Services & Procedures

Extractions / Bone Grafting

Teeth may require extraction for a number of reasons; severe decay, advanced periodontal disease, fractured in a way that cannot be repaired or failed root canals. Other teeth may need removal because they are impacted.

The removal of a single tooth can lead to problems in your ability to chew, shifting teeth, or possibly your jaw joints.

At Atlantic Dental Associates, we utilize the latest technology to graft the extraction site to avoid the loss of the bone that surrounds the tooth. Bone grafting procedures enable the patient to replace their missing tooth with dental implants after the graft has healed.

Extractions may be performed using a combination of local anesthetic and IV sedation or oral sedation or local anesthetic alone.

Post Operative Instructions

Following a dental extraction, it is normal to experience light bleeding of the extraction socket. Placing a piece of moist gauze over the extraction site and bite down firmly for 30 minutes to control this. A blood clot will form in the socket: please be careful not to dislodge it. Do not use a straw to drink following your extraction to avoid dislodging the clot. It is an important part of the healing process.

  • Avoid rinsing or spitting for 24 hours after the extraction.
  • Avoid using a straw, smoking, or drinking hot liquids.

Swelling is normal following a surgical procedure. An ice pack placed on the face for 30 minutes on and off the first day only is helpful. It is normal to experience more swelling the second day after surgery.

Some pain following a surgical procedure is normal. Over the counter pain medications such as Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen are very effective in controlling dental pain.

Proper nutrition is important following a tooth extraction. Please follow a liquid to soft diet for the first 24-36 hours. Chew on the opposite side and avoid hot liquids.

After the extraction avoid brushing the teeth near the extraction site for the first day. After that you can resume gentle cleaning. Avoid mouthwash, as it can irritate the site.
Beginning 24 hours after the extraction you can rinse with salt water (1/2 teaspoon in a cup of warm water) after meals and before bed.

After a tooth has been extracted there will be a hollow area in your jawbone where the tooth was removed. Dr. Palmer recommends that bone grafting be done at the time of extraction to avoid further bone loss and preserve bone for future implant placement.

Replacing teeth with: