When an extraction is needed
- A tooth broken beyond repair or badly decayed
- Impacted or problem wisdom teeth
- Severe gum disease that has loosened a tooth
- Crowding, to make room for orthodontic treatment
- A baby tooth that hasn't fallen out on its own
We always look for a way to save a tooth first. If a root canal or crown can keep it, we'll tell you.
Wisdom teeth
Wisdom teeth often don't have room to come in straight. They can push on neighboring teeth, get stuck under the gum, trap food and cause infections. We use a 3D cone-beam scan to see exactly where the roots sit in relation to nerves and sinuses, so we can plan a safe removal and tell you whether yours actually need to come out.
Simple and surgical extractions
A tooth that's fully visible can usually be removed in a few minutes once it's numb. Impacted teeth and teeth broken at the gumline need a surgical extraction, in which the tooth is sometimes removed in sections. Either way, the area is fully numbed, and you'll go home with clear aftercare instructions.
Planning for the gap
If the tooth will be replaced, a bone graft placed at the time of extraction keeps the bone from shrinking and keeps the area ready for a future dental implant. We'll talk through replacement options before your extraction, so nothing is rushed.
Recovery
Most people feel back to normal in a few days. Rest for the first day, stick to soft foods, avoid straws and smoking, and follow your aftercare instructions to protect the healing site.
Patients visit us from Port Washington, Manhasset and Great Neck, and from across Long Island and Queens.
After your visit
Home-care instructions: Extractions aftercare · Bone graft aftercare. All post-op instructions
Common questions
Does a tooth extraction hurt?
The area is fully numbed, so you'll feel pressure but not pain. Afterward, soreness is usually managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
How long is recovery?
Most people feel back to normal in a few days. Surgical extractions and wisdom teeth can take about a week. Call if anything seems off.
Do my wisdom teeth need to come out?
Not always. If they've come in straight, are healthy and can be cleaned, they can stay. We'll check with X-rays and a 3D scan and recommend what's best.
What is a dry socket?
It's when the blood clot in the socket is lost too early, which can be painful. Avoiding straws, smoking and vigorous rinsing for the first few days helps prevent it. Call us if pain gets worse after a few days.
Should I replace an extracted tooth?
Usually, yes. A gap lets neighboring teeth shift and the bone shrink. An implant, bridge or partial denture can fill it, and we'll help you choose.
Other services
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