Tooth Extractions in Smithtown, NY

Even though we always make every attempt to save and maintain your natural teeth, there are instances where a tooth or teeth may have to be extracted. A simple extraction removes a tooth that's visible over the gums. This is normally performed when one of our Suffolk County, Smithtown, or Stony Brook, NY patients has a tooth that's decayed or damaged beyond repair. A surgical extraction takes out a tooth that has not erupted above the gumline. Surgical extractions are commonly performed to take out impacted teeth, like the wisdom teeth, that do not have sufficient room to fit into your smile. Whatever the reason for getting a tooth extraction in NowDental of Suffolk, our team will treat you with the best care. Our office offers multiple sedation techniques to help you stay comfortable and calm during your treatment. Contact our Smithtown, NY office to learn more or to schedule an assessment with one of our dentists to boost your oral health.

If your tooth has been damaged or broken from decay, we will make every attempt to fix it with a crown, dental bonding, or a filling. However, a tooth may be too damaged and will have to be extracted to prevent the damage from spreading — and to conserve the health of your remaining teeth. You might also need a simple or surgical extraction to remove teeth that cannot fit in your mouth. This includes your third molars, commonly known as wisdom teeth, which grow in around age 17 – 21. In older kids, baby teeth that have not naturally fallen out may need to be extracted so that they don't obstruct the permanent teeth. If you're getting braces or contemplating Invisalign® clear aligners, you might need a simple extraction to make space for the remaining teeth when they move into their proper place.

Extractions are done in our office using local anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth being worked on. Different forms of sedation may be used based on the extent of the extraction and to help keep you relaxed if you have any dental worries. Once you are prepared, we will start the procedure. For a simple extraction, we will loosen the tooth with a special device known as an elevator prior to removal. A surgical extraction entails making incisions in your gums to reach the tooth. If needed, the tooth may be broken into smaller pieces so it can be removed. When the tooth has been removed, we will suture the incision in your gums. Someone from our team can write a prescription for antibiotics that may need to be taken prior to and/or after the procedure in case you have a current infection, if your immune system is weak, if the process is lengthy, or if you have other specific medical problems.

Depending upon the sedation used throughout your extraction, you may need to have a friend or family member drive you home. As your mouth heals, you should avoid using straws, smoking, and spitting. Your recovery process will vary based on the complexity of your extraction, but most patients prefer to eat soft, room-temperature food for the first few days following the extraction. We will talk to you about what to expect as you recover and the best ways to take care of your gums. Your gums will be inflamed after the extraction so we typically recommend over-the-counter pain medicine and cold compresses. In some cases, we can give you a written prescription for pain medication and/or antibiotics. Along with any proposed follow-up visits, you should schedule appointments at NowDental of Suffolk for dental examinations and cleanings so we can track your health following an extraction.

An extraction is generally covered by dental insurance, but your sedation method may not be fully covered. Prior to your extraction, we will call your insurance provider to find out your particular coverage and estimate your personal costs. If you don't have dental insurance, then we can talk to you about the numerous payments we accept along with information about medical financing.

If you have a tooth that's damaged or if your mouth does not have room for a new tooth, a tooth extraction at NowDental of Suffolk may help improve your smile and oral health. Schedule a consultation with one of our dentists at our office in Smithtown, NY to learn more about simple and surgical tooth extractions. If you have dental worries or fears, inquire about sedation choices to help keep you relaxed and calm during your process.