Tooth Extractions
Center for Oral Surgery & Dental Implants – Grand Rapids & Rockford MI
You and Dr. Van Heukelom or Dr. Noordhoek may determine that you need a tooth extraction for any number of reasons. Some teeth are extracted because they are severely decayed; others may have advanced periodontal disease, or have broken in a way that cannot be repaired. Other teeth may need removal because they are poorly positioned in the mouth (such as impacted teeth), or in preparation for orthodontic treatment.
The removal of a single tooth can lead to problems related to your chewing ability, problems with your jaw joint, and shifting teeth, which can have a major impact on your dental health.
To avoid these complications, in most cases, Drs. Van Heukelom or Noordhoek will discuss alternatives to extractions as well as replacement of the extracted tooth.
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The Extraction Process
At the time of extraction the doctor will need to numb your tooth, jawbone and gums that surround the area with a local anesthetic.
During the extraction process you will feel a lot of pressure. This is from the process of firmly rocking the tooth in order to widen the socket for removal.
You feel the pressure without pain as the anesthetic has numbed the nerves stopping the transference of pain, yet the nerves that transmit pressure are not profoundly affected.
If you do feel pain at any time during the extraction please let us know right away.
Sectioning A tooth
Some teeth require sectioning. This is a very common procedure done when a tooth is so firmly anchored in its socket or the root is curved and the socket can’t expand enough to remove it. The doctor simply cuts the tooth into sections then removes each section one at a time.
After Tooth Extraction
After tooth extraction, it’s important for a blood clot to form to stop the bleeding and begin the healing process. Bite on a gauze pad for 30 to 45 minutes immediately after the appointment. If the bleeding or oozing still persists, place another gauze pad and bite firmly for another 30 minutes. You may have to do this several times to staunch the flow of blood.
After the blood clot forms it is important to not disturb or dislodge the clot. Do not rinse vigorously, suck on straws, smoke, drink alcohol or brush teeth next to the extraction site for 72 hours. These activities may dislodge or dissolve the clot and hinder the healing process. Limit vigorous exercise for the next 24 hours, as this increases blood pressure and may cause more bleeding from the extraction site.
After the tooth is extracted you may feel some pain and experience some swelling. An ice pack or an unopened bag of frozen peas or corn applied to the area will keep swelling to a minimum. Take pain medications as prescribed. The swelling usually subsides after 48 hours.
Use pain medication as directed. Call our office if the medication doesn’t seem to be working. If antibiotics are prescribed, continue to take them for the indicated length of time even if signs and symptoms of infection are gone. Drink lots of fluids and eat nutritious, soft food on the day of the extraction. You can eat normally as soon as you are comfortable.
It is important to resume your normal dental routine after 24 hours. This should include brushing and flossing your teeth at least once a day. This will speed healing and help keep your mouth fresh and clean.
After a few days you should feel fine and can resume your normal activities. If you have heavy bleeding, severe pain, continued swelling for 2 to 3 days, or a reaction to the medication, call our office immediately.
Read Our Patient Testimonials
Center for Oral Surgery & Dental Implants
Patient Review By Jim B
Extra easy, wonderful staff, quick and above all NO pain. I could not have been more satisfied.
- Jim B
Patient Review By Mary Magirl M
Thi8s being my first extraction, I expected a lot of pain.I experienced no pain from start throough the healing process. I credited this to the team working together toassure this would be a comfortable experience for me.
- Mary Magirl M
Patient Review By Randall H
Skilled and courteous Doctor and Nurse
- Randall H
Patient Review By Sharon W
They worked me in as an emergency tooth extraction. I was very thankful to get the procedure down and everyone was great.
- Sharon W
Patient Review By Alan R
Very well-run office with professional care!
- Alan R
Patient Review By Robert b
Outstanding!
- Robert b
Patient Review By Sierra P
The doctor was very nice and explained everything that was going to be done.
- Sierra P
Patient Review By roxanne s
I have been to this office twice and Dr. Billips has made it really easy for me. I am afraid of a dentist and she talks and asks if I'm ok all the time she is working.She makes me comfortable with her. Thank you Dr. for everything you have done for me. 6162134750 cell for any text
- roxanne s
Patient Review By Robert K
We never like to have teeth pulled, but Dr Noordhoek was very professional and sensitive to my overall health. Staff was very knowledgeable and helpful also. Would definitely recommend
- Robert K
Patient Review By Kim C
Courteous, professional, and organized office/experience. Everyone was extremely kind and helpful. I wouldn't hesitate to return if necessary and would definitely recommend Dr. Noordhoek to anyone needing oral surgery.
- Kim C
Patient Review By Theodotta S
Doctor and staff tried very hard to make an unpleasant experience as pleasant as possible. Although I hope I never have to come back, I would strongly recommend this office for anyone who needs a tooth extracted.
- Theodotta S
Patient Review By Kimberly D
Due to the Covid-19 virus the staff was prepared and professional in making sure it was safe and healthy. They made me feel very safe and comfortable. Very nice people.
- Kimberly D
Patient Review By Deb T
I had Dr.Billups remove a tooth a couple years ago and then last week Dr. Van Heukelom extracted two teeth. I have to say, I will never go any place but here for oral surgery. I have already recommended them to my sister. There is a very kind, caring and calming atmosphere in this office. Both Dr. Billups and Dr. Van Heukelom are great. They explained the procedure and asked if I had any questions. Both of them were very considerate of my health issues and took this into consideration with the procedure. This is the only place to go if you need oral surgery work done.
- Deb T
Patient Review By Sharon L
I trust the doctor and the procedures going to be done. The building is very professional looking and clean and disinfected. I would recommend to any of my friends to go to this establishment and doctor.
- Sharon L
Patient Review By Lisa M
I was incredibly anxious and cannot say enough about the level of care here! Everyone here made my experience way better than I expected ( not an easy feat :).
- Lisa M
Patient Review By Lynne B
Dr. Rosie is cheerful and pleasant; none of the stuff that she said "could go wrong" did; my tooth was out in a "flash"; no pain throughout -- whatsoever. For me, I would have liked to know of the x-rays in advance -- I would not have worn jewelry. For me, the instructions regarding the mouth rinse were confusing -- different in the written, the prescription, and the bottle; today it's been 3 weeks; I have a small amount of rinse left; I will NOT use it; although it leaves my teeth feeling clean, it makes my tongue feel funny -- almost as if it went to sleep on the end.
- Lynne B
Patient Review By Betsy T
I felt so comfortable and welcomed there. I was greeted by a smiling face with every turn I took in that office. Dr. Emily Van Heukelom .....you have met your calling. Couldn't have asked for a better oral surgeon. You are so calm and it transferred over to me during the procedure. Most importantly, I didnt feel judged by anybody in the office because of the condition of my teeth. The focus was on having a healthier smile. I can't thank you enough!
- Betsy T
Patient Review By Valerie F
The staff was friendly. The office décor relaxing and calming. Dr.Van Heukelom was excellent. I wasn't even aware when my tooth was pulled it was done so easily.
- Valerie F
Patient Review By Jim M
I am extremely impressed by the entire experience. I felt very supported prior to, during and after my procedure. Dr. Noodhoek and all staff worked very hard to attend to my care. I was provided options for pain management and given excellent information related to after care and the healing process. I would definitely recommend this practice to friends and family.
- Jim M
Patient Review By Janet T
I'm a pretty strong women but had to admit went in still feeling nervous n really not knowing what to expect. I again have to say I was put at ease immediately n couldn't believe how quick n painless it was done. Thanks again so very much for a wonderful experience in a scary procedure. I will recommend them often!
- Janet T
Patient Review By Lloyd L
It has been 2 weeks now and my pain is going away. Again i am very thankful to Doctor Panek and staff for taking care of me and following up on my surgery. Also for giving a little break on the cost. Don't know if it was a Veteran discount but this old Army Veteran is grateful.
- Lloyd L
Patient Review By Selma R
I was very pleased with my visit.
- Selma R
Patient Review By Julie O
I would recommend this office to anyone, I have never had a billing issue or an uncomfortable visit.
- Julie O
Patient Review By Jane L
It took me 2 referrals to get to this point, beginning with my own dentist, then for a possible root canal which couldn't be done..then to Oral Surgery. I am still in the healing process, but after discomfort and bleeding issues the first day, I am following my instructions and doing great. My husband called the afternoon of the procedure because I couldn't get the bleeding to stop, using the gauze pads I'd been given. My husband left a message but we received a call back in a very short time. The old tea bag trick worked, interesting because we had both heard of that but didn't think of it. We appreciate the followup and would certainly recommend Center for Oral Surgery to our friends and family. Thank you for your professionalism and caring attitude
- Jane L
Patient Review By Darlene B
I was very nervous about this extraction. I knew the tooth was cracked and there was some infection in the gum. But everyone was so nice. Tried to make me feel comfortable. Follow-up phone calls were so-o appreciated. Discharge instructions were very thorough and easy to understand. I am now not so nervous about having the implant put in.
- Darlene B
Patient Review By Darren H
Very pleased! Thank you; my procedure could not have gone better (considering I had an infection). Heather & Dr. Billups were terrific!
- Darren H
Patient Review By Carol B
So thankful. Was in and out in no time. Dr. Panek was efficient and friendly. I would recommend him.
- Carol B
Patient Review By Dan S
What a wonderfully diverse and talented team of surgeons...and staff too! And they are every bit as friendly as indicated on the website. I live in Caledonia, but eagerly (yes, even for an extraction) drove to Plainfield and Five Mile for my two office visits. I had never been there or met anyone on the team before my visits, but I HIGHLY recommend them now!
- Dan S
Patient Review By Elaine S
I saw Dr. Nooordhoek in Rockford and everyone was so nice. The procedure went really well. I would highly recommend Dr. Noordhoek.
- Elaine S
Patient Review By Chadwick B
Dr. Panek performed wisdom teeth extractions for my wife and daughter, and he recently extracted the remains of a tooth for me and replaced it with an implant. We all have had a great experience with Dr. Panek! In each case, the procedure itself was painless and recovery time was short and without complications. Our experience with him and his staff was overwhelmingly positive!
- Chadwick B
Patient Review By Annette V
Dr. Van Heukelom did a great job, my tooth was extracted before I knew it, a relaxing environment which really helped with my nerves, no swelling or bruising, minimal pain and bleeding, instructions were well written out and easy to understand. Dr. Van Heukelom and her team were awesome! Very impressed with the quality of care I received, I highly recommend going to The Center for Oral Surgery and Dental Implants.
- Annette V
Patient Review By Annette B
I was in need of a tooth extraction so I called The Center for Oral Surgery and Dental Implants to set it up, the receptionist was friendly & helpful. I was asked which office I would prefer to go that would be closer for me, and got an appointment that worked with my schedule. The office is clean and inviting unlike other cold & impersonal doctor offices we (my husband & I) visited in the past. In-between the friendly staff and comfortable surroundings my nerves about the procedure subsided. Dr. Van Heukelom did a great job the tooth was extracted before I realized it. There was no swelling or bruising, and as a bonus I had minimal pain and bleeding afterwards. I was given the supplies needed to care for the area were the tooth was, instructions were all written out, easy to read and understand. Which was great, we didn’t have to stop at the pharmacy afterwards, we could go home and I could start recovering. I was surprised on the day after my procedure I received a call from the Center to see how I was doing (not many doctor offices call & check in) if I had any problems, questions or concerns. I was so impressed with the quality of care I received that I have referred a friend to have her wisdom teeth done here. I highly recommend The Center for Oral Surgery and Dental Implants
- Annette B
Patient Review By Lynn V
My dentist was going to send me to a different office for my procedure. I decided I was going here. After research and referrals. And I was glad I chose to go to the center for oral surgery and implants. I was very nervous getting my procedure done. Everyone there made me feel more comfortable. And I need to come back and I know it won't be a problem. They also checked up on me the following day after my procedure to see how I was doing. I definitely recommend center for oral surgery and implants and Dr. Panek. He definitely did a good job and knew what he was doing.
- Lynn V
Patient Review By Renee G
This office is wonderful, from Dr Billups to the office staff!! Very friendly and kind!!
- Renee G
Patient Review By Michael L
Overall the experience was simply good. The entire staff was thorough and pleasant handling there responsibilities .
- Michael L
Patient Review By Michael W
Dr. Julie Billups was outstanding. The procedure was quick and absolutely painless. Thanks for everything!
- Michael W
Patient Review By
I had a great experience - I was anxious about the sedation but dr palm made me feel safe and comfortable. His staff were all great and nice.
- Anonymous
Patient Review By Craig D
Great experience , top to bottom , great staff.
- Craig D
Patient Review By
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- Anonymous
Patient Review By Debra W
Very good with my daughter who was scared. They calmed her down, and made her feel comfortable. Thanks so much!
- Debra W
Patient Review By James B
I could not believe how easy the whole extraction process was and how little time it took and only minor discomfort. The directions for post-extraction were easy to follow and easy to carry out. I had very little pain after the whole process and never did take any pain pills. Kudos to the whole staff!
- James B
Patient Review By Patricia Y
Thank you so much for your wonderful care. I can't believe, no pain durning the extraction of my tooth. Very little pain that evening. No pain the next day. I am recommending you to everyone.
- Patricia Y
Patient Review By Erin W
Thank you
- Erin W
Patient Review By Patricia W
I was very happy with the care and would tell family and friends to go there . Thank all of you for the wonderful care.
- Patricia W
Patient Review By trisha h
Very caring and patient.
- trisha h
Patient Review By maureen m m
Evrything went welll. Wish indurance info had been communicated sooner
- maureen m m
Patient Review By scott H
Very good
- scott H
Patient Review By Matt H
Everything was great!
- Matt H
Patient Review By RANDALL D
I was very happy with the procedure and the results. the doctor was very professional and the staff very friendly. They made it very comfortable for me, as I am usually not very good with dentists. I would recommend your office to anyone. Thank you for making this the best dental experience I've ever had!
- RANDALL D
Patient Review By Ken B
I am so happy I found Dr. Emily. She listened to my concerns ( fears) and and discussed different options. She fully explained the procedure . Everything went great .If and when I need an oral surgeon , I will be calling Dr. Emily Van Heukelom.
- Ken B