Tooth Removal in Erie, PA

At Sleep Dentistry Erie, our commitment to service is all about you. Your comfort is our top priority no matter what the reason is for your visit. Tooth removal is a necessary procedure that occurs when your oral health benefits by removing a tooth. With modern technology, tooth extraction has become a very simple, painless, and quick procedure. At Sleep Dentistry, our experienced team will be with you every step of the tooth removal process to ensure that you experience the utmost comfort.

Woman smiling after tooth removal and recovery

Reasons for Tooth Removal

Wisdom teeth growing in 

Wisdom teeth don’t come in until later in adolescence and adulthood, from around the ages of 17-21. Some people don’t have wisdom teeth, and others aren’t bothered by them when they do come in. However, they can lead to overcrowding in your mouth and may need to be removed so that you can maintain your smile.

Infected teeth

Infected teeth can occur from a bacterial infection or untreated cavity. This can lead to a buildup of pus that can form a tooth abscess or decay. If left untreated, the tooth abscess can spread to other parts of the mouth or areas of the body.

Tooth damage or breakage

When a tooth is chipped or broken, the structure of the tooth becomes compromised. This affects the function of your teeth. Broken teeth can make it hard to chew or swallow. Fractured teeth can be extremely painful and may need to be extracted.

Periodontal disease

Periodontal disease occurs when the gums of your mouth become infected, sometimes leading to gingivitis and bacterial infection. In cases of periodontal disease where teeth become badly infected, tooth extraction may prevent the infection from spreading. 

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Frequently Asked Questions

How is a tooth removal performed?

There are two ways a tooth extraction can be performed: simply or surgically. A simple tooth removal is usually over in a matter of minutes and requires only a local anesthetic to numb the extraction area and forceps to dislodge it. It can only be performed when there is sufficient tooth structure remaining above the gum line.

When there is tooth damage or fragmentation below the gum line, you’ll be scheduled for a surgical removal. A surgical tooth extraction requires pulling away the gums to access the tooth, where it’s removed whole or in sections. The patient is either under sedation or general anesthesia for the duration of the procedure.

What should I eat after a tooth removal?

You’re able to eat after your tooth removal procedure, however, you should only consume soft foods or non-alcoholic liquids. Around two weeks after a tooth extraction is typically when patients feel they can assume their normal eating habits.

Why should I get my wisdom teeth removed?

Wisdom teeth may need to be removed if they grow into your mouth and seem to eventually cause overcrowding or shifting in your mouth. This can disrupt your current smile and lead to other dental issues. This shifting of your teeth can also be painful for some people and a viable option to avoid that is to have your wisdom teeth removed. Dental X-rays will help determine the state of your wisdom teeth and if they need to be removed.

How are missing teeth replaced?

Missing teeth are replaced with dental bridges or dental implants. Dental bridges are a combination of abutments (supports mounted on existing teeth) and pontics (prosthetic teeth that “bridge” the gap created by missing teeth). Dental implants are anchored directly into the jawbone via titanium screws (the roots), closely mimicking natural teeth. They cost more and require more time to install than bridges, but tend to be a better long-term investment for adult non-smokers in good overall health.

How long does it take a tooth extraction to heal?

Tooth extractions will begin to heal immediately, however the healing process takes about a week to two weeks to be completed. This can vary from patient to patient but it’s wise to follow the recovery instructions provided by your dentist.

Where To Find Us 

📍 Address: 3915 Caughey Rd, Erie, PA 16506
 
📞 Phone:  (814) 833-3505
 

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More Than a Dental Anesthesiologist: Why To Choose Dr. Kevin Mahoney

Posted on April 30th, 2020 at 11:49 AM
More Than a Dental Anesthesiologist: Why To Choose Dr. Kevin Mahoney

As a practicing dental anesthesiologist specializing in family and cosmetic dentistry, Dr. Kevin Mahoney has never seen a situation quite like COVID-19. Regardless, he continues to see to his patients' unique needs, delivering quality dental care tailored to the individual — just as he has for over three decades. If you're looking to establish a routine appointment schedule once government closure mandates lift, you can trust Dr. Mahoney to provide for you safely and capably.

For emergency dental care

Oral health closely correlates to overall health, so when a dental emergency arises, it’s important to get care fast. Sleep Dentistry with Dr. Kevin Mahoney offers same-day appointments to patients and non-patients alike, to address severe pain or swelling of the mouth or jaw, infections and abscesses, or broken or cracked teeth, crowns, or fillings. Don’t fret about payment or lack of insurance — between our work with insurance carriers and our monthly payment plans, our office makes a coordinated effort to ease your financial burden.

If dental fear or phobia is preventing you from getting the urgent dental care you need, do not let it. Dr. Mahoney is the only dentist in the Erie area licensed to administer general anesthesia, characterized by a deep state of unconsciousness. You’ll feel no pain and have no memory of the emergency procedure, but the relief you feel afterward will be something to remember going forward. 

For routine dental care

Of course, trips to the dentist shouldn’t just be reserved for emergencies. It’s recommended that dental visits occur every 6 months, or at least annually — by monitoring the health of the teeth, gums, and mouth consistently, there is a lesser chance of dire situations popping up in the first place! Furthermore, by seeing you more frequently, we can hone in on achieving your best smile through our array of cosmetic (aka aesthetic) dentistry services.

We understand that even routine dental procedures like bonding and fillings can be stressful or difficult for folks with anxieties, phobias, or special needs. For these patients, Dr. Mahoney can administer sedation or general anesthesia before he performs his work, getting more done in fewer visits. He also collaborates with the compassionate canine, Dogtor Gizmo — a certified dental therapy dog who's happy to sit or snuggle with you during your procedure. Dogtor Gizmo is wonderful with children and special needs patients.

It is these efforts to reinforce calm and reduce stress that set Dr. Mahoney apart.

dr kevin mahoney sleep dentistry procedure

Kind words from our patients

We know that deciding on one dentist can seem overwhelming when there are so many options available. We encourage you to choose the dentist best for you — who you’re both comfortable with and who delivers the care you need. In the meantime, here are a few examples of why our patients feel we’re the best for them.

From our Google Reviewers (5.0 stars, 13 reviews)

“Friendly, Professional, Compassionate, Experienced”

— 5 star review from Glenn Henry (Local Guide)

“Dr. Kevin Mahoney and staff have always made me feel at ease. I quite often call myself ‘Chicken Little’ when it comes to dentistry. The Sleep Dentistry is a bonus, the main reason I started to go there. They are very professional, friendly and informative. Thank you for making my visits stress free!”

— 5 star review from Kim Tavernese

From our Facebook Reviewers (4.3 stars, 52 reviews)

“The only phobia I have bigger than spiders and needles is going to the dentist, and I must say in all my years of going to a dentist, Dr. Mahoney has made that phobia go away. I was not put to sleep [when I] didn't need to be, I had my teeth cleaned and 2 fillings done all the same day and I felt no pain and never felt the needles. Dr. Mahoney has mastered his craft and makes you feel so comfortable and anxiety free, if there were 6-star [reviews], Dr. Mahoney definitely would have got one from me!!!”

— 5 star review from Butchie Knight

“My 6-year-old had some major problems with his teeth and needed surgery, [but] he was scared of the dentist ... When we finally thought we found an answer and had scheduled a surgery, the coronavirus outbreak made his surgery get cancelled and hope was lost. Of course my son's tooth took a turn for the worse. We got into [Dr. Mahoney’s] office the same day that we called them and the next morning my son had his surgery. WHAT A LIFE SAVER! Extremely satisfied with the service not to mention sanitary conditions in the office as well!”

— 5 star review from Katie Payne

If you, a friend, or a relative need emergency dental services during the COVID-19 outbreak, call Dr. Mahoney’s office at (814) 833-3505 to arrange a same-day appointment. When routine dental care is allowed to resume, please get in touch with us! We will be seeing new patients after previously scheduled appointments are fulfilled. 

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