TOOTH EXTRACTIONS

Removing a tooth is necessary when decay or an infected tooth is so severe that no other treatment will cure the infection. Dr. Cohen, our oral and maxillofacial surgeon at Park Smiles NYC, is recognized by patients and peers alike for his safe, painless and precise oral surgery skills.

The Procedure

Before removing your tooth, you will be given a local anesthetic to numb the area where the tooth will be removed. A stronger, general anesthetic may be used, especially if several or all of your teeth need to be removed. General anesthetics prevent pain in the whole body and will ensure that you are comfortable through the procedure.

For pain management, we recommend Exparel, a long-lasting non-narcotic medication that is administered via injection prior to the procedure in addition to the local anesthesia. With Exparel, you can be pain-free for up to three days after surgery without the need for strong narcotic drugs that could lead to dependency or addiction.

After the tooth is removed, you may need stitches. You can gently bite down on a cotton gauze pads placed over the wound to help stop the bleeding. The removed tooth can later be replaced with an implant, a denture, or a bridge. A bridge is a replacement for one or more (but not all) of the teeth and may be permanent or removable.

What To Expect After Surgery

In most cases, the recovery period lasts only a few days. The following will help speed recovery:

• Take painkillers as prescribed by Dr. Cohen.
• After 24 hours, rinse your mouth gently with warm salt water several times a day to reduce swelling and relieve pain. Make your own salt water by mixing 1 tsp (5 g) of salt in a medium-sized glass [8 fl oz (237 mL)] of warm water.
• Change gauze pads before they become soaked with blood.
• Relax after surgery. Physical activity may increase bleeding.
• Avoid smoking.
• Eat soft foods, such as smoothies, pudding, or soup. Gradually add solid foods to your diet as healing progresses.
• Do not lie flat. This may prolong bleeding. Prop up your head with pillows.
• Avoid rubbing the area with your tongue.
• Continue to carefully brush your teeth and tongue.
• After the tooth is removed, you may need stitches. Most stitches dissolve over time.

Call Us!

When you have a toothache, broken tooth, or other dental emergency, we’ll fit you in as soon as possible. Just call our office, and we’ll get you help as soon as possible!

Park Smiles NYC…the best of the best in New York City for oral surgery – and so much more!

Dr. Ruben Cohen, Park Smiles NYC

Announced in 2017 in New York Times Magazine as one of the top 20 oral surgeons and “Super Specialists” in New York City – selected by local medical experts!