TOOTH EXTRACTION
Teeth can be either extracted as a whole (routine extraction) or may need to be surgically removed by sectioning the tooth or bone to aide in the removal of that tooth.  The type of extraction will be determined at the time of surgery to facilitate the ease of extraction.  We can extract as many teeth as needed at the time of surgery unless other medical conditions contraindicate doing so.  Our surgical team will do whatever is required to lessen trauma to your jaw or mouth.

IMPACTED TOOTH
Exposure of impacted tooth and bonding of brackets
An impacted tooth is any tooth that has not erupted through the bone.  Your Orthodontist may refer you to us for treatment before braces.  We will work in conjunction with your orthodontic treatment to enhance the eruption of impacted teeth, thereby saving the tooth.

DENTURES:

Option # 1
Alveoloplasty
The best way to heal in preparation for your dentures is to wait for 6 to 8 weeks after extractions.  This allows the bone to recontour and for the gums to smooth and toughen up in an effort to prepare for the wearing of teeth.
After 6 to 8 weeks, if required, an alveoloplasty can be performed.  In doing this procedure, the tissue is reflected (opened) and the sharp bony areas are removed, allowing for a better denture fit.  Generally,  about two weeks after alveoloplasty, you will be ready to see your regular dentist for impressions for dentures.

Option # 2
Some people prefer to have immediate dentures place the same day the teeth are extracted.  In order to do this, the patient has to have seen a dentist prior to the oral surgery, had impressions made and the dentures need to be in hand at the time of surgery.  Because dentures are made before the teeth are extracted, the fit cannot be exact and may require several adjustments.  Also, because the patient is wearing dentures over healing gums, the recovery time may be longer after surgery.

• Your gum bleeding will be prolonged if you are taking daily aspirin, blood thinners or have severe gum disease.
• You will be sent home with prescribed pain medications.  It is best to take this medication with food on your  stomach.
• Do not smoke after surgery until you are pain free because the nicotine will decrease the blood supply to areas of the bone, possibly creating a dry socket. 
   With a dry socket, healing is delayed because the blood clot covering the socket is washed away or dissolved.  This exposes the bone and may lead to constant deep, throbbing pain.  A dry socket can easily be treated with a dressing.
• Normally, you will be sent home with pain medication.
  See our Post Operative Patient Information sheet which describes the directions for taking pain medication after surgery.

Option # 2

IMMEDIATE DENTURE CARE

• Follow your oral surgeon's instructions for post tooth removal care.
• Do not remove dentures the first 24 hours because swelling may prevent reinsertion of the dentures.
• After 24 hours: Remove dentures and rinse thoroughly.
• Place dentures back in mouth immediately
• You should wear your dentures day and night for three weeks after surgery.  After this period, the dentures should be removed while you sleep.