Services

Teeth Extractions

As dentists, saving the teeth of our patients will always be our first priority. However, there are cases where this is no longer an option. Sometimes, the best way to move forward is to remove a tooth entirely. During a tooth extraction, the entity of the tooth from the crown to the root is pulled out. This procedure is done as a last resort when no other way of saving the tooth is possible

When Is A Tooth Extraction Necessary?

There are certain cases when saving or restoring a tooth is not feasible. Only then do we carry out tooth extractions on our patients.
Some of the reasons why tooth extractions may be needed include:

Extra teeth
Extreme tooth decay
Extreme tooth infection
Tooth fractures
Primary teeth that haven’t fallen out
Gum disease causing bone loss
Making space for orthodontic devices
Wisdom teeth complications

Sometimes, the warning signs of a tooth needing extraction are obvious. Extreme pain, loose teeth, and a large fracture might mean an extraction is necessary. Other times, dentists will determine the need for extraction during a regular checkup. What’s important is that patients know that this will always be the last resort.

Are Extractions Preventable?

It’s entirely possible to lower the chances of needing a tooth extraction. Practicing good oral hygiene is the most obvious step. This will lower your chances of cavities and dramatic infections that may lead to removal. Getting regular checkups is also advisable. Many times, fractures and chips can be treated without having to pull the tooth. In such cases, seeking immediate dental care is the most important step. In the event of gum disease, early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications. This will lower your chances of needing an extraction.

Sometimes though, the pain of a damaged tooth may become unbearable. Patients might not be able to carry out daily tasks like eating and talking. Infections that are untreated can move into the bloodstream and become major health hazards. In such cases, an extraction is no longer preventable.

How Are Tooth Extractions Performed?

The first step to tooth extraction is determining its necessity. This is done through a physical exam and an X-ray. With the help of these, we can evaluate the need for the procedure. If the tooth can no longer be saved or poses a threat to your health, an extraction will be carried out.

Tooth extraction is carried out under local anesthesia. This ensures a pain-free process for our patients. Using a dental tool, we lift the tooth and free up the periodontal ligament. Then, the tooth is grasped and freed from its attachment to the ligament. We apply pressure to the socket to stop the bleeding. Sutures might also be put into the gums after the tooth is pulled.

After the extraction, patients will need to keep biting down on a bit of gauze for around 40 minutes. This will stop the bleeding. Smoking, drinking alcohol, and rinsing must be limited in the 24 hours post-extraction. Afterward, brushing gently and rinsing with warm salty water is recommended. Painkillers might be prescribed, which should be taken as instructed. Some discomfort will be felt after the extraction, and light swelling is also normal. These will go away within a few days.

The missing tooth will have to be replaced once the patient has recovered from the extraction. There are many options for this. A dental implant might be the best choice. Brides are also possible solutions. We always seek to find the best possible way forward for every individual patient.

For more information about our dental services, give us a call or book a consultation at Dr. Filangeri’s today.

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Reviews

Joanne Eterno

Dr Filangeri has been my dentist for 25 years. Would not go anywhere else. He and his staff are amazing. Very friendly, knowledgeable and caring. Have always gone out of their way to help and accommodate me.

Michele Matera

Have a totally irrational fear of the dentist (like a lot of people) and cracked my tooth the other day! I was referred to this office by a coworker and I must say, I could not be happier with the service I ...More

Steven Gacovino

Dr. Ed has cared for my family for about 25 years. Whether it has been emergency care, cosmetic work or braces, the quality of his work is outstanding. But more importantly, I have never met a doctor with Dr...More

Location

Our office is located on Long Island New York, in Ronkonkoma, within walking distance of Lake Ronkonkoma, next to Portion Road. You can find us at our address:

516 Hawkins Ave, Lake Ronkonkoma, NY 11779

Edward J Filangeri, DDS

Contact us

We are here to help you with professional dental care. We’ll make you smile with confidence, and with a beautiful set of pearly whites.

Schedule your next appointment today, and take the first step towards healthy teeth and a beautiful smile.

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631-588-9041