Tooth Extraction in Syracuse, NY

The idea of tooth extraction, or having a tooth “pulled,” can be unsettling. It may bring up visions of a cartoon dentist with comically oversized pliers. Fortunately, modern tooth extraction is a routine process. There are several reasons why a tooth may need to be removed, from advanced infection and severe decay to impacted wisdom teeth.

To determine if you need a tooth extracted, Dr. Bradford will examine your teeth and take precise digital X-rays. The information he gathers will help him determine if the tooth can be saved or if it needs to be pulled.

Brent Bradford, DDS, is a Mini Dental Implant Center of America, and Dr. Bradford is uniquely equipped to replace extracted teeth. With over 15 years of experience placing mini dental implants, Dr. Bradford brings unparalleled expertise and precision to deliver top-tier implant dentistry tailored to your unique needs.

Signs You May Need a Tooth Pulled

The following issues may prompt tooth extraction:

  • Advanced tooth decay
  • Dental trauma such as cracked or split teeth
  • Impacted teeth (teeth that have not broken through the gums)
  • Severe gum disease
  • Overcrowding
  • Problematic wisdom teeth

Oftentimes, wisdom teeth need to be removed if they are affecting neighboring teeth, causing infection or pain, or impacting oral health in other ways. While your wisdom teeth may not be causing issues currently, they may create problems in the future, especially if they are impacted. Considering that approximately 5 million Americans have their wisdom teeth removed each year, issues with these third molars are common, but they should not be ignored.

Types of Tooth Extraction

There are two types of tooth extraction procedures, differing based on their invasiveness and complexity. The type that you need will depend on the condition of the tooth and its location in the mouth.

Simple Extraction

A simple extraction is performed on teeth that are easy to access and are still structurally intact. After applying a local anesthetic, Dr. Bradford will use special dental tools to loosen and lift the tooth out as gently as possible, ideally in one piece.

Simple extractions facilitate easier recovery. Most patients feel only minor discomfort and can usually resume their normal activities in 48-72 hours. However, full recovery of the jawbone can take a couple of weeks.

Surgical Extraction

Tooth Extraction in Syracuse, NYA surgical extraction is necessary if the tooth is buried in the gums, already broken, or otherwise difficult to access. The type of tooth removal requires an incision to access the tooth. Sometimes, the tooth will need to be sectioned into smaller pieces to help with removal. Once the tooth is extracted, sutures may be used to close the incision.

The recovery period from surgical extractions is longer than simple extractions and will more than likely involve more post-op discomfort. Swelling and bruising around the surgical area may also appear. Make sure to follow any post-surgical care instructions, including proper use of any pain medication. Maintaining proper oral hygiene during this time will help to ensure the area stays clean and heals properly.

Aftercare

Aftercare following a tooth extraction is crucial to facilitate proper healing. At the end of your procedure, Dr. Bradford will instruct you to bite down on a gauze pad, which helps to create a blood clot in the empty socket. The blood clot is a key component in the healing process as it stops the bleeding and protects the bone and nerves. To prevent the blood clot from dislodging, please avoid using straws, engaging in strenuous activities, spitting, and eating hard or crunchy foods.

Additionally, we recommend using an ice pack to reduce pain and swelling. To aid in your recovery, be sure to use any prescribed pain medication as directed.

Tooth Replacement Options

After a tooth is pulled, it is essential to consider prompt replacement for both aesthetic and functional reasons. Beyond the desire for a complete and even smile, replacing missing teeth restores your bite function and helps to maintain your oral health. Tooth loss can significantly hinder speech clarity and limit your enjoyment of certain foods. The spaces missing teeth create are also perfect areas for plaque-causing bacteria to accumulate.

We recommend replacing a missing tooth with a mini dental implant. The dental implant is a prosthetic tooth root that supports a dental crown, bridge, or denture. Your tooth roots play a vital role in stimulating the jawbone to maintain the strength and density of the bone and tissue. Failure to replace the extracted tooth’s root may lead to long-term consequences for oral health. Choosing mini dental implants means choosing to prioritize your bone health.

The mini implant procedure is affordable, efficient, and virtually painless. Plus, our same-day dental implants, which use mini implant technology, allow Dr. Bradford to offer immediate results for eligible patients.

Schedule a Consultation Today

If you need an extraction due to infection, decay, injury, or wisdom teeth issues, Dr. Bradford and his experienced, compassionate team are ready to assist you. They’ll make the whole process comfortable and seamless, from your initial consultation to getting brand-new replacement teeth.

Don’t delay—if you think you may need an extraction, contact our office to schedule a free consultation today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your comfort throughout the entire procedure is one of our top priorities. Dr. Bradford will use a local anesthetic to make sure you don’t feel any pain during the procedure. While you may feel pressure or slight discomfort, the procedure should not be painful. After your procedure, it is common for individuals to experience some soreness, tenderness, or sensitivity for a day or two. You may be prescribed pain medication depending on the complexity of your case. Using ice packs to reduce swelling and prioritizing rest will aid in your recovery.

The final price will depend on your unique situation. However, our goal is to make high-quality dental care affordable and accessible to all of our patients. Our experienced staff will go over your insurance plan with you to make sure you know exactly what’s covered. If you need financing help, we’ll do a soft credit check and help you apply for a flexible financing plan offered by one of our multiple lending partners.

A dry socket is a condition that occurs when the blood clot doesn’t fully form or becomes dislodged after surgery. The clot prevents your jawbone and surrounding nerves from being exposed. It can be very painful and lead to slower healing if the blood clot doesn’t form properly or becomes displaced.

Dry sockets can heal on their own, but intervention is often needed due to unmanageable pain. Common treatments for a dry socket include taking pain relievers, placing medicated gauze over the affected area, and keeping the surgical site clean.