Services Oral | Dental Extractions

Structural Changes Caused by Gum Disease

During your exam, Dr. Natalie Dianati may recommend removing a tooth to protect your overall oral health. Common reasons for an extraction include:

Severe tooth decay that cannot be restored
Advanced gum (periodontal) disease with significant bone loss
A fractured or broken tooth that cannot be repaired
Impacted or poorly positioned teeth (including some wisdom teeth)
Creating space to support orthodontic treatment
Tooth resorption, when the body begins breaking down tooth structure

Because removing a tooth can affect chewing, the bite, and the position of neighboring teeth, Dr. Dianati will review all appropriate alternatives—and if extraction is the best option, we’ll also discuss replacement options to help maintain a healthy, functional smile.

What to Expect During the Extraction

Before the procedure, we’ll review your medical history and make sure you’re comfortable.

Numbing: The tooth and surrounding tissues are numbed with a local anesthetic.
Sedation option: Many extractions can also be performed with IV sedation for patients who prefer added comfort.
Pressure is normal: During removal, you may feel firm pressure as the tooth is gently rocked to widen the socket. This is normal—anesthetic reduces pain, but not pressure. If you feel pain, please tell us right away.

When “Sectioning” Is Needed

Some teeth require sectioning, a common technique used when a tooth is firmly anchored or has curved roots. The tooth is carefully divided into sections and removed in parts to allow a safer, gentler extraction.

Aftercare and Healing

After an extraction, your body needs to form a blood clot in the socket to stop bleeding and begin healing.

Immediately After Your Appointment

Bite on gauze for 30–45 minutes to help form the clot.
If bleeding/oozing continues, place a fresh gauze pad and bite firmly for another 30 minutes. Repeat as needed.

Protect the Blood Clot (First 72 Hours)

To reduce the risk of delayed healing or “dry socket,” avoid:

Vigorous rinsing or spitting
Straws
Smoking
Alcohol
Brushing directly over the extraction site Also avoid vigorous exercise for 24 hours.

Swelling and Discomfort

Some soreness and swelling are normal.

Use an ice pack (or a bag of frozen peas/corn) on the outside of the face to help reduce swelling.
Swelling typically improves within 48 hours.

Medications

Take pain medication exactly as prescribed. If your medication isn’t helping, call us.
If antibiotics are prescribed, take them for the full prescribed course, even if you feel better.

Food and Fluids

Drink plenty of fluids and stick to soft, nutritious foods the day of the procedure.
You can return to a normal diet as comfort allows.

Oral Hygiene

After 24 hours, resume a healthy routine of brushing and flossing (avoiding direct trauma to the extraction area). Good oral hygiene supports faster healing.

When to Call Us

Please contact our office right away if you experience:

Heavy bleeding that does not improve
Severe or worsening pain
Swelling that continues to worsen after 2–3 days
Fever, rash, or any reaction to medications

Dental Extractions