Tooth Extraction and Removal of Wisdom Teeth in Long Island City
Gently removing problematic teeth for better oral health.
What Does Tooth Extraction Involve?
Tooth extraction (odontectomy) is the removal of a tooth from its socket in the jawbone. While some extractions are relatively straightforward, many require a surgical procedure to be done correctly, completely, and safely. This is especially true for impacted wisdom teeth (third molars), where some portion of the tooth is stuck within the jawbone or overlying gum tissue. At Gantry Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, we spare no effort to ensure this routine but delicate procedure is handled with the highest level of skill and comfort.
Reasons Teeth May Need to Be Extracted
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 can result in loosening of the teeth, infection, bad breath, and overall health problems. This is most often caused by smoking, diabetes, or poor oral hygiene.
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 not able to be cleaned, allowing bacteria to thrive in hidden crevices. The result is chronic inflammation, pain, decay, or infection—which can also cause damage to or loss of nearby teeth.
Crowding
In cases where there is not 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 be a cause for 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.
Have questions? We've got answers.
FAQs
Are tooth extractions painful?
Extractions are not painful due to the use of local anesthesia, which numbs the area around the tooth. During the procedure, you may feel pressure, but shouldn’t experience pain. 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 is variable depending on specifics like impaction status, bone density, existing infection, and area of the mouth. In general, most patients find discomfort and swelling peaks around 2-3 days after the procedure, and resolves fully by 7-10 days. Minimizing activity and keeping a soft diet early on is usually a good idea, but most people can return to regular life within a few days. Complete closure of extraction sites can take a few weeks, but this usually isn’t bothersome.
What can I eat after?
For the first few days, stick to mild, soft, and cool foods that don't require chewing. We recommend meal replacement shake brands like Huel, Kachava, or Soylent, which are filling, nutritionally rich, and easy to swallow. Other options include instant mashed potatoes, yogurt, applesauce, or smooth/blended soups. As healing progresses, you can introduce softer solid foods as tolerated, but avoid chewy breads, crunchy snacks, or granular foods (think quinoa, nuts, or broccoli) for 2-3 weeks. It's best to chew on the opposite side of the mouth from the extraction site if possible.
Can I brush my teeth?
Yes—but carefully! It's crucial to maintain good oral hygiene after surgery to prevent infection. You can gently brush your teeth the day after the procedure, being extra careful near the extraction site. For the first few days, it's important not to rinse vigorously or spit forcefully, as this can dislodge the blood clot and restart bleeding. We typically recommend gentle salt water rinses starting 24 hours after the procedure to keep the area clean. If a chlorhexidine mouthwash was prescribed, use it in the morning and at night, at least an hour after brushing your teeth.
My friend had their wisdom teeth out and got a “dry socket” after. What is that and how can I avoid it?
Dry socket (alveolar osteitis) is a painful condition that can occur when the blood clot at the extraction site is dislodged or doesn't form properly. It exposes the underlying bone and nerves, causing significant discomfort. Risk for dry socket has been shown to be elevated by cigarette smoking and higher estrogen levels. To minimize risk of dry socket, patients should avoid smoking, forceful spitting, or use of straws for at least 72 hours (three days) hours after extraction. For women on an oral contraceptive, scheduling the extraction to occur during the inactive placebo week can also reduce the risk.
Something doesn’t seem right. How do I know if I have a dry socket?
Dry sockets are fairly rare—we usually see only a few cases a year. They’re almost always associated with a lower wisdom tooth extraction site, although they can happen with any tooth. If you had both lower wisdom teeth removed, the classic sign is where one side hurts considerably more than the other, with the pain lingering more than a week without improvement. If you suspect a dry socket (or any complication), let us know! Treatment usually involves simply cleaning the site in-office and applying a sedative gel to the socket.
Can I keep my teeth?
Yes you can! By default, extracted teeth are disposed of as regulated medical waste, but patients may request to keep them as per the CDC. Let us know before your procedure so we can clean and disinfect them for you.