Reasons for Extractions

When we extract teeth at Dr. Amit Pandya’s New Hyde Park dental practice, we do so quickly after ensuring that our patients fully understand their post-operative instructions. But because the outcome of extractions depends so heavily on the patient’s commitment, we want to make sure they are aware of why they are undergoing extractions in the first place and why it is often the best option.

A lot of extractions in young people are done to ensure the remaining teeth will have enough room to form a healthy arch. Well-aligned teeth are easier to keep clean, won’t put as much strain on the jaw muscles during chewing, and keep the face straighter, but the mouth often doesn’t have enough room for all of them. A set of premolars are often removed prior to orthodontic work, and wisdom teeth are commonly extracted to prevent them from getting stuck while erupting. Baby teeth may also be extracted if they do not fall out naturally before their adult replacements grow in.

We always try to save teeth that have been damaged, but sometimes extractions are necessary to protect the patient’s health. A cracked crown can be repaired or replaced, but a crack that goes all the way through the crown and root cannot be and the tooth will have to be replaced with an implant.

The office of Amit Pandya, DDS, is at 1575 Hillside Ave, Suite 207, New Hyde Park, New York, 11040. To schedule an appointment, call 516-233-2135, or visit his website at Going Grin and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Sectioning Teeth

At the New Hyde Park dental office of Dr. Amit Pandya, we understand the concerns people have about tooth extractions. Natural teeth are always the best and extractions should only be done when necessary. However, when impacted wisdom teeth threaten the health of the rest of the teeth, we remove them quickly and with minimal risk to the patient. This sometimes requires us to section the teeth before removal.

Wisdom teeth are the largest teeth and have multiple roots attached to strong ligaments. Trying to remove them in one piece could subject the patient to a dangerous amount of force even if the wisdom teeth were in a perfect position which, if they are being removed, they probably are not. Impacted wisdom teeth are often located close to major nerves and are too large to move without cutting away some gum tissue.

Teeth can be moved with less force and through smaller gum flaps when they have been cut apart. This is only done after the patient has been numbed and sedated. A dental drill is used to do the cutting and the surgical site is kept under a stream of water to prevent damage from heat. Sectioned teeth can be lifted out of the jaw easily and the gums can then be sutured.

The office of Amit Pandya, DDS, is at 1575 Hillside Ave, Suite 207, New Hyde Park, New York, 11040. To schedule an appointment, call 516-233-2135, or visit his website at Going Grin and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Preventing and Treating Dry Sockets

Patients undergoing tooth extractions at Dr. Amit Pandya’s New Hyde Park dental office are provided with detailed post-operation instructions. However, it is possible in some cases for things to go wrong, particularly if the extraction required Dr. Pandya to cut through bone and gum tissue. Therefore, we want our patients to know how to recognize signs of a dry socket, as well as how to prevent one.

Typical instructions following a tooth extraction are to refrain from sipping through straws, using birth control, and smoking or otherwise using tobacco. These are meant to ensure that a blood clot is able to form over the extraction site and remain in place (birth control prevents clot formation; the sucking pressure from a straw tears clots loose). Without the blood clot, the socket will dry out and be at high risk of infection.

If a patient can see the exposed socket or is in severe pain, they should request an immediate emergency appointment. Dr. Pandya will clean the extraction site with a small vacuum and cover it with medicated dressings. These dressings will have to be replaced every few days until the socket is closed. The patient will also be given painkillers and antibiotics. Though a dry socket is painful and something to be avoided, it is treatable and should not prevent a full recovery.

The office of Amit Pandya, DDS, is at 1575 Hillside Ave, Suite 207, New Hyde Park, New York, 11040. To schedule an appointment, call 516-233-2135, or visit his website at GoingGrin.com and fill out a contact sheet.