Extractions

54th Street Dental

General Dentist located in Midtown West, New York, NY

If you’re experiencing tooth decay, damage, pain, or need to free up space in your mouth for orthodontic work, a tooth extraction may be necessary. At 54th Street Dental, the team offers safe and effective extractions to patients in and around Midtown West Manhattan. Whether working with a dentist or oral surgeon, patients are ensured to have a painless procedure and improved oral health. Call the New York City office today or use the online booking tool to schedule an appointment today.

Extractions Q & A

What are tooth extractions?

Tooth extractions involve a dentist or oral surgeon removing a tooth. An extraction may be needed to free up space for better teeth alignment, to promote oral health, or to remove a decayed or damaged tooth. 

Extractions are considered outpatient procedures and may involve local or general anesthesia. Recovery times are normally only a few days with minimal risks if you follow oral health safety procedures.

Why would I need a tooth extracted?

Extracting a tooth that is decayed or surrounded by infections tissue is crucial in maintaining overall oral health. A tooth may need to be extracted for several reasons including: 

  • Trauma to the tooth 
  • Freeing up space in the mouth for orthodontic work 
  • Removing a tooth that is not breaking through the gums
  • Gum disease
  • Restoring oral health in preparation for cancer or an organ transplant

Before planning a tooth extraction, be sure to communicate to your dentist any medication you are taking or health conditions such as diabetes, liver, thyroid or heart disease, and any immune deficiencies. 

What can I expect during a tooth extraction?

Your dentist or qualified oral surgeon at 54th Street Dental begins the extraction by giving you a local anesthetic injection to make sure the area around the tooth is numb. 

Depending on your needs, a stronger general anesthetic may be used which would allow you to sleep through a procedure. 54th Street Dental also offers the option for nitrous oxide to help you relax if you are nervous. 

If a tooth is impacted, your dentist will cut the gum and bone tissue back to reveal the tooth. Forceps are used to grab and then loosen the tooth from ligaments and the jawbone. Only when a tooth proves difficult to loosen, will your dentist remove it in separate pieces. 

What happens after a tooth extraction?

The recovery period normally lasts a few days after a tooth is extracted. It’s important to follow self-care steps, including:

  • Taking any prescribed medication 
  • Resting for 24 hours
  • Continual application of an ice pack on the area every 10 minutes 
  • Avoidance of straws and spicy or hard foods for 24 hours
  • No smoking 
  • Keeping your head propped up when lying down 
  • Avoiding the extraction site when brushing and flossing teeth 

If you are still in pain after multiple days or experiencing a fever or drainage from the extraction site, reach out to your dentist, as this could be a sign of an infection.

If you are interested in discussing a tooth extraction treatment, schedule an appointment with 54th Street Dental today via phone or using the online booking tool.