Treaments and Services

• Treatment Methods
• Prophylaxis (Teeth Cleaning)
• Bruxism Treatments
• Scaling and Root Planning
• Bite Adjustment
• Osseous Surgery
• Gum Grafting
• Frenectomy
• Crown Lengthening
• Bone Grafting
• Guided Bone and Tissue Regeneration
• Sinus Augmentation
• Cosmetic Periodontal Surgery
• Oral Cancer Exam
• TMJ Dysfunction
• Tooth Extraction
• Microbial Testing
• Local Antibiotic Treatment
• Periodontal Maintenance & Support Therapy
• Dental Implants

Tooth Extraction

While it is unfortunate, there are circumstances when you may require the removal of a tooth or teeth. Reasons for tooth extraction may include:

• Severe decay
• Advanced Periodontal Disease
• Fractured or broken teeth that cannot be restored
• Poorly positioned or impacted teeth
• Teeth which require removal prior to orthodontic treatment

The removal of a single tooth may lead to problems that affect your chewing ability, problems with your jaw joints, or shifting of teeth which can have a major effect on your dental health. Prior to having a tooth extracted, it is important to discuss possible alternatives to extraction and options for replacement of extracted teeth.

Most teeth are extracted with the use of local anesthetics which numb the tooth, jawbone and gums in the area. During an extraction, it is not uncommon to feel pressure, but not pain. Teeth are rocked back and forth to disrupt the attachment or ligament around the root and widen the socket of bone to allow the tooth to be released from the bone. In many cases, especially when extracting molar teeth, Dr. Rubino will section the tooth and remove each root individually. Sectioning teeth facilitates their removal and reduces the trauma to the surrounding bone. This is particularly important if an implant is planned to replace the tooth.

Proper care after tooth extraction will promote healing. Bleeding is not uncommon and most often can be controlled with firm biting of moist gauze directly over the extraction site. Maintaining a stable blood clot in the wound is very important for proper healing. It is important to avoid spitting and minimize rinsing during the first 24 hours. No smoking, avoiding using a straw and hot liquids is also important. If swelling develops, ice should be applied to the outside of the face in 10-15 minute cycles during the first 24 hours. Discomfort is typically well-managed with over the counter Acetominophen or Ibuprofen. After extractions, chewing should be avoided in the area. Hot liquids and alcohol should be also be avoided for 24 hours with a soft or possibly a liquid diet advisable. For at least the first day, there should be no brushing and flossing in the area. After 1-2 days, gentle rinses with warm water mildly diluted with salt is permissible.

A note about dry sockets: Dry sockets occur when the blood clot in an extraction site is dislodged and lost. This results in delayed healing. Dry sockets typically develop several days after the extraction and manifest as a dull throbbing pain. Often the pain becomes more severe and may radiate from the extraction site. Dry sockets may result in bad breath and a bad taste with the site appearing dry. Dry sockets can be avoided by following proper home care practices. However, a medicated dressing can be applied to help soothe the discomfort.

Extraction sites heal from the bottom up as bone fills the site and gum tissue grows over the surface. Healing can take several weeks or months. However, you should notice significant progress during the first 1-2 weeks.