Most of the time, we work hard to save a natural tooth. But some teeth are too damaged, too infected, or too fractured to repair, and leaving them in place can mean ongoing pain and a risk that infection will spread. When a tooth has to come out, the way it is removed matters, because the bone and gum tissue left behind affect how the area heals and which replacement options you will have later.
Dr. Mila Poznyak has more than 20 years of clinical experience and performs a lot of extractions at A1 Dental in Cumming, GA, including complex cases with a bone graft and membrane. She completed training in piezo extraction, a technique designed to remove teeth gently and help protect the surrounding bone. Her approach is to explain why a tooth cannot be saved, remove it as conservatively as possible, and plan the replacement before you leave, all in the same office. Our emergency dentistry team accepts same-day appointments. Learn more about Dr. Poznyak.
Careful technique matters most when a tooth has to be removed in a hurry. These are the main benefits we aim for.
Extractions can include bone preservation with a graft and membrane for future implant placement. The goal is to maintain the jawbone so that you keep better options for replacing the tooth when appropriate.
Gentle surgical technique aims to limit damage to the tissue around the tooth. Studies suggest piezo extraction may be linked to less swelling and discomfort afterward, which can make recovery more comfortable.
Removing a tooth that is the source of severe pain can relieve symptoms and help prevent an infection from spreading. Same-day treatment means you do not have to wait for relief.
Most extractions are completed in a single visit, and we explain each step before we begin. Here is what to expect.
Your visit begins with a quick evaluation of your pain level and the condition of the tooth to decide whether extraction is needed right away. Digital imaging shows the position of the tooth, its roots, the surrounding bone, and any complications, which helps us plan treatment. We also review your health history and discuss your options.
We numb the area thoroughly, even when the tissue is infected or inflamed and harder to numb. Depending on your situation, that can include local infiltration, nerve blocks, and supplemental techniques for reliable pain control. If you feel anxious, ask us about sedation dentistry.
Dr. Poznyak uses piezo instruments, which vibrate at ultrasonic frequencies to cut bone and tooth structure precisely while sparing nearby soft tissue. This may allow her to loosen the tooth with less force than traditional methods and with less trauma to the surrounding bone. Learn more about how piezosurgery works.
We take care to protect the extraction site, remove the tooth completely, and clean the area thoroughly. When appropriate, a bone graft and protective membrane can be placed in the socket right after removal. This is called socket preservation, and it helps maintain the shape of the jaw if you plan to replace the tooth with an implant later.
Before you leave, you will receive appropriate medication guidance, clear healing instructions, and a plan for follow-up. If needed, we check on your progress and answer any concerns that come up while you heal.
We only recommend extraction when saving the tooth is not realistic or not in your best interest. Urgent removal is often needed in situations like these.
The American Dental Association lists disease, injury, and crowding as the main reasons teeth are removed. You can read their overview of tooth extractions for general information.
Call us the same day if you have severe tooth pain, swelling in your gum or face, a bad taste or pus near the tooth, or a tooth that broke below the gumline. Go to an emergency room if swelling spreads toward your eye or neck, or if you have trouble breathing or swallowing.
A simple extraction removes a tooth that is visible above the gum, usually by loosening it and lifting it out. A surgical extraction is needed when the tooth has broken at the gumline, has curved or fractured roots, or has not fully come in. This can involve a small incision in the gum and sometimes sectioning the tooth so it can be removed in pieces.
After an exam and digital imaging, Dr. Poznyak will tell you which type applies. She handles extractions of almost any complexity in our office, including placing a bone graft and membrane in the socket when that is part of the plan. If your situation needs a different level of care, we will explain why and coordinate with trusted specialists.
Piezo instruments work differently from a traditional handpiece, and the differences may matter in an emergency. Our piezosurgery page covers the technology in detail, so here is a short summary.
Piezo instruments are designed to cut hard tissue like bone and tooth structure while sparing soft tissue such as nerves, blood vessels, and membranes. This precision may reduce the risk of complications.
The ultrasonic action may help control bleeding during and after extraction. Better control can improve visibility during the procedure, which supports good healing conditions.
A 2024 systematic review found that piezo surgery may reduce pain, swelling, and jaw stiffness, but it can take longer, and evidence on long-term bone healing is limited and mixed. We use it when we believe it suits your situation.
Emergency extractions often involve infected or inflamed tissue, which can be difficult to numb. We work to make sure you are comfortable throughout the procedure and recommend a pain plan for the days that follow, including appropriate medications and instructions for managing discomfort during healing. Soreness and swelling for a few days afterward are normal.
We prioritize urgent dental needs with same-day appointments whenever possible, so you do not have to endure pain while waiting for a scheduled visit. Call or walk in during office hours, Tuesday through Thursday from 8 am to 5 pm and Friday and Saturday from 8 am to 2 pm, and we will accommodate you as quickly as we can. We are closed Sunday and Monday. For an after-hours emergency, call the office number and follow the instructions.
Our scheduling is built so that a severe toothache or infection receives prompt attention. In many cases, the assessment, the extraction, and immediate post-operative care can happen in a single visit. We handle most dental emergencies, including complex extractions, root canals, trauma, and infections, so you do not need to go anywhere else for care. When specialty care is needed, we coordinate with trusted specialists for comprehensive treatment.
Following these steps helps the blood clot in the socket stay in place, which is the key to normal healing. For the first day, avoid rinsing vigorously, drinking through a straw, spitting forcefully, and smoking. Stick to soft foods for a few days, and chew on the opposite side.
Starting the day after, rinse gently with warm salt water several times a day, and keep brushing and flossing your other teeth as usual. A cold compress can help with swelling in the first 24 hours. Initial healing typically takes one to two weeks, and complete healing takes about six to eight weeks, though the bone underneath may continue to fill in for several months.
Call us if pain gets worse several days after the extraction instead of better, if you notice a bad taste or smell, or if bleeding does not slow with gentle pressure. These can be signs of dry socket or infection, and both are easy to treat when caught early.
A missing tooth can lead to shifting teeth and bone loss over time, so we talk about replacement before treatment begins. Options include a dental implant, a dental bridge, or a partial denture. The best choice depends on your bone, the neighboring teeth, and your goals.
Dr. Poznyak places implants herself, so planning ahead with socket preservation can make the final result simpler and more comfortable, and most of your care can stay under one roof.
The cost depends on whether the extraction is simple or surgical, how many teeth are involved, and whether sedation or a bone graft is added. We participate with most major PPO plans, accept Medicare for covered services, and can work with out-of-network benefits. Our team can check your benefits when you call.
FSA and HSA funds may be used, and financing is available through Cherry. If you do not have insurance, our membership plan is $150 for six months and includes a comprehensive exam, cleaning, and all necessary X-rays, with discounted pricing on dental treatments. Visit our insurance and financing page for details.
Yes. Dr. Poznyak uses piezo extraction technology, which is designed to preserve bone structure while limiting trauma. Studies suggest it may mean less pain and swelling afterward, and it can help keep your options open for a future replacement.
We prioritize extraction emergencies with same-day appointments whenever possible. Call or walk in during office hours, and severe pain or infection receives prompt attention.
The area is numbed with local anesthetic, and we can use nerve blocks and supplemental techniques when tissue is infected or inflamed. You should feel pressure but not sharp pain during the procedure. Soreness and swelling for a few days afterward are normal and can be managed with the pain relief we recommend.
Initial healing typically occurs within one to two weeks, with complete healing in about six to eight weeks. Piezo extraction may reduce tissue trauma, which can help recovery, though healing varies from person to person.
We discuss dental implants, bridges, and partial dentures based on your needs and preferences. Bone preservation with a graft and membrane may provide better conditions for a future implant.
Our instructions cover pain management, oral hygiene, diet, and activity restrictions. Avoid straws, smoking, and vigorous rinsing in the first days to help prevent dry socket, which is a painful condition where the blood clot is lost too early. If it happens, we can clean the site and place a medicated dressing.
Dr. Mila Poznyak provides general, restorative, and emergency dental care in Cumming, including extractions, root canal therapy, crowns, and implant placement. A1 Dental is located at 1580 Market Place Blvd and welcomes patients from Cumming, Alpharetta, Roswell, and Johns Creek. Our team speaks Russian as well as English, and Russian- and Ukrainian-speaking patients are welcome. See the areas we serve.
Call 470-680-1030 now for a same-day appointment, or request an appointment online. We offer Saturday hours from 8 am to 2 pm.
Accepting New Patients
Dr. Mila Poznyak looks forward to serving the Cumming community with comprehensive dental care that prioritizes your long-term oral health and satisfaction. Contact us to learn more about our services and schedule your consultation.
