Gentle, Careful Tooth Removal When a Tooth Cannot Be Saved
At Schiffman Oral Surgery, our goal is always to help patients keep their natural teeth whenever possible. However, there are times when a tooth is too damaged, infected, loose, or painful to predictably save.
When a tooth needs to be removed, it is important that the procedure is done carefully and comfortably, with attention to both your immediate comfort and your long-term oral health.
Dr. Leonard Schiffman and Dr. Michael Schiffman provide tooth extractions in a calm, comfortable oral surgery setting for patients throughout Woodmere, the Five Towns, Nassau County, Queens, and surrounding Long Island communities.
When Does a Tooth Need to Be Removed?
A tooth extraction may be recommended when a tooth cannot be restored or when keeping it would create ongoing problems.
Common reasons for tooth removal include:
- Severe decay
- A fractured or broken tooth
- Advanced periodontal disease with tooth mobility
- Infection that cannot be predictably treated
- A failed root canal or unrestorable tooth
- A tooth broken below the gumline
- Crowding or orthodontic reasons
- A baby tooth that has not fallen out as expected
- A tooth causing pain, swelling, or repeated infection
In many cases, your general dentist or specialist will refer you to our office because they feel removal is the safest or most predictable option.
“Do I Really Need the Tooth Removed?”
This is one of the most common questions patients have, and it is a very reasonable one.
Whenever possible, we want patients to understand why an extraction is being recommended. Some teeth can be saved with a filling, crown, root canal, periodontal treatment, or other dental care. Other teeth are too compromised and may continue to cause pain, infection, or bone loss if left in place.
At your consultation, we will review your x-rays, examine the tooth, and explain your options in plain English. If the tooth truly needs to be removed, we will help you understand what to expect before, during, and after the procedure.
What Happens During a Tooth Extraction?
A tooth extraction is performed in our comfortable oral surgery office in Woodmere, NY.
First, we make sure the area is completely numb. Depending on the tooth, your medical history, and your comfort level, treatment may be done with local anesthesia, laughing gas, IV sedation, or a combination of these options.
Once you are comfortable, the tooth is gently loosened and removed. Some teeth come out very straightforwardly. Others may require the gum tissue to be moved slightly, the tooth to be sectioned into smaller pieces, or a small amount of surrounding bone to be adjusted so the tooth can be removed safely and with less pressure.
After the tooth is removed, the area is cleaned and allowed to begin healing. In some cases, stitches may be placed.
Will the Extraction Hurt?
The procedure itself should not hurt. You may feel pressure, but you should not feel sharp pain.
Many patients are nervous before having a tooth removed, especially if the tooth has been painful or infected. We take your comfort seriously and will make sure you are numb before beginning. Sedation options are available for patients who are anxious, having a more involved procedure, or simply prefer to be more relaxed.
What is recovery like?
Recovery depends on the tooth removed and the difficulty of the extraction, but most patients do very well with routine post-operative care.
Some soreness, swelling, and mild bleeding are normal at first. Most patients are able to return to normal light activities fairly quickly, although we may recommend avoiding strenuous exercise for a short period of time.
After an extraction, we may recommend:
- Biting on gauze as instructed
- Avoiding spitting, rinsing forcefully, or using a straw early in healing
- Eating soft foods for the first few days
- Avoiding smoking or vaping
- Keeping the area clean
- Using warm salt water rinses when instructed
- Taking medications exactly as prescribed
We will give you detailed instructions so you know what to expect and when to call us.
What Happens After the Tooth is Removed?
After a tooth is removed, the next step depends on which tooth was removed, your overall dental plan, and your goals.
Some teeth do not need to be replaced. Other teeth are important for chewing, bite support, or appearance and may need replacement with a dental implant, bridge, or removable appliance.
If replacement is recommended, we will coordinate with your general dentist or specialist to help plan the next step. Our goal is to remove the tooth carefully while keeping your long-term oral health in mind.
Why choose Schiffman Oral Surgery?
Tooth extraction may sound simple, but every tooth and every patient is different. Some extractions are straightforward, while others require careful surgical planning because of infection, tooth fracture, root shape, bone loss, medical history, or proximity to important structures.
At Schiffman Oral Surgery, Dr. Leonard Schiffman and Dr. Michael Schiffman have extensive experience with both routine and complex tooth extractions. We focus on patient comfort, clear communication, and careful technique.
Our team will explain your options, answer your questions, and make the experience as smooth and comfortable as possible.
Schedule a Consultation
If you have been told that a tooth needs to be removed, or if you are having pain, swelling, or infection from a damaged tooth, call 516-569-1111 to schedule a consultation. You will be examined in our state of the art private office in Woodmere, NY and a custom, personalized treatment plan will be tailored to suit your specific desires and needs.
Dr. Leonard Schiffman and Dr. Michael Schiffman offer oral surgery services to the Five Towns in Long Island, New York and surrounding towns on the South Shore of Nassau County including Woodmere NY • Hewlett NY • Cedarhurst NY • Valley Stream NY • Woodsburgh NY • Lawrence NY • Inwood NY • Far Rockaway NY • Lynbrook NY • Oceanside NY • Rockville Centre NY
