Oral Surgery & Tooth Extractions Brookline, MA
Oral surgery is any surgical procedure performed in or around your mouth and jaw. At Coolidge Corner Dental, we provide comfortable tooth extraction services when a tooth is too damaged to save or when existing teeth are blocking other teeth from erupting. The only way to know for sure if a tooth needs to be extracted is to have a thorough exam with your Brookline dentist, Dr. Sam Ustayev.
We understand losing a tooth is not ideal and can sometimes be a bit overwhelming for patients. Dr. Sam and his team of compassionate professionals have the experience and training necessary to provide an efficient extraction procedure and to make the process as stress-free as possible for you. Dr. Sam devotes many hours each year to continuing education and specialized training so he can provide his patients with the best care possible using the latest dental techniques and technology.
Reasons You May Need a Tooth Extracted
Extensive Decay or Damage
When fillings, root canals, and crowns aren’t enough to save a decayed or broken tooth, it will likely need to be extracted and then replaced with a prosthetic tooth. Depending on the location of the tooth and your individual needs, we offer dental implants and bridges for tooth replacement.
Periodontal (Gum) Disease
When the gums are infected, the underlying bone can begin to break down and cause teeth to loosen. Sometimes bone grafting can help reverse that process, but it depends on your individual situation if bone grafting can be an option for you. If advanced gum disease has compromised the health and stability of a tooth, extraction may be needed to protect the surrounding gums and your remaining teeth.
Impacted Teeth
An impacted tooth is one that is blocked from erupting through the gum, either by other teeth in its way or by excessive soft tissue. This can lead to inflammation and jaw pain, as well as an increased risk of gum disease and decay in the surrounding areas. Impacted teeth frequently require oral surgery to prevent further complications.
Preparing For Orthodontics
Sometimes there’s not enough room in the arch of your mouth for all the teeth to sit comfortably which can lead to issues of overcrowding. In these cases, some teeth may need to be extracted to make room. Crowding can also cause an adult tooth to erupt in the wrong spot instead of pushing out the baby tooth and taking its place. The baby tooth must be removed before the crowding can be corrected with orthodontics.
Post-Op Instructions & Care
After you’ve had oral surgery performed, it’s important you follow your Brookline, MA dentist’s instructions carefully for a smooth recovery process and proper protection of the surgical site.
Typical Post-Op Care Can Include the Following:
- Plan to stay home for the rest of the day and if you were sedated for the procedure, make sure you rest until it fully wears off.
- Avoid bending, lifting, or other strenuous activities.
- You can use an ice pack on your jaw to help reduce any pain or swelling. We recommend 30 minutes on, 15 minutes off, then repeat as needed.
- A blood clot will form over the surgical site while it heals. It’s critical not to disturb or dislodge the clot as this can lead to a painful condition called dry socket. Dry socket occurs when the absence of the clot leaves the underlying bone and nerves exposed, causing severe pain and sometimes bad breath.
- Do not smoke or drink through a straw as the sucking motion can also dislodge the clot.
- Eat soft foods for the first several days such as soup and applesauce. Avoid foods that are hot, cold, spicy, or very chewy.
If you experience any problems during the recovery process, please don’t hesitate to call our office. We’d be happy to address any concerns you have and provide instruction over the phone.
