Tooth Extractions in Billerica, Westford, & Worcester, MA

Does My Tooth Need To Be Removed?

Our surgeons or your dentist may determine that you need an  extraction  for any number of reasons.

Many teeth are extracted because they are severely decayed, have advanced periodontal disease, or have broken in a way that cannot be repaired.

Other teeth may need removal because they are poorly positioned in the mouth (such as impacted teeth), before Dental Implants, or in preparation for orthodontic treatment.

There are several options for anesthesia available during the procedure.  Our surgeons will be happy to discuss these options with you.

For more information or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Beanland, Dr. Vellis, Dr. A. Kang or Dr. T. Kang, please choose an option.

After Care Patient Instructions

Read information below to prepare for prepare for your procedure and recovery at home. We also have a Post Surgical Instructions for Tooth Extractions page available to read. You may call our office with questions: Billerica Office Phone Number 978-667-8600.

Immediately Following Surgery

  • Gauze should be placed over the surgical area for at least 1 hour. Change gauze at least every 30 minutes.
  • Vigorous mouth rinsing can be started the day following surgery. Touching the wound following surgery should be avoided. This may initiate bleeding.
  • Over-the-counter analgesics that you are able to take are very helpful in avoiding stronger pain medications. We advise the use of regular OTC doses of ibuprofen and Tylenol (e.g., 400mg Ibuprofen AND 325mg Tylenol)
  • Take the prescribed pain medications only when the ibuprofen and/or Tylenol are not working. Use the prescribed pain medication with extreme caution.  They are sedating and addictive.  Keep these drugs away from young children and dispose of them appropriately.  Do not keep or share unused narcotic prescriptions.  Your local police department will have a safe drop box for discarding unused pain prescriptions. 
  • Restrict your activities the day of surgery and avoid strenuous activities for approximately 1 week.
  • Place ice packs to the sides of your face where surgery was performed. Refer to the section on swelling for explanation.
  • DO NOT SMOKE
  • Drink plenty of fluids (straws are perfectly fine)

Bleeding

Some bleeding may occur. Placing a piece of moist gauze over the empty tooth socket and biting down firmly for 30 minutes will assist in slowing the bleeding.  A tea bag can be used as a substitute for gauze.

A blood clot will form in the empty socket. This is an important part of the healing process that allows the socket to fill with bone.

Avoid rinsing for 24 hours after the extraction to lessen the bleeding.  Also, avoid smoking or hot liquids.

Swelling

If swelling is expected you can place ice on your face for 10 minutes and off for 20 minutes. Repeat this cycle as you feel necessary for  24-48 hours.

Pain and Medications

If you experience pain you might use non-prescription pain relief medications such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen.

Eating

For most extractions just make sure you do your chewing away from the extraction site. Stay away from hot liquids and alcoholic beverages for 24 hours.  Maintain good nutrition with soft (non-crunchy) foods.

Brushing and Cleaning

After the extraction avoids brushing the teeth near the extraction site for 24 hours. After that, you can resume gentle cleaning. Avoid commercial mouth rinses, as they tend to irritate the site.
Beginning 24 hours after the extraction you can rinse with saltwater.  You can purchase salt-water (Saline) bottles at your local pharmacy or mix 1/2 teaspoon in a cup of water.  Rinse several times each day until the “holes” close.

Healing

After a tooth has been extracted there will be a resulting hole in your jawbone where the tooth was. In time, the bone defect will fill in (heal) and become smooth. This process can take many weeks.

Replacing teeth with:

Dental Implants


Patient Reviews: Tooth Extractions

This reviews section is in progress. We invite you to read other patient testimonials, or visit out Google Reviews for our offices in Billerica, Westford, and Worcester.

Please visit the Patient Review form to leave a review about your dental extraction experience with New England Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery. Call our office if you would like more information: Billerica Office Phone Number 978-667-8600.