Dental problems can be exceptionally painful and have a real impact on your everyday life. Fortunately, those suffering from dental pain can seek treatment from an oral surgeon to relieve discomfort and protect their smiles. For many dental conditions, tooth extraction in Union City, NJ may be the most effective way to address your pain and other symptoms.
If you are suffering from tooth pain and believe you may require an extraction, do not hesitate to contact an oral surgeon at Legacy Oral Surgery. We are dedicated to providing a patient-first approach to care so we can prioritize your health and comfort. Our Union City oral surgeon, Dr. Nancy Herbst, has more than 25 years in oral and maxillofacial surgery and uses innovative technology to provide exceptional patient care.
There are times when it is necessary to remove a tooth. Sometimes a baby tooth has misshapen or long roots that prevent it from falling out as it should, and it must be removed to make way for the permanent tooth to erupt. Other times, a tooth may have so much decay that it puts the surrounding teeth and jaw at risk. When this occurs, we may recommend removal and replacement with a bridge or dental implant. Infection, orthodontic correction, or problems with a wisdom tooth can also require the removal of a tooth.
The root of each tooth is encased within your jawbone in a “tooth socket” and is held in place by a ligament. To extract a tooth, Dr. Herbst must expand the socket and separate the tooth from the ligament that holds it in place. In some cases, a root is curved or very long, and the tooth socket cannot be widened enough to remove the tooth as a whole. In these situations, Dr. Herbst will section the tooth to remove it in pieces.
- Two Types: Depending on your unique condition and needs, you may get a simple or surgical tooth extraction. The simple procedure is for easy-to-access teeth that can be removed in one piece. Surgical extractions are for broken, impacted, or hard-to-access teeth.
- Who Needs a Tooth Extraction: Persistent bad breath, sensitivity, swelling, pain, headaches, bleeding gums, and overcrowded or loose teeth are signs that may indicate the need for a tooth extraction.
- Procedure: The extraction process involves anesthesia and sedation, gentle loosening and removal, socket cleaning, and potentially stitches. Proper aftercare, including avoiding certain activities and taking prescribed medications, ensures a smooth recovery.
- Benefits: Getting a tooth extraction from a maxillofacial specialist at Legacy Oral Surgery offers several patient benefits, including pain relief, a pathway to a stronger smile, infection removal, preparation for other treatments, and preventing future oral health issues.
Signs You May Need a Tooth Extraction
If you believe your tooth may require extraction, it is always in your best interest to see an oral surgeon sooner rather than later. Leaving the tooth for too long may cause additional discomfort and health problems. A few signs you may require a tooth extraction include the following:
If you are experiencing the symptoms above, do not hesitate to contact our oral surgery team. Your surgeon will accurately diagnose whether you require a tooth extraction and develop a treatment plan that fits your unique needs.
- Unexplained and persistent bad breath
- Sensitivity, bleeding, or swelling near the back of mouth or wisdom teeth
- Pain in your mouth, teeth, jaw, or neck
- Headaches that spread from your jaw
- Bleeding or inflamed gums
- Overcrowded teeth
- Broken or chipped teeth
What Are the Types of Tooth Extractions?
When determining if a tooth extraction is necessary for your condition, we closely examine your oral health, the affected tooth, and your health history. Depending on your unique needs and the tooth or teeth that need to be removed, we may perform one of two types of extractions: simple or surgical.
Simple Extraction
Simple extractions involve removing teeth that are clearly visible and easily accessible in the mouth. This type of extraction typically does not involve sedation or sutures, making for a smooth, quick procedure. A local anesthetic is applied to numb the area, ensuring a pain-free experience. If you have dental anxiety or have trouble relaxing, we may use laughing gas to help you feel more comfortable and allow the oral surgeon to complete the extraction quickly.
Surgical Extraction
If a tooth is difficult to access due to its shape, brokenness, or long roots, you may need a surgical extraction. This is often done with wisdom teeth, which typically do not erupt from the gums, making them challenging to remove. Surgical extractions are also performed for teeth that are fractured below the gumline. With this type of extraction, patients receive sedation due to the length and complexity of the procedure.
What to Tell Your Surgeon Before Your Tooth Extraction
Prior to a tooth extraction, it is essential that your surgeon has an accurate picture of your medical history. Be sure to inform them of all medications, treatments, and conditions before your initial x-ray. Some health conditions that are important to disclose to your surgeon include the following:
Your surgeon will want to ensure your conditions are stable and being treated. They will use your medical history to determine the safest path forward for your extraction.
- Congenital heart defects
- Thyroid disease
- Artificial joints
- High blood pressure
- A compromised immune system
- Damage to your heart’s valves
- Adrenal disease
- Bacterial or fungal heart infections
What Are the Steps Involved in the Tooth Extraction Procedure?
We understand that even straightforward procedures like tooth extraction can feel daunting, so we walk you through every step before treatment begins. While every patient is different, we generally take the following steps during a tooth extraction:
In addition to discussing each step of the procedure with you, we also provide clear instructions for caring for the site so it heals properly. This includes keeping the site clean with an antibacterial wash, taking all prescribed medications, and avoiding strenuous activity for at least two days to prevent excessive bleeding and discomfort. With our guidance and support, you can recover comfortably and return to your usual activities.
- Anesthesia: To ensure a pain-free experience, we administer anesthesia and sedation depending on the length of your procedure and your personal preference.
- Removal: Once you are comfortable, we begin the tooth extraction by loosening and carefully lifting the tooth from the socket. If the tooth is decayed, broken, or under the gums, we may need to make an incision to access it.
- Cleaning: After the tooth is successfully extracted, we clean and disinfect the socket to eliminate potential bacteria and prevent infection. Socket preservation may also be necessary to prepare for future restorative options.
- Stitches: If we make an incision during your extraction, we will close it with stitches to promote healing.
What Are the Benefits of Tooth Extraction?
At Legacy Oral Surgery, we do everything possible to preserve your natural teeth, but there are cases where extraction is necessary to protect your oral health. If you need a tooth extraction, you can feel confident knowing the procedure provides several benefits, including the following:
Having a damaged or decayed tooth can cause serious pain that interferes with everyday life. It may even prevent you from eating or drinking the foods and beverages you normally enjoy. Removing the tooth provides immediate relief and improves your quality of life.
Prevention of Future Problems
Leaving a damaged, decayed, or impacted tooth in your mouth can cause overcrowding and increase your risk of more serious issues, like infections, TMJ disorder, and cysts — all of which require extensive treatment. Tooth extraction can help prevent these problems, saving you time, money, and pain down the road.
Remove Infection
If the center of the tooth, called the pulp, is infected, a root canal may remove the infection. However, in severe cases, tooth extraction may be necessary. This procedure helps eliminate the source of the infection and, paired with antibiotics, helps prevent it from spreading.
Makes Room for Other Treatments
Many people do not have enough room in their mouths for all of their teeth, leading to overcrowding. Removing one or more teeth creates space for the remaining teeth to shift into proper alignment with the help of orthodontic treatments, such as braces and palate expanders.
Creation of a Stronger Smile
If you are missing teeth or have weak or damaged teeth, extractions may be recommended before placing dental implants — small titanium posts topped with a restoration that replace missing teeth at the root. Removing compromised teeth can open the door to a stronger, healthier smile that restores your confidence.
While it is understandable to want to avoid extraction, it can be an important step for your oral and overall health. While there is a small risk of complications during healing, our team works closely with you to ensure you have the medications and care instructions needed for a smooth, comfortable recovery.
What to Expect During and After Your Tooth Extraction
Though the extraction procedure is typically quick, it is important to share any concerns or preferences regarding sedation with our office beforehand. We generally utilize a local anesthetic for simple tooth extractions. During the extraction, you will not feel any pain, but you will feel pressure.
Once a tooth has been removed, you will need to place pressure on the area so a clot can form. After the clot has formed, do not rinse vigorously, suck on a straw, smoke, drink alcohol, or brush your teeth next to the extraction site for 72 hours. These actions could dislodge the clot and lead to excessive bleeding.
If you experience pain and swelling, apply an ice pack to the area and take pain medications as prescribed by our office. Any residual swelling and discomfort should subside within a few days. If you are still experiencing pain and swelling after several days, contact our office as soon as possible.
Schedule Your Tooth Extraction Appointment in Union City
If you require a tooth extraction, you deserve care from a dedicated oral health professional with the compassion and commitment to put you first. At Legacy Oral Surgery, we prioritize your health and comfort throughout every procedure. Dr. Nancy Herbst has over 25 years of experience in oral and maxillofacial surgery and is well-equipped to handle your tooth extraction with precision and care. She employs the latest technology to effectively diagnose and treat patients with many pain-free procedures.
To schedule an appointment and learn more about how she can help you, call our office at 201-601-9262 or complete our contact form today.
