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.

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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 Tara Lynn T

Awesome staff and dentists. As a person w/severe dental "phobias" they made me feel extremely comfortable

- Tara Lynn T

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by George S

I had several teeth extracted and the Dr. and staff made this an easy event. I felt like they were my friends and was in good hands.

- George S

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Charlene L

10

- Charlene L

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Bill T

Quick in and out for a broken tooth extraction - Dr. Andrew Steinkeler is the best!

- Bill T

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by James H

everything was excellent, painless and followup by staff excellent

- James H

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Morgan L

Dr. Schelkun was very good along with the entire nursing staff. I was able to make an appointment quickly and easily.

- Morgan L

4 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Dan K

My experience was so fast I had very little time to feel stressed.

- Dan K

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Carol n

Treated very well by all staff, follow-up phone call the next day made me feel well cared for

- Carol n

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Christopher S

Very easy experience, everything explained thoroughly.

- Christopher S

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by John L

I came on short notice and was very pleased with the service.

- John L

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Damian I

Very nice and professional

- Damian I

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by William M

Very satisfied.

- William M

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by james z

I have been a patient for many years very good doctors always recommend to friends.

- james z

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by James Y

The nurse was very kind and patient with me before the procedure. She reassured me that it would go quickly, and it did. The doctor was great, professional and personal from the get go! His demeanor of excellence made, what a I thought would be, a dreadful experience seem tame. With all gratitude, I gave him three fist pumps! The next morning, I received an unexpected follow-up call. She was very nice and caring about how I was feeling. It was a sweet gesture, thank you!! 🙂

- James Y

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Keira C

Our family has used Dr. Schelkun several times over the years and we've never had anything but a pleasurable experience. Thank you!

- Keira C

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Gerald W

Outstanding place and employees.

- Gerald W

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Richard P

A very good experience all around

- Richard P

4 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Robert K

I wouldn't go to any other oral surgeon!

- Robert K

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Maryann G

Everyone was nice. Not in alot of pain at all after two extractions.

- Maryann G

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Michael T

I'll be back for my implants!!!

- Michael T

5 out of 5 stars on