Tooth extractions
Saving your teeth comes first. When a tooth cannot be saved, or is causing problems for the teeth around it, we remove it gently and plan what comes next.
When a tooth needs to come out
- severe decay or infection that a root canal cannot fix
- a tooth cracked below the gum line
- advanced gum disease that has destroyed the supporting bone
- a baby tooth that has not fallen out and is blocking the adult tooth
- crowding before braces
- impacted or problem wisdom teeth
Pain, a very loose tooth or a large crack can be warning signs. Often, though, we find these problems at a regular checkup, which is the best time to find them.
The visit
We confirm the plan with an exam and an x-ray. The area is numbed with local anesthetic, the tooth is gently loosened and lifted out, and pressure is applied to stop bleeding. Sometimes a few stitches are placed.
Aftercare
- Bite on gauze for about 40 minutes.
- For the first 24 hours, do not smoke, drink alcohol, use a straw or rinse hard.
- After that, rinse gently with warm salt water and brush carefully around the area.
- Take pain medication as directed. Swelling and soreness settle within a few days.
Replacing the tooth
Once you have healed, we talk about options for the space: an implant, a bridge, or in some cases leaving it. You get the fee for each before you decide.
Questions people ask us
Do wisdom teeth always need to come out?
No. If they have come in straight, are healthy and can be cleaned, they can stay. We recommend removal when they are impacted, decaying, or causing pain or gum problems.
How long is recovery?
Most people feel much better within a few days. Soreness and mild swelling are normal at first.
What is a dry socket?
Sometimes the blood clot that protects the socket comes loose, which is painful. Avoiding straws, smoking and hard rinsing for the first day or two helps prevent it. Call us if pain gets worse after day two or three.
Related care
Dr Filangeri has been my dentist for 25 years. Would not go anywhere else. He and his staff are amazing. Very friendly, knowledgeable and caring. Have always gone out of their way to help and accommodate me.
Talk to a real person
Call and you will reach our front desk, not a call center. If you would rather not call, send an appointment request and we will phone you back to find a time.
516 Hawkins Ave, Lake Ronkonkoma. Free parking beside the office.