Tooth Extractions & Bone Grafting

You and Dr. Yulia Nikoghosyan may determine that you need a tooth extraction for any number of reasons. Some teeth are extracted because they are severely decayed; others may have advanced periodontal disease, or have broken in a way that cannot be repaired. Other teeth may need removal because they are poorly positioned in the mouth (such as impacted teeth), or in preparation for orthodontic treatment.

The removal of a single tooth can lead to problems related to your chewing ability, problems with your jaw joint, and shifting teeth, which can have a major impact on your dental health.

To avoid these complications, in most cases, Dr. Yulia Nikoghosyan will discuss alternatives to extractions as well as replacement of the extracted tooth.

The Extraction Process

At the time of extraction the doctor will need to numb your tooth, jaw bone and gums that surround the area with a local anesthetic.

During the extraction process you will feel a lot of pressure. This is from the process of firmly rocking the tooth in order to widen the socket for removal.

You feel the pressure without pain as the anesthetic has numbed the nerves stopping the transference of pain, yet the nerves that transmit pressure are not profoundly affected.

If you do feel pain at any time during the extraction please let us know right away.

Bone Grafting

Today there are effective techniques that can prevent or greatly reduced the bone and soft tissue loss that normally occurs with the tooth removal. Bone grafting is a simple procedure your dentist can perform in the office. It involves placing grafting material directly into the site following removal of a tooth. The graft,  a safe, biocompatible material, aids the body in preserving existing bone and making new bone.

Patient Advantage

Preserve facial bone structure and gums
assist the body in healing itself
better.
Better fitting of a dental prosthesis
safe and effective
simple procedure

Simple bone grafting steps

Tooth is removed

Grafting material is placed in the socket

Sutures are placed in the gum tissue to allow proper healing.

 

 

The importance of your smile

Your smile. It’s one of the first things people notice about you even with the best dental care trauma or periodontal disease can cause tooth loss the loss.  The loss of bone and gum tissue following tooth removal often results in an unsightly appearance, which can affect your self confidence.

 

The bone grafting advantage

As much as a 40% of a born height and 60% of a bone width can be lost in the first 6 months following tooth extraction.

 

 

What to except after grafting

After the procedure your body should begin the natural process of healing in forming new bone

Follow your  doctor’s instruction and caring for the grafted site and surrounding gum tissue. Although new bone will begin to form   within the first few weeks after grafting, several months may be required to form the bone density necessary for additional dental procedures to be performed.
Ask your doctor about your specific case.

 

 

Sectioning a Tooth

Some teeth require sectioning. This is a very common procedure done when a tooth is so firmly anchored in its socket or the root is curved and the socket can’t expand enough to remove it. The doctor simply cuts the tooth into sections then removes each section one at a time.

After Tooth Extraction

After tooth extraction, it’s important for a blood clot to form to stop the bleeding and begin the healing process. Bite on a gauze pad for 30-45 minutes immediately after the appointment. If the bleeding or oozing still persists, place another gauze pad and bite firmly for another 30 minutes. You may have to do this several times to staunch the flow of blood.

After the blood clot forms it is important to not disturb or dislodge the clot. Do not rinse vigorously, suck on straws, smoke, drink alcohol or brush teeth next to the extraction site for 72 hours. These activities may dislodge or dissolve the clot and hinder the healing process. Limit vigorous exercise for the next 24 hours, as this increases blood pressure and may cause more bleeding from the extraction site.

After the tooth is extracted you may feel some pain and experience some swelling. An ice pack or an unopened bag of frozen peas or corn applied to the area will keep swelling to a minimum. Take pain medications as prescribed. The swelling usually subsides after 48 hours.

Use pain medication as directed. Call our office if the medication doesn’t seem to be working. If antibiotics are prescribed, continue to take them for the indicated length of time even if signs and symptoms of infection are gone. Drink lots of fluids and eat nutritious, soft food on the day of the extraction. You can eat normally as soon as you are comfortable.

It is important to resume your normal dental routine after 24 hours. This should include brushing and flossing your teeth at least once a day. This will speed healing and help keep your mouth fresh and clean.

After a few days you should feel fine and can resume your normal activities. If you have heavy bleeding, severe pain, continued swelling for 2-3 days, or a reaction to the medication, call our office immediately.