Tooth Extraction Los Angeles, CA
A tooth extraction can be an essential part of maintaining one's dental health. Contrary to popular belief, wisdom teeth are not the only teeth that may need extraction. Tooth extraction can improve the overall functioning of the mouth.
Tooth extraction is available at Vatan Dental Group in Los Angeles and the surrounding area. Many patients find that tooth extraction relieves them of unnecessary pain and restores their quality of life. Call us today at (310) 906-1300 to learn more and schedule an appointment.
Reasons for Tooth Extraction
Teeth may require extraction if they have suffered damage beyond repair, either through trauma or decay. Other factors that may necessitate tooth extraction include overcrowding, infection, and risk of infection. Typically, tooth extraction for overcrowding occurs when preparing the mouth for braces. Braces are meant to realign the teeth, meaning teeth must have adequate space to move around. A tooth extraction may also occur as part of the orthodontic process if there are teeth that do not have enough room to erupt through the gum.
Teeth may become infected when decay or damage extends to the pulp (the nerves and blood vessels at the center of the tooth). Root canal therapy is often enough to treat this problem. However, tooth infections may become severe enough to require extraction and prevent them from spreading any further. Patients who are immunocompromised may need to have teeth removed even if they are just at risk of infection.
” Teeth may require extraction if they have suffered damage beyond repair, either through trauma or decay.”
Preparing for an Extraction
Before setting an extraction appointment, we typically perform a thorough physical examination and consultation. There are various factors that can impact an extraction, including general health conditions, diseases, and prior or future treatments/procedures. Once we determine that the patient is a good candidate for extraction, we will set the appointment and provide guidelines for before and after the procedure.
Preparation for an extraction depends on the type of procedure: simple or surgical. A simple extraction for easily visible and accessible teeth involves a local anesthetic which will only numb the extraction area. A surgical extraction is generally for teeth that are below the gumline and require small incisions to reach. In most surgical extractions, an IV or general anesthesia will help keep the patient calm and relaxed throughout the often lengthy procedure.
“Preparation for an extraction depends on the type of procedure: simple or surgical.”
What to Expect During Tooth Extraction
Before the procedure, the dentist will inject the patient with an anesthetic to numb the area from which they will be removing the tooth. As a result, patients will feel no pain throughout the extraction. Extraction of an impacted tooth will involve cutting away any gum and bone tissue covering the tooth. Since blood clots usually follow extraction, patients may have to bite down on a gauze pad packed to stop the bleeding. We may also place some sutures over the extraction site to assist in closing the gum edges.
“Before the procedure, the dentist will inject the patient with an anesthetic to numb the area from which they will be removing the tooth.”
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Aftercare for Tooth Extractions
Patients should prioritize maintaining the blood clot that forms in the socket left behind by the extraction, as this will prevent complications like dry socket. Patients need to set aside the first 24 hours after the procedure for rest and change the gauze as needed. However, the gauze should remain in the mouth for a few hours, so there is adequate time for the blood clot to form. Patients should refrain from rinsing, using straws, spitting, blowing their nose, sneezing, or smoking as the clot heals. Any discomfort should be manageable through over-the-counter pain relievers and cold compresses. Patients should keep their head elevated in their sleep to avoid blood from pooling in the head.
“Patients need to set aside the first 24 hours after the procedure for rest and change the gauze as needed.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. Do I need a tooth extraction?
Q. What happens during a tooth extraction procedure?
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Q. How does a dentist prepare a tooth for extraction?
Q. What are possible risks and side effects of a tooth extraction?
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Possible Risks and Side Effects
There are general side effects that result after a tooth extraction, such as inflammation, swelling, and pain or discomfort. These symptoms often dissipate on their own over the first few days. However, some cases of extraction can result in complications, and it is a good idea to know them before deciding to undergo an extraction.
One of the most common risks of extraction is dry socket, which occurs when a blood clot does not form or is dislodged, exposing the bone underneath. Dry sockets can delay healing, progress infection, and aid in the development of chronic bone infection or osteomyelitis. Other possible risks of a tooth extraction include the bite collapsing (in cases of more than one tooth extracted), osteoradionecrosis (death of underlying bone), nerve injury, and maxillary sinus exposure (a hole exposing the sinus).
“One of the most common risks of extraction is dry socket, which occurs when a blood clot does not form or is dislodged, exposing the bone underneath.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How long does the pain last after an extraction?
A. Recovering from an extraction varies from patient to patient, but healing time generally lasts from one to two weeks. Pain stemming from the extraction site may be present for the first 48-72 hours, but patients should take their medications as prescribed to reduce pain and aid with healing. Patients experiencing pain that lasts longer than two weeks should immediately call us to schedule a follow-up appointment.
Q. Will I need any other appointments following the extraction procedure?
A. In most cases, we like to schedule a follow-up appointment with all patients who have undergone an extraction. Whether the procedure was minor or severe, blood clots can dislodge without a patient realizing, and other complications may not exhibit signs. During the follow-up, we will check the extraction site, clean it thoroughly, and discuss possible tooth replacement options.
Q. Are wisdom teeth always extracted?
A. Wisdom teeth only need to be extracted when they are impacted, causing pain or pressure, or are pushing inwards to the neighboring teeth. In most cases, these signs are evident when the wisdom teeth first erupt, but they may become apparent later in adulthood as well. We will discuss whether a patient should remove their wisdom teeth when it becomes necessary.
Q. How much do extractions cost?
A. Each extraction procedure is different and will vary in cost. We encourage patients to speak with their insurance provider to better understand their plan and coverage. We can also work with patients to figure out a payment option that works best for them.
Q. What happens if I have a complication after an extraction?
A. Most complications that arise after an extraction can be treated. In cases of dry socket, we can thoroughly flush out the infection and apply a medicated dressing to seal the hole. For other complications, there may be a treatment or surgery that follows to treat the condition and keep the oral cavity healthy.
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Dental Terminology
Learn More Today
For many patients, tooth extraction can help reverse the damage done by trauma and decay. We at Vatan Dental Group may be able to help. Call us today at 310-906-1300 to learn more and schedule an appointment.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2024
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2024
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2024
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