Procedures

Tooth Extractions

You and Dr. Kienle, Dr. Steinkeler and Dr. Gunawardena may determine that you need a tooth extraction for any number of reasons. Some teeth are extracted because they are severely decayed; others may 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), or in preparation for orthodontic treatment.

The removal of a single tooth can lead to problems related to your chewing ability, problems with your jaw joint, and shifting teeth, which can have a major impact on your dental health.

To avoid these complications, in most cases, Drs. Kienle, Steinkeler and Gunawardena will discuss alternatives to extractions as well replacement of the extracted tooth.

Are You Ready to Live Pain Free?

Contact us with any questions or to schedule an appointment to reclaim your smile today!

Call us: 215-672-6560

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The Extraction Process

Dentists extracting a patient's toothAt the time of extraction the doctor will need to numb your tooth, jaw bone, and gums that surround the area with a local anesthetic. This is just using local anesthesia (ie novocaine) and staying awake for the procedure.

The other alternative is to be asleep for the procedure using either sedation or general anesthesia techniques. When sedation or general anesthesia techniques are utilized you will not be aware of the extraction procedure and for most patients, it is the most comfortable and easiest way to undergo the extraction process.

During the extraction process, you will feel a lot of pressure. This is from the process of firmly rocking the tooth in order to widen the socket for removal.

Normally you feel the pressure without pain as the anesthetic has numbed the nerves stopping the transference of pain. However, the nerves that transmit pressure are not profoundly affected. Sometimes it is impossible to provide complete local anesthesia (completely numb) and you may require sedation or general anesthesia to have the procedure done comfortably and without pain. This is usually the case when a tooth is acutely infected.

If you do feel pain at any time during the extraction please let us know right away. Refer to our post-surgical instructions below for information you can use to heal while resting at home.

Sectioning a Tooth

Some teeth require sectioning. This is a very common procedure done when a tooth is so firmly anchored in its socket or the root is curved and the socket can’t expand enough to remove it. The doctor simply cuts the tooth into sections then removes each section one at a time.

Benefits of Oral Surgeons Performing Tooth Extractions

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons, such as Dr. Kienle, Dr. Steinkeler and Dr. Gunawardena, are the only dental specialists who are fully trained in all oral surgery procedures. All doctors in our practice are board-certified in oral and maxillofacial surgery and in anesthesia and have earned both medical and dental degrees.

Flagship Oral, Facial, and Dental Implant Surgery is the only practice in the Delaware Valley/Tri-State area that

  • Has all of our surgical facilities fully accredited by the Joint Commission.
  • Has surgeons uniquely qualified with both medical and dental degrees, as well as board certification in oral and maxillofacial surgery and anesthesia.

You can be assured that Drs. Kienle, Steinkeler and Gunawardena have the best training and experience, along with the proper staff and facilities, to provide you with exceptional safe and comfortable surgical care. Call us today and schedule an appointment.

After Tooth Extraction

After tooth extraction, it’s important for a blood clot to form to stop the bleeding and begin the healing process. Bite on a gauze pad for 60 minutes immediately after the appointment. If the bleeding or oozing still persists, place another gauze pad and bite firmly for another 60 minutes. You may have to do this several times to stop the flow of blood.

After the blood clot forms, it is important to not disturb or dislodge the clot. Do not rinse vigorously, suck on straws, smoke, drink alcohol, or brush teeth next to the extraction site for 24 hours. These activities may dislodge or dissolve the clot and hinder the healing process. Limit vigorous exercise for the next 24 hours, as this increases blood pressure and may cause more bleeding from the extraction site.

After the tooth is extracted you may feel some pain and experience some swelling. An ice pack or an unopened bag of frozen peas or corn applied to the area will keep swelling to a minimum. Apply the ice pack for the first 24 hours. Take pain medications as prescribed. The swelling usually peaks after 48 to 72 hours and then subsides after that.

Use pain medication as directed. Call our office during regular office hours if the medication doesn’t seem to be working: Warminster Office Phone Number 215-672-6560. If antibiotics are prescribed, continue to take them for the indicated length of time even if signs and symptoms of infection are gone. Drink lots of fluids and eat nutritious, soft food on the day of the extraction. You can eat normally as soon as you are comfortable.

It is important to resume your normal dental routine after 24 hours. This should include brushing and flossing your teeth at least once a day. This will speed healing and help keep your mouth fresh and clean.

After a few days, you should feel fine and can resume your normal activities. If you have heavy bleeding, severe pain, or continued swelling for more than 7 days call the office during regular office hours: Warminster Office Phone Number 215-672-6560. If you have a reaction to the medication, call our facility promptly or go to the emergency room at your local hospital.


 

Patient Reviews: Tooth Extractions

This reviews section is in progress. Please visit the Patient Review Form page to leave a review about your tooth extraction experience with Flagship Oral, Facial, and Dental Implant Surgery. Call our office if you would like more information: Warminster Office Phone Number 215-672-6560.

Flagship Oral, Facial, and Dental Implant Surgery

5 out of 5 stars based on 131 Extraction reviews.

Patient Review by Joanne R

I know that all I could think of to say was Excellent but it's just true. From the moment you arrive till you leave you feel that you've been dealing with people who know their stuff. Now I understand that not everyone would leave here feeling that way but for me ... I was confident that I had chosen the right place to have the oral surgery that needed to be done to help me feel better. Dr. Steinkeler also told me of other options that I have available for future things that can be done to help me get back a positive smile. I would recommend this office to anyone who is looking for a oral surgeon and staff that know what they are doing and make you feel at ease and don't pressure you into having procedures done that might not be for you. An excellent experience.

- Joanne R

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Christine E

I have horrible anxiety with anything associated with dentistry. I started having a panic attack. This place was so wonderful. Jimmy who assisted the Doctor was absolutely fabulous. He took care of me the whole way through it. He took such time making sure I was ok and explaining everything so thoroughly. I definitely would come here from now on .

- Christine E

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Marie M

Staff was excellent at putting patients at ease. Follow up care and scheduling for problems was great! Call backs were very prompt.

- Marie M

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Tara T

I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND any one of these surgeons to my family members, friends, neighbors, and complete strangers. They are extremely kind, compassionate, sympathetic, and knowledgable on an array of topics in the dental profession as well as other topics related to your overall health and well-being ( as well as their entire staff at their 3 office locations) I am NVR afraid to ask a question, voice a concern, or felt pressured into anything I feel uncomfortable and/or uncertain about doing in my decision making process. What has really won me over is that I have been having alot of dental complications over the past 6 months and these wonderful surgeons have ALWAYS been accessible whenever I needed them. Their bedside manner is unprecented, especially in times of emergencies. They have ALWAYS taken their time, assessed my problems, and NEVER steered me in the wrong direction. If fact, they have ALWAYS done what is in my best interest and I am forever grateful to them!!!!

- Tara T

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Terry M

Very friendly and all staff made me feel comfortable. Dr. Explained everything as he went along checking to make sure I was okay very awesome staff and doctor

- Terry M

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by William T

Dr. Andrew Steinkeler is the best.

- William T

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Nicole W

Very great experience

- Nicole W

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Thomas K

very well run office/practice, I will recommend this office to anyone who needs dental work to be done

- Thomas K

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by David C

My son had four wisdom teeth pulled the month prior and the surgery went so well that when I needed an extraction there was no doubt where I was going

- David C

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Theresa F

The whole process was very easy...I would definitely recommend this office to any of my friends and family

- Theresa F

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Ronan M

Love everything about the staff, ..doctors, ..very informative. Made us feel very comfortable, safe and i received TWO follow up calls post surgery rgd my son. One from doc one from reception/nurses. Bar None!! This office is a benchmark for all othera to follow!

- Ronan M

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Kim E

I really appreciated the follow up phone call after the surgery the following day.

- Kim E

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Susan L

Very professional and courtesy staff. Follow up call to see if I was having any issues.

- Susan L

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by David T

DR Stienkeller was outstanding. This is the second time he has performed an extraction for me, back molar on this visit. I chose to be awake during procedure. He explained exactly what to expect from beginning to end, and showed genuine compassion throughout the process. (I get a little queasy and sometimes nauseous during these things....). He asked if I felt OK all through the extraction. Worked quickly and efficiently, tooth was out within 3-5 minutes with no pain. No pain during the recovery period either. Awesome job technically and also with "chair side manner", both by the doctor and the nurse! Thank you for making this much easier than I thought it would be!

- David T

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Gina V

Excellent office staff and medical staff. Absolutely no complaints. Five stars overall Thank you so much for a good experience!

- Gina V

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Loretta B

Having just had a negative experience in another dental office with a hard-sell environment, it felt wonderful to feel like I was actually in a doctor's office getting treated by medical professionals rather than feeling like you're getting treated by a salesperson. The tooth extraction was an almost completely painless experience. It's been four days, and I feel totally fine. I never needed pain medication. Thank you, Dr. Kienle and staff for such a positive experience.

- Loretta B

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Ellen B

I trust them! Extremely important!

- Ellen B

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by John U

Very friendly and professional; would highly recommend the practice to others.

- John U

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Fran H

My first experience was amazing from beginning to end ! The office even followed up the next day after my procedure to make sure I was okay. I would highly recommend the Warminster location.

- Fran H

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Heather W

I wouldn't hesitate to return OMS Centers and Dr. Steinkeler if I ever require their services again. I would also recommend them most highly to anyone looking for an oral surgeon. Thank you so much for everything!!

- Heather W

5 out of 5 stars on