Tooth Extractions in Birmingham, AL

There are many reasons to need a tooth extraction. Big cavities, Cracked or broken teeth, infected teeth, and teeth contributing to overcrowding should all be evaluated by a skilled oral surgeon.

Dr. Maniscalco, a board-certified oral surgeon, is trained to handle any situation requiring tooth removal. Before we even begin the procedure, we will either use X-rays sent by your dentist, or take a digital x-ray of your mouth to ensure that we understand any complicating factors and approach the procedure in the safest, most effective possible manner.

We’re the preferred choice for adults who have dental anxiety. If you’ve been avoiding a tooth extraction procedure out of fear, our compassionate surgical team has a number of numbing and sedative options for your comfort, including IV anesthesia. With IV anesthesia, the procedure will be over before you even realize it began!

What to Expect from Tooth Extractions

If you have medical problems, including heart disease or a history of heart surgery, you may need to be seen for a consultation prior to your extractions. During your initial consultation, Dr. Gonzalez or Dr. Maniscalco may take a highly precise digital x-ray of your mouth to get the total picture of the tooth or teeth in question. This allows us to see any complicating factors, such as bone interference or fractures in the tooth, as well as identify an approach for fully or partially impacted teeth.

We'll discuss your anesthetic options with you as well as your medical history to determine the best course of action for your extraction. After your in-office procedure is complete, we'll place a gauze for you to gently bite down on for an hour after surgery.

Helpful Oral Surgery Links

Wisdom Teeth

Ensure that your wisdom teeth are removed safely and efficiently with help from the compassionate team at Maniscalco Oral Surgery and Implant Center.

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Dental Implants

Following a tooth extraction, we recommend dental implants to preserve the health, strength, and appearance of your jawbone.

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Bone Grafting

We can perform a range of bone grafting procedures to prepare your jaw for dental implants, including ridge augmentations that can be performed simultaneously with tooth extraction.

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Tooth Removal FAQs

Can you pull a tooth when it is infected?

It is a common misconception that you cannot remove an infected tooth if you haven't been on antibiotics first. The infection cannot be resolved without removing the tooth, so it is important to remove the tooth as soon as possible to prevent major facial and neck infections. Antibiotics alone cannot permanently resolve it. Surgical extraction by a board-certified oral surgeon is recommended or required when:

The tooth is not completely visible above the gum line and requires cutting the gums (as in the case of wisdom tooth extractions)
The tooth is broken, cracked, or fractured
Your jawbone is blocking access to or otherwise interfering with the tooth’s root
Your facial structure requires special methods (for example, you have limited jaw mobility, abnormally positioned teeth, large sinuses, or complex tooth roots)
You have dental anxiety and would benefit from a larger range of anesthesia options

How long does it take to recover from a tooth extraction?

Everyone is different. Although many people will have soreness for the first 4-5 days after a single tooth extraction, many people don't need to miss work or school except for the day of surgery. However, you'll still need to follow aftercare instructions for 1 to 2 weeks while the soft tissue of your gums fully heals.

We do recommend avoiding heavy lifting and other intense physical activities for at least a week, which could impact the amount of time you take off work if you have a more labor-intensive job. We'll discuss your unique situation and recovery period during your visit.

What happens if you have a tooth pulled and don't replace it?

In the first several months after you lose a tooth, you'll also lose about 25% of the bone surrounding the area. That's because your body senses the tooth is no longer there and decides to repurpose the minerals in your jawbone. The process of reabsorption and bone atrophy (gradual wasting away) will continue over time without intervention.

That's why we recommend dental implants after tooth extraction surgery. Unlike dentures and dental bridges, dental implants simulate your natural teeth, promoting continued support of healthy bone in that area and preserving your facial features. You can brush and floss a dental implant tooth just like every other tooth, and after a while, you may forget which one is the implant!

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