Tooth Extractions & Wisdom Teethin Long Island City
Losing a tooth is never welcome news, but when your extraction calls for a surgeon, we've got you covered.
There's a reason your dentist referred you for this.
While some tooth extractions are relatively straightforward, many require a surgical procedure to be done completely, safely, and efficiently. This is especially true for impacted wisdom teeth, which are often positioned close to nerves and other delicate structures that require careful negotiation. At Gantry Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, we spare no effort to ensure this routine but technique-sensitive procedure is handled with the precision it deserves and the highest level of comfort possible.
When is an Extraction Necessary?
Damage
Compromised structural integrity of the tooth usually occurs because of severe tooth decay. A traumatic injury can also break teeth where repair is not always possible.
Periodontal Disease
Permanent loss of the supporting bone and tissue around teeth is called periodontitis. This is most often caused by smoking, diabetes, or poor oral hygiene. The result is loosening of teeth, infection, bad breath, and overall health problems.
Impaction
Teeth that fail to emerge fully into the mouth are called impacted. While this most commonly occurs with wisdom teeth, it can happen to any tooth in the mouth. Impacted teeth can create areas that are unable to be cleaned, allowing bacteria to thrive in hidden crevices. The result is chronic inflammation, pain, decay, or infection, which can lead to damage or loss of nearby teeth.
Crowding
In cases where there isn't enough space in the mouth to fit all the teeth, removal of some is occasionally necessary in conjunction with orthodontic treatment (braces or clear aligner trays). This creates space to allow the other teeth to be straightened properly.
Pathology
Sometimes long-standing impacted teeth can cause the development of cysts or tumors within the jaws. Left untreated, these have the potential to grow very large, compromising the integrity of the jawbones and/or distorting facial features.
Infection
While a tooth that has become infected at its root can sometimes be treated with a root canal, this isn't always possible. When the infection is too advanced, or the tooth has already undergone an unsuccessful root canal and retreatment isn't a viable option, extraction becomes the most reliable way to eliminate the infection and protect the surrounding teeth and bone.
Have questions? We've got answers.
FAQs
Are tooth extractions painful?
Extractions are generally not painful due to the use of local anesthesia, which numbs the area around the tooth. During the procedure, you may feel pressure, and while this isn't painful, it can be an intense sensation. After the extraction, some discomfort and swelling are common, but this can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medications and following post-operative care instructions provided by our office.
Do I need to be asleep for this?
You don't necessarily need to be asleep for tooth extractions, as local anesthesia will numb the area and prevent pain. However, many patients find that opting for sedation provides a more relaxed and comfortable experience during the procedure. For extractions of multiple or impacted teeth, we typically advise sedation/general anesthesia to make the experience more tolerable.
What is the recovery like after tooth extraction?
Recovery varies greatly depending on factors like age, impaction status, bone density, existing infection, and location in the mouth. A bit of facial swelling is common, especially after lower wisdom tooth removal, and your jaw may feel tight at first. You'll likely need to be on a softer diet as well. For most patients, discomfort and swelling will peak around 2-3 days post-op, then improve steadily through the first week. Most people are back to regular life within a few days.
What can I eat after having a tooth pulled?
For the first few days, stick to mild, soft, and cool foods that don't require much chewing. Foods like smoothies, puddings, mashed potatoes, fish, eggs, bananas, and avocados are great. Meal replacement shake brands like Huel, Kachava, or Soylent are also excellent, since they're filling, nutritionally rich, and easy to swallow. As healing progresses, you can introduce solid foods as tolerated, but you may want to avoid chewy breads, crunchy snacks, or granular foods (think quinoa, nuts, or broccoli) for a week or so. It's also best to chew on the opposite side of the mouth from the extraction site if possible.
Can I brush my teeth after an extraction?
Definitely! Allowing plaque to build up near the surgical site can lead to infection, so good hygiene is important. You can skip brushing on the day of surgery, but aim to resume (gently!) within 24 hours. We'll provide an ultra-soft surgical toothbrush to make this a little easier on the surrounding gums. If you were given chlorhexidine mouthwash, you can start it on the first evening, but just let it soak (no vigorous rinsing).
My friend got a "dry socket" after wisdom tooth surgery. What is that?
Dry socket (alveolar osteitis) occurs when the blood clot at the extraction site is dislodged or fails to form properly, exposing the sensitive bone within. Fortunately it's uncommon, as we usually see only a few cases a year. To reduce your risk, avoid smoking and forceful spitting after an extraction, and make sure to keep the area clean. Straws get a bad rap, but there's actually no evidence to show they're a culprit. On the other hand, elevated estrogen levels are a known risk factor, and for women taking an oral contraceptive, scheduling the extraction during the inactive placebo week can meaningfully reduce the chances of a dry socket. When one does occur, it's almost always at a lower wisdom tooth site. The classic sign is post-op pain that improves over the first few days, then suddenly worsens. If you suspect a dry socket, let us know. Treatment is straightforward: a brief in-office visit to clean the site and apply a sedative dressing.
When can I get back to working out?
We recommend taking it easy for the first few days. Lifting, cardio, yoga, or anything that gets your heart pumping might cause increased pain and bleeding at the extraction site. Plus, minimizing stress on your body allows for faster healing. After a few days, if you're feeling up to it, you can ease back into your usual routine.
Can I keep my teeth?
Yes you can! By default, we dispose of extracted teeth as regulated medical waste, but patients may request to keep them as per the CDC. If you'd like to have them, let us know before your procedure so we can clean and disinfect them for you.