Before removing a tooth, Dr. Pritsky will administer a local anesthetic to numb the area where the tooth will be removed. Sedation may be used, especially if several or all of your teeth will be removed at the same time. The sedation will cause you to become sleepy for the procedure. Dr. Pritsky will recommend that you don't eat or drink after midnight on the night before surgery only if an intravenous (IV) anesthetic will be prepared.
To remove a tooth, Dr. Pritsky will open up the gum tissue over the tooth and take out any bone that is covering the tooth. He will separate the tissue connecting the tooth to the bone and then remove the tooth. Sometimes it is necessary to cut the tooth into smaller pieces to make it easier to remove.
After the tooth is removed, you may need stitches. Some stitches dissolve over time and some have to be removed after a few days. Dr. Pritsky will tell you whether your stitches need to be removed. A folded cotton gauze pad placed over the wound will help stop the bleeding.
View Radiographs of Completed Tooth Extractions