracting natural teeth is a necessary dental treatment. However, it is a treatment of last resort. Our dentists will choose to remove the tooth to restore or maintain your dental health.
A tooth extraction is generally quick and with the use of a local anesthetic, minimally uncomfortable. Our dental care team will discuss aftercare to reduce pain, swelling, and bleeding. Most patients recover fast with no side effects. However, if you experience sudden or lingering pain or renewed bleeding contact our office as soon as possible for instructions on how to proceed.
When Do I Need a Tooth Extraction?
Dr. Lotardo only recommends removing a tooth if it’s absolutely needed. The goal is always to save your natural tooth whenever possible. However, there are times when a tooth cannot be repaired and removing it is the best way to protect your oral health and prevent bigger problems.
- Common reasons for a dental extraction include:
- Severe tooth decay
- Advanced gum disease
- Severe infection or abscess
- Cracked or broken teeth
- Overcrowding or orthodontic needs
- Impacted teeth
Dr. Lotardo will carefully examine your mouth, review X-rays, and talk with you about your symptoms before recommending an extraction. If a tooth does need to be removed, the team will also discuss replacement options to help keep your smile healthy and complete.
Wisdom Teeth Removal
One of the most common types of tooth extractions is wisdom tooth removal. This procedure is often considered a “rite of passage” for young adults. We typically perform on patients in their late teens and early 20s when the third set of molars appear. The sooner your dentist removes them, the better. The roots of the wisdom teeth continue to grow as we age making it harder for the dentist to remove them the longer they remain in the mouth. This is why it has simply become a standard practice to remove them.
In most patients, these teeth will likely not be functional at all. They may even cause more harm than good. Since they are very far back in your mouth, they are hard to brush and floss around. Since they’re difficult to keep clean, they’re also likely to develop cavities or even cause gum disease.
Some patients simply do not have enough room for them and they experience overcrowding. This can lead to shifting and bite problems. If your wisdom teeth are impacted in the bone or a threat to your oral health, your dentist much remove them.
Most patients will not experience any uncomfortable symptoms. However, dentists agree that patients should have them removed to avoid any possible future complications.
Dr. Lotardo can remove wisdom teeth in our Roslyn, Nesconset, and Riverhead, NY dentist offices in most cases. For complex situations, you may need to require oral surgery. We will refer you to a local oral surgeon to ensure the best result and recovery.
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Tooth Extraction in Roslyn, NY
We will first make you as comfortable as possible by numbing the area using a local anesthetic. Dr. Lotardo will remove the tooth by separating the supporting ligaments from the tooth and gently moving it back and forth to loosen it from the gum tissue.
Once the tooth is loose, he will carefully remove it from the socket and secure the hole with sutures if you need them. We will give you instructions on how to care for your wound for the next few days. It is important to follow the instructions and care for the blood clots. This will help you avoid a painful condition called a dry socket.
For anxious or fearful patients we can offer dental sedation. We will discuss your needs prior to your procedure or during an initial visit or consult to provide a comfortable, relaxing environment.
If you need to replace your tooth, your Bella Smiles dentist will discuss the most appropriate treatment options available. We offer a full range of restorations such as dental implants, dental bridges, and dentures so that you can have a smooth transition after tooth extraction.
How to Care for Your Mouth After a Tooth Extraction
After a tooth extraction, proper care is important to help your mouth heal and prevent problems. Dr. Sal Lotardo and his team will give you specific instructions, but following these general tips can help you recover comfortably and safely.
- Protect the extraction site: After your appointment, bite gently on the gauze placed over the area to help stop bleeding. Try not to touch the area with your tongue or fingers. Avoid rinsing, spitting, or using a straw for the first 24 hours, as this can disturb the blood clot that helps your mouth heal.
- Manage swelling and discomfort: It’s normal to have some swelling or soreness after an extraction. Applying an ice pack to the outside of your cheek for short periods can help reduce swelling. Take any pain medication as directed by Dr. Lotardo to stay comfortable.
- Eat soft foods: Stick to soft, easy-to-chew foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, eggs, and soup during the first few days. Avoid hot, spicy, crunchy, or hard foods that could irritate the area. Be sure to chew on the opposite side of your mouth if possible.
- Keep your mouth clean: Good oral hygiene is still important, but be gentle. Brush and floss your other teeth as usual, and carefully avoid the extraction site at first. After the first 24 hours, you may gently rinse with warm salt water to help keep the area clean and support healing.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol: Smoking and drinking alcohol can slow healing and increase the risk of dry socket. This painful condition can happen after an extraction when the blood clot that covers the extraction site is disloged. It’s best to avoid both for several days or as long as Dr. Lotardo recommends.
- Watch for signs of problems: Some discomfort is normal, but call the office if you have severe pain, swelling that gets worse, fever, or bleeding that won’t stop. These may be signs that you need dental care. Call us for
Dr. Sal Lotardo and his team are here to support you every step of the way. By following these care tips and attending any follow-up visits, you can help your mouth heal properly and get back to feeling like yourself again.
Remove Problem Teeth
Get a tooth extraction in Roslyn, Nesconset, or Riverhead, NY. Call Bella Smiles today. You can also request an appointment with Dr. Lotardo on our website.