Among our suite of services and procedures, Brooklyn Dental Collective offers tooth extraction and dental bone grafting in Brooklyn, NY. This type of oral surgery often means a referral to a periodontist, but we’re happy to report that we can provide both in-house! Dr. Sager performs precise and gentle extractions and bone grafts for our patients right here in the comfort of their regular dentist office.

That you need an extraction or a bone graft, or both, isn’t usually what you want to hear. But as we’ll explain here, it’s all in the name of a healthy bite and your best smile! 

What is a Tooth Extraction?

A tooth extraction is the surgical removal of a tooth, also known as having your tooth pulled. It’s nearly always a very simple procedure that’s quick and, thanks to local anesthesia, painless.

When is Tooth Extraction Necessary?

There are times when your dentist will tell you a tooth extraction is needed, and sometimes patients have a choice between an extraction and a more involved procedure, like a root canal. Some reasons you may need a tooth extraction include:

• Dental trauma where the tooth isn’t salvageable
• Severe decay
• Too many fillings
• Fractured tooth
• Crowding or impaction
• Gum or periodontal disease

How a Tooth Extraction is Done

The tooth extraction procedure is uncomplicated. If there’s an infection, Dr. Sager may have you take a round of antibiotics before performing the extraction. On the day of the procedure, you’ll come into the office, and:

1. We’ll administer nitrous oxide if you’ve requested it, along with local anesthesia to prevent you feeling any pain during the procedure.
2. Dr. Sager will use specialized hand tools to loosen and remove the tooth. There is occasionally a need to incise gum tissue or the tooth itself if it doesn’t readily come out.
3. She’ll clean the socket thoroughly to remove or prevent infection.
4. If you require a bone graft, Dr. Sager will place it now, followed by a membrane to stabilize it.
5. Stitches may or may not be required. If they are, Dr. Sager will use resorbable stitches to close up the gum tissue. 
6. Now you’ll begin healing! A combination of acetaminophen and Ibuprofen is as powerful as narcotic medication for oral pain, and you’ll likely find you want to take something every six hours or so to manage the soreness. Post-op pain can last up to two weeks if you received a bone graft.

What is a Bone Graft?

A dental bone graft is when we augment the jawbone where it’s resorbed, or deteriorated. This resorption, or bone loss, occurs as a result of:

• Absence of teeth (extraction or tooth loss)
• Gum or periodontal disease
• Implant-less restorations such as conventional dentures or bridges

Put simply, if nothing directly stimulates the jawbone, it will eventually resorb. It’s a classic use-it-or-lose-it scenario.

Why is a Dental Bone Graft Needed?

A dental bone graft is needed when a patient wants or needs an implant-supported restoration like a crown but doesn’t have the sufficient bone structure to support it. Once the implant and restoration are in place, the stimulation from chewing will prevent the bone from resorbing once again. 

How Do Dental Bone Grafts Work?

You may be thinking we’ll have to cut bone from somewhere else. Nope! Dental bone grafts don’t work that way. We have everything we need–no second surgical site is required. Once surgically placed, the bone graft will fuse with your existing natural bone over the next few months.

After three or four months, we’ll take imaging to monitor the bone graft’s success. About 99% of dental bone grafts are successful, but we do have to check! At this point, you’ll be ready for your implant to be placed, and you’re on the road to a healthy bite and smile.

Where to Get Tooth Extractions and Bone Grafts in NY

Brooklyn Dental Collective offers extractions and dental bone grafts to our patients, no referrals required. Call us to set up a consultation today. We’ll be thrilled to help you achieve the smile you want!

Dr. Stephanie Sager — Your dentist with heart,
in the heart of Williamsburg!