What we do in-house
The word “surgery” can sound intimidating, but many common oral surgical procedures are straightforward, brief, and well within the scope of a highly trained general dentist. Dr. Korcek completed his Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) residency with the U.S. Navy — a program that includes significant surgical training. He performs most extractions and surgical procedures in-house, saving patients the inconvenience and cost of a specialist visit.
Simple Extractions
Removal of teeth that are visible in the mouth and fully erupted. Performed under local anesthesia. Most patients are surprised by how quick and comfortable this is.
Surgical Extractions
Removal of teeth that are broken at the gumline, impacted, or have complex root anatomy requiring a small incision. Common for impacted wisdom teeth.
Wisdom Tooth Removal
Third molars (wisdom teeth) are the most commonly extracted teeth. When they are impacted or causing crowding, removal is recommended. Dr. Korcek evaluates each case individually.
Tooth Exposure
Occasionally a tooth is impacted but needs to be guided into position orthodontically rather than removed. Dr. Korcek can expose the tooth so your orthodontist can attach a bracket.
Post-Extraction Site Preservation
Bone grafting at the extraction site preserves the socket for future implant placement. Prevents the bone loss that occurs when a socket is left to heal naturally.
Pre-Prosthetic Surgery
Preparation of the jaw and soft tissue to optimize fit, function, and comfort for dentures or other prosthetics.
What you need to know
Wisdom teeth — the third molars at the back of your mouth — typically emerge between ages 17 and 25. Many people do not have enough space in their jaw to accommodate them properly. When this happens, wisdom teeth become impacted: they may grow in at an angle, push against adjacent teeth, or remain partially or fully trapped beneath the gumline.
Impacted wisdom teeth are a leading cause of pain, swelling, infection, and crowding. Not all wisdom teeth need to be removed — if they are fully erupted, properly aligned, and easy to clean, they can stay. Dr. Korcek will evaluate yours with a panoramic X-ray and give you an honest recommendation.
Signs of a problem
Jaw pain or stiffness, difficulty opening the mouth, swelling behind the last molar, recurring gum infection around a partially erupted tooth.
Best time to remove
Earlier is generally easier. Wisdom tooth roots are not fully formed in younger patients, making extraction simpler and recovery faster.
Recovery
Most patients take 2–3 days off for wisdom tooth extraction. Soft foods, ice packs, and prescribed or OTC pain medication manage discomfort effectively.
Recovery instructions
- Bite on gauze for 30–60 minutes after extraction to control bleeding. Replace as needed until bleeding slows.
- Do not use a straw for 72 hours — the suction can dislodge the blood clot and cause dry socket, a painful complication.
- Ice packs applied to the cheek in 20-minute intervals during the first 24 hours reduce swelling.
- Eat soft foods — yogurt, mashed potatoes, smoothies, scrambled eggs. Avoid hard, crunchy, or chewy foods for the first several days.
- Do not smoke for at least 72 hours. Smoking significantly increases dry socket risk.
- Rinse gently with warm salt water starting 24 hours after the procedure to keep the site clean.
- Call us if you experience severe pain worsening after 3 days, fever, or excessive swelling. These may indicate infection or dry socket.
Korcek Dental
Questions about a tooth that needs removal?
Schedule a consultation and Dr. Korcek will evaluate your situation and walk you through the options.