Tooth Extractions and Wisdom Teeth in Mount Kisco, Kent and Stamford

When it is needed

Why a tooth may need to come out.

We treat extraction as a last resort. Some teeth are too damaged by decay, infection, gum disease or injury to be saved with a root canal or a crown. Others, like many wisdom teeth, simply have no room. In those cases, removing the tooth ends the pain and protects the teeth around it.

We always explore other treatment first. Curious how we decide? Read how bad a tooth needs to be to be extracted.

Comfort first

Wisdom tooth removal can be straightforward or complex, especially when a tooth is partly covered by gum or bone.

Your mouth is numbed so you stay comfortable. If you are anxious, our Kent office offers nitrous oxide (laughing gas). For an impacted tooth, a small incision is made, the tooth is removed and the area is cleaned and closed with stitches.

A surgeon who teaches it

Dr. Kwon holds a Master's degree in Dental Implantology and Advanced Surgical Extractions. He also teaches wisdom tooth extraction to fellow dentists.

Meet Dr. Kwon

Types

Four kinds of extraction.

The right type depends on the tooth and where it sits.

Simple extractions

For teeth you can see above the gum line. The tooth is numbed, loosened and gently removed.
Surgical extractions

For broken or impacted teeth. A small opening in the gum lets the dentist remove the tooth, sometimes in pieces.
Wisdom teeth

Wisdom teeth usually arrive late, between about 17 and 25, and many mouths lack space. Removal can prevent pain, crowding and infection.
Urgent extractions

A severely damaged or infected tooth may need to come out right away. Call and we will arrange a visit.
Emergency dentistry

Healing

What to expect afterward.

The first days
Rest, and follow the instructions you receive. Some soreness, bleeding and swelling is normal at first.
About a week
Most of the healing happens in the first week for many patients, and symptoms settle.
Two weeks or more
Your mouth usually feels mostly normal after about two weeks, though healing varies with your health and how many teeth were removed.
Protect the site
Following your instructions closely helps you avoid complications such as dry socket. Call us if pain gets worse instead of better.

Afterward, replace it

A gap can let neighboring teeth drift and make chewing harder. We talk through replacement before you leave, including dental implants, bridges and dentures.

Common questions