Dental Extractions in Los Angeles, CA

At Smileywood Dental Office, extracting teeth is a very common procedure we perform and is often necessary when tooth decay or periodontal disease is present. Sometimes teeth are extracted as part of orthodontic treatment as well.

There are several reasons why our dentist would recommend an extraction. The most common reason is advanced decay that cannot be repaired with a filling or other restorations. Tooth decay is caused by bacteria in the mouth that demineralizes tooth enamel over time. This can cause deep pits in the teeth and create ideal bacterial growth environments. When decay progresses this deeply, it can affect the sensitive nerves inside the teeth and, if left untreated, could lead to infection, tooth loss, and bone loss.

Another reason to extract a tooth is if it has been fractured or broken beyond repair. If the damage is too extensive to have a crown placed, the tooth will need to be extracted to prevent further damage to surrounding teeth. 

Types of Extractions

Surgical extractions typically involve an incision in the gum tissue to expose the tooth so the dentist can carefully remove it. A surgical extraction is typically more painful than a simple extraction, and the patient will also be required to take prescription pain medications and antibiotics following the procedure.

Simple extractions are performed with a local anesthetic to numb the tooth's surrounding area. Our dentist will use an elevator tool to lift the tooth out of the socket. Sometimes, a curved tool called a forceps is used to gently rock the tooth back and forth until it breaks free from the gums. Once the tooth has been removed, you may need stitches to close the incision in your soft tissue. These will dissolve on their own. If necessary, your dentist can also prescribe painkillers following your simple extraction.

The Benefits of Extractions

An extraction may be needed for several reasons. A tooth may need to be removed in the earliest stages of decay to prevent it from spreading to the inner parts of the tooth, or a tooth may have become impacted due to overcrowding in the mouth and may need to be extracted so that other teeth are not lost as well. This may also be necessary if a patient has severe periodontal disease or other infection that is causing damage to their smile. Other reasons an extraction may be required include advanced orthodontic care that removes extra teeth so that the jaws can be properly aligned for a straighter smile. Sometimes, wisdom teeth grow at odd angles or are impacted below the gum line, which can cause pain, discomfort, and other complications. In this case, it’s usually best to remove them entirely to avoid further complications.

If you’ve experienced chronic and persistent pain in your mouth and think you need to remove a tooth, contact Smileywood Dental Office at 4354 Fountain Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90029, or call or text (323) 741-0556.