Tooth Extractions in New York, NY
A tooth extraction removes a tooth that is too damaged, infected or crowded to keep, relieving pain and protecting the health of the surrounding teeth and gums.
About Extractions at Rock Dental
An extraction is performed to remove a tooth, whether because of disease, crowding, or damage. When extractions are required, the area around the tooth will be numbed and your dentist will remove the tooth. A small amount of bleeding is normal, as your mouth will replace the removed tooth root by forming a blood clot in the area.
When Removing a Tooth Is the Right Call
Dentists generally prefer to save a natural tooth when they can. Sometimes that is not possible. A tooth may be broken below the gumline, badly decayed, loosened by gum disease or infected beyond what a root canal can repair. In other cases there is simply not enough room, and removing a tooth helps the rest line up properly. In these situations, taking the tooth out is typically the healthiest option for your mouth as a whole.
Leaving a failing tooth in place carries its own risks. Infection can spread to the bone and neighboring teeth, and pain tends to return. Removing the tooth lets the area heal. It also opens the conversation about what comes next, since a gap can allow nearby teeth to drift over time. Your dentist will talk with you about whether a replacement such as a dental implant, bridge or denture makes sense in your case.
What to Expect During and After an Extraction
Your dentist will review your health history and usually take an X-ray to see the shape of the roots. The area is numbed with local anesthetic, so you should feel pressure but not sharp pain. The tooth is gently loosened and lifted out, and gauze is placed for you to bite on while a clot forms. If dental visits make you anxious, ask about nitrous oxide, which the practice offers to help patients relax.
For the first day, protect the clot. Avoid rinsing hard, spitting, smoking or drinking through a straw, and stick to soft, cool foods. Some swelling and tenderness are normal and typically ease over a few days. Take any medication as your dentist directs. Initial healing of the gum usually takes one to two weeks, though this varies by patient. Call the office at (212) 332-1020 if pain gets worse after a few days or bleeding does not slow.
Common Questions
Does a tooth extraction hurt?
How long does it take to recover from a tooth extraction?
What is dry socket?
What can I eat after having a tooth pulled?
Do I need to replace a tooth after it's removed?
Terms You May Hear
- Local anesthetic
- Medication placed near a tooth to numb the area for a short time while you stay fully awake.
- Socket
- The space in the jawbone where the root of a tooth sits, which fills in with new tissue after an extraction.
- Dry socket
- A painful condition that can occur when the blood clot is lost from an extraction site before it has healed.
Related Services
Dental Implants
Dental implants replace missing teeth with a small post placed in the jaw and a custom tooth attached to it, restoring how you chew and smile.
Bridges
A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth with artificial teeth anchored to the teeth or implants on either side of the gap.
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide, often called laughing gas, is a mild inhaled sedation that helps nervous patients feel calm and comfortable during dental treatment while staying awake.
Emergency Care
Emergency dental care addresses sudden problems such as severe toothaches, broken or knocked-out teeth and swelling, so pain is relieved and the tooth is protected.
Request an appointment
We will do our best to accommodate your busy schedule. Request an appointment today!