You are here:

Dentistry/Tooth pulled

Advertisement

Expert: - 12/3/2004


Question
I have a tooth that has given me alot of trouble. It is the second one from the back on the bottom left. I have had it filled twice but continues after time to cause pressure. I was put on antibiotics while I decided what to have done and it got better, now it is getting to be a problem again. This is all been going on about THREE YEARS!
I wanted to get a root canal or anything to keep the tooth but because of lack of insurance this pricey procedure is not an option and I must have the tooth pulled. I made an appt. to do this once and chickened out.
I am afraid of something going wrong with the extraction, how safe is having a tooth pulled?
I also hated that I was going to be missing a tooth but have found a low priced place to get a partial down the road. So that makes me feel better with that.
Please give me some advice to ease my fears. I am afraid of terrible things from having a tooth pulled. Also, about how long does it take? Will I hear cracking? The whole thing terrifies me!!!
Thanks.

P.S. How long will it take to feel better after the tooth is pulled?

Answer
Dear R:  Even without seeing your tooth, I will recommend that you have a root canal.  There is nothing more important to you and me than that you keep your tooth. So beg, borrow, save or steal to try to keep your tooth. Having said that, I will answer your questions:
1. Having a tooth pulled is very safe... except for the tooth being pulled.
2. Most single-tooth removal procedures take about 10-15 minutes, once the tooth and gums are completely numb.
3. You may hear some popping or cracking noises as the roots separate from your jawbone.  You may wish to contact a dentist who can give you something to relax you before the procedure.  Good luck.  dd

Dentistry

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Howard Finnk, D.D.S., P.A., CEO

Expertise

I am a Family, Implant and Cosmetic dentist. I will answer questions on any aspect of dentistry and matters relating to the smile, gums, jaws and lower face. Member American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, Broward County Dental Association, and Atlantic Coast District Dental Association. I have served as District Council Member of Alpha Omega, as well as serving for one term as its President. I am also a member of The Vedder Honors Society, Broward Dental Research Clinic, and Mount Sinai Hospital Guild. I have served as a Volunteer for Project Dental Health and The Tri-County Dental Health Council.

Experience

Having attained over 30 years of clinical experience in private practice in Michigan, in 2001 I was re-certified by taking and passing the Florida State Dental Board Examination. After moving to Florida, I spent nearly 10 years re-honing my skills while working as an Associate Dentist for several large dental groups. In September, 2004, I was appointed Adjunct Clinical Professor at Nova University's College of Dental Medicine. I am certified in placement of Mini Dental Implants, and I am Director of The Florida Implant Center (floridaimplantcenter.com). On March 1, 2010, at the age of 62, I began all over again by buying a dental practice near my home in the Fort Lauderdale area. As sole owner and Chief Dental Officer of the new Nob Hill Dental Center (nobhilldentalcenter.com), I can now carefully provide dental care to patients who care, all within a caring, joyful environment. Over my career lifetime, I have provided thousands of diagnoses, fillings, crowns, bridges, root canals, periodontal treatments, TMJ therapies, partials, dentures and extractions, and dozens of implants for my patients. The only aspect of dentistry with which I have very little experience is orthodontics.

Organizations
American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, Broward County Dental Association, Atlantic Coast District Dental Society, Vedder Honors Society, Broward Dental Research Clinic, Alpha Omega Alumni Association, and American Association of Dental Implantologists. Formerly, American Academy of General Dentistry, Michigan Dental Association, Macomb Dental Society, Detroit District Dental Society, Tri-County Dental Health Council (a charitable dental care organization)

Publications
"How To Save Money At The Dentist" Going to press soon.

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in Psychology from Wayne State University Doctor of Dental Surgery from University of Detroit College of Dentistry Adjunct Clinical Professor, Special Needs Department, Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Awards and Honors
Membership in The Vedder Honors Society

Past/Present Clients
HIPAA rules do not allow me to post this information.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.