Morristown Cosmetic Dentistry is a full-service dental practice in Morristown, NJ, offering simple and complex tooth extractions. We use modern digital tools to plan your treatment. This technology creates a complete and precise picture of your oral structures for more accurate care. With digital technology, we can plan tooth extraction more accurately.
Tooth Extractions in Morristown, NJ
Tooth extraction is often performed as a last resort if a tooth cannot be saved. At Morristown Cosmetic Dentistry, we aim to preserve and protect the integrity of the tooth structure. Tooth extraction is a general dentistry treatment for new and existing patients in Morristown, New Jersey. We will explore all viable options before recommending extraction.
Some of the most common reasons for tooth extraction may include:
- Deep tooth decay
- Overcrowded teeth
- Gum disease
- Damaged teeth
- To prepare for braces
Wisdom Teeth Removal in Morristown, NJ
The wisdom teeth, also known as the third molars, typically develop during the late teens or early twenties. Most dentists recommend removing them to help promote long-term dental health and avoid any changes in the bite.
In most cases, wisdom teeth fail to erupt properly and become impacted in the jawbone. If left in place, they can put pressure on the gums, surrounding teeth, and nerves in the mouth. Our team at Morristown cosmetic dentistry can assess your wisdom teeth and determine if removal is necessary.
The wisdom teeth procedure may require dental sedation. Our team can explore your dental sedation options before your wisdom teeth procedure. We offer full-service wisdom tooth removal at our Morristown dental office near you. We make the process comfortable and convenient for patients of all ages.
Our team values your ultimate safety, comfort, and experience. We make every effort to ensure your comfort throughout all phases of your dental care.
After extraction, you may experience discomfort and swelling. Follow your aftercare instructions to streamline the healing process and avoid complications.
Please contact our Morristown dental office immediately if you experience severe pain or excessive bleeding after your appointment.
How Is Tooth Extraction Performed?
There are two categories of tooth extraction: simple and surgical. We can perform both under dental sedation.
- Simple extractions occur when a tooth fully emerges from the gum line. First, we numb your mouth. Then, we gently loosen the tooth with special tools before removing it. We will use specialized instruments to gently loosen the tooth by releasing the surrounding tissue. Once we remove those ligaments, we gently rock the tooth back and forth until it is free.
- A surgical extraction occurs when we can’t access the tooth from the gums, similar to unerupted wisdom teeth. We make a small incision in the gum tissue and remove some bone structure. We may need to remove the tooth in fragments depending on the case.
Replacing Extracted Teeth
Missing teeth can affect the shape of your face, hinder your ability to eat certain foods, and lead to complex dental issues. In severe cases, missing teeth can lead to bone loss, bite imbalance, and additional tooth loss.
Except for your wisdom teeth, when you extract a permanent tooth, you’ll need to replace it. Dr. Gittleman may recommend a dental implant to replace a missing tooth.
Dental implants are among the most successful tooth-replacement options in dentistry. They offer a natural-looking, long-lasting solution to tooth loss. Unlike other tooth replacement options, dental implants help promote bone regeneration in the jaw after bone loss.
At Morristown Cosmetic Dentistry, we offer full-service dental implants under one roof. Dr. Gittleman can explore your tooth replacement options and determine whether dental implants are right for you.
Tooth Extraction FAQs
Read through our frequently asked questions about tooth extractions to learn more about the procedure, your options, and aftercare. We hope this guide helps you prepare for the procedure.
Will my dental insurance cover my tooth extraction?
Most dental insurance plans cover tooth extractions because they are a basic procedure. Coverage varies, but your plan will often pay a large part of the cost after you meet your deductible. We suggest checking your policy for details on coverage rates, deductibles, and any waiting periods.
Can I use sedation for a tooth extraction?
Yes, we offer dental sedation to help patients manage pain and anxiety during tooth extractions. For every extraction, we will use local anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth.
We also offer several sedation methods, including oral sedation and nitrous oxide. Dr. Gittleman will help you choose the best type of dental sedation for your tooth extraction. He bases this on the complexity of the extraction and your comfort level.
Can I smoke after I have my wisdom teeth removed?
We strongly suggest that our patients not smoke after wisdom teeth removal. Smoking will delay the healing process, increase the risk of infection, and lead to complications like dry sockets. You should wait for at least 72 hours post-extraction to promote optimal healing before smoking. The better option for your oral and overall health is quitting altogether.
How long does it take to recover from a tooth extraction?
Recovery from a tooth extraction typically takes about one to two weeks. Initial gum healing occurs within the first few days, during which discomfort and swelling decrease. It’s important to follow Dr. Gittleman’s aftercare instructions to support healing. Complete soft tissue healing can take up to a month, and jawbone remodeling may continue for several months.
What is the best way to relieve pain after a tooth extraction?
Your dentist will likely recommend and prescribe medications after your tooth extraction. Patients typically report pain and soreness for a few days after the procedure. For the first few days, you can take 400-600mg of ibuprofen every 6 to 8 hours as needed for pain.
Icing the area or using a hot compress can help reduce swelling. Also, limiting exposure to hard or sharp foods and rinsing with saltwater can help relieve pain.
How long should I rest after a tooth extraction?
Most patients take one or two days off after tooth extraction. While some people can return to work the next day, we advise taking one day to rest. If possible, working from home for the next few days is a great way to ease back into your routine.
What can I eat after a tooth extraction?
Most patients try to stick to soft foods after having a tooth extraction. Smoothies, eggs, milkshakes, soups, avocado, and yogurt are popular choices post-operation. It is important to avoid sharp foods like chips and hard or sticky foods.
Patients should also refrain from using a straw and smoking for about a week after their operation. Smoking increases the risk of infection, and the sucking motion when using a straw is not conducive to healing.
Schedule a Dental Exam and Consultation Today
We provide complete dental care for residents of Morristown, Mendham, Chatham, Madison, and the surrounding area. If you would like to learn more, call our dentists near you at (973) 287-3337 or request an appointment.