When Is Tooth Extraction Necessary?
- A tooth is so badly decayed or damaged that a filling or crown would not be enough to restore it.
- There is overcrowding in the mouth, making it impossible for an orthodontic treatment to do its job.
- We need to make room in your mouth for dentures.
- Gum disease or other problems have compromised the bone that supports a tooth.
- Your wisdom teeth are endangering your oral health.
Types of Tooth Extractions
Simple extractions are performed on teeth that are fully visible above the gumline. After numbing the area, your dentist gently loosens the tooth and removes it.
Surgical extractions are needed when a tooth has broken off at the gumline, hasn't fully come in, or is impacted below the gums, as is common with wisdom teeth. A small opening is made in the gum tissue so the tooth can be removed, sometimes in sections.
Wisdom Tooth Removal in the Bronx
Wisdom teeth usually come in between the late teens and mid-twenties, and many mouths simply don't have room for them. Wisdom teeth may need to be removed if they:
- Are impacted or only partially erupted
- Cause pain, swelling, or repeated gum infections
- Crowd or damage neighboring teeth
- Are too far back to clean properly, leading to decay
Regular dental exams and X-rays help us spot wisdom tooth problems early, before they cause pain.
Emergency Tooth Extractions
If a tooth is severely infected or broken and causing intense pain, an emergency extraction can stop the pain and keep the infection from spreading. Whenever possible, we'll first check whether the tooth can be saved with a root canal. If you're in pain, call us at (718) 823-3000. We provide emergency dental care for new and existing patients.
What to Expect During Your Extraction
- Exam and X-rays. We examine the tooth and take X-rays to see its roots and the surrounding bone.
- Numbing. Local anesthesia numbs the tooth and surrounding area so you feel pressure, but not pain.
- Removal. Your dentist gently removes the tooth.
- Gauze and instructions. We place gauze to help a blood clot form and review your aftercare instructions before you go home.
If you feel anxious about having a tooth pulled, ask us about sedation dentistry to help you stay relaxed.
Recovery After a Tooth Extraction
Within a week of your tooth extraction you will feel much better and be able to resume your daily routine. However, your mouth will still be healing, and you should be cautious of the area.
To help you heal quickly and comfortably:
- Bite gently on the gauze for 30 to 45 minutes to control bleeding
- Apply an ice pack to the outside of your cheek in 15- to 20-minute intervals to reduce swelling
- Take pain medication as directed
- Avoid using straws, smoking, and spitting forcefully for the first few days, since this can dislodge the blood clot
- Stick to soft foods and avoid chewing near the extraction site
- After the first 24 hours, rinse gently with warm salt water a few times a day
Not sure what to eat? See what to eat and avoid after a tooth extraction.
When to Call Us
Call us if you have bleeding that won't stop, swelling that gets worse after the third day, a fever, or severe pain that starts a few days after your extraction. Severe pain at that point can be a sign of dry socket.
Replacing a Missing Tooth
Leaving a gap after an extraction can cause nearby teeth to shift and the jawbone to shrink over time. We'll talk with you about your tooth replacement options:
- Dental implants. These are a permanent replacement that looks, feels, and functions like a natural tooth.
- Dental bridges. A fixed replacement anchored to the neighboring teeth.
- Dentures. A removable option for replacing several or all of your teeth.
Tooth Extraction Cost, Insurance & Financing
The cost of a tooth extraction depends on whether it's a simple or surgical extraction and how many teeth are removed. We'll review your costs with you before treatment begins. We accept most insurance plans and offer flexible financing options.
Tooth Extraction Near You in the Bronx
Our office is at 3875 East Tremont Ave. in the Bronx, and we welcome patients from Throggs Neck, Pelham Bay, Country Club, Schuylerville, Westchester Square, Castle Hill, and throughout the Bronx. New patients can save time by filling out patient forms before their visit.
