When Is a Tooth Extraction Necessary Los Angeles, CA
A tooth extraction involves removing an infected or damaged tooth to prevent further issues in the mouth while also protecting other teeth in the mouth. While it may not always be necessary, certain factors can lead to an extraction being the most effective option for treatment. Many people are intimidated when they hear they may need to extract a tooth.
It is only natural since most people grow up being told their adult teeth should last the rest of their lives. If an extraction is necessary, it is crucial to speak with a dental professional.
Tooth extraction is available at Vatan Dental Group in Los Angeles and the surrounding area. We can help take care of all your oral healthcare needs. Call us today at (310) 906-1300 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.
Tooth Extraction Is Normal
Adult teeth are meant to be permanent and last a lifetime. Unfortunately, however, even the most careful patients are not immune to accidents or dental issues. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), tooth extractions are usually necessary due to tooth crowding, dental disease, or orofacial trauma.
In most cases, the procedure itself is relatively simple and can be performed in a single dental appointment while the patient is under general anesthesia. Teeth that are visible above the gum line will require us to numb the extraction site before removing the tooth with forceps, while broken or impacted teeth will necessitate a more complex procedure.
“In most cases, [tooth extraction] itself is relatively simple and can be performed in a single dental appointment while the patient is under general anesthesia.”
Preventing Infection
According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, gum disease is the most common cause of tooth loss in adults. Gum disease occurs when bacteria get below the gum line and causes infections. Without treatment, oral bacterial leads to gum recession, damage to the jawbone, loose teeth, and even tooth loss.
Research has also shown chronic dental infections can cause inflammation that contributes to cardiovascular disease, stroke, and many other related diseases. While a root canal can often save a tooth from decay, sometimes a tooth is beyond saving due to lost structure and stability. Tooth extraction can prevent damaging decay and infection from spreading.
“Tooth extraction can prevent damaging decay and infection from spreading.”
Overcrowded or Impacted Teeth
In some cases, it is beneficial to have crowded or impacted teeth extracted. Impacted wisdom teeth do not have enough room to grow. Extraction can prevent pain, infection, and other dental problems. While not all wisdom teeth need removal, it is necessary once they start causing problems. In some cases, wisdom teeth do not fully break through the gums and can cause crowding issues. A partially erupted wisdom tooth is especially susceptible to cavities.
Patients may also need teeth extracted before receiving braces. Orthodontics involves the process of properly aligning the teeth, which may be tough without enough room. Crowded teeth increase a patient's risk of developing gum disease and cavities. Extracting teeth can relieve crowding and impacted teeth.
“Extraction can prevent pain, infection, and other dental problems.”
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: When Is a Tooth Extraction Necessary in Los Angeles, CA
When Tooth Restoration Is Not Enough
Typically, the first option to restore a damaged tooth is a crown or filling. If the damage is too severe, trying to save a tooth may put oral health at further risk. A filling may put the tooth at risk for shattering, while a tooth may not be strong enough to support a crown. Root canals are also not possible when there is too much tooth damage.
Each tooth has a limit to how many times it can be worked on before it starts to fail. Redoing a crown or root canal only buys so much time. After several fillings, crowns, and root canals, there will not be much of the tooth left to save. At that point, tooth extraction is the best option to maintain oral health.
“If the damage is too severe, trying to save a tooth may put oral health at further risk.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. Why is stopping infection from spreading important?
Q. Why do I need my wisdom teeth or other teeth removed?
Q. When is restoration not enough to save a tooth?
Q. Is tooth extraction normal?
Q. What kind of accidents can lead to tooth extractions?
People Also Ask
Q. How does a dentist prepare a tooth for extraction?
Q. Can dental implants replace missing teeth?
Q. What is cracked tooth syndrome?
Q. What can a dentist do to fix my chipped tooth?
Q. What is a partial removable denture for one missing tooth?
Accidents Leading to Tooth Extractions
While adult teeth are extremely durable, they are not immune to damage. Both minor and major dental injuries can occur due to orofacial trauma. While most injuries from orofacial trauma are minor, some may be severe enough to necessitate tooth extraction. Common accidents leading to tooth extractions include, but are not limited to, car accidents, sports injuries, and slip-and-falls.
Since time is of the essence whenever there is any damage to the tooth, patients must get to our office as soon as possible after their accident. We can examine the tooth for any signs of additional damage that may not be apparent to the untrained eye. Tooth extraction may be necessary if teeth have become severely fractured, making them loose and unable to be restored. Even seemingly mild dental trauma should be taken seriously.
“Both minor and major dental injuries can occur due to orofacial trauma.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Do tooth extractions hurt?
A. In most cases, the patient will receive general or local anesthesia to keep them comfortable during the procedure. Some teeth that require extraction have even lost some of their nerve signals. We will do everything in our power to keep your safety and comfort at the forefront of everything we do.
Q. What should I tell my dentist before my tooth extraction?
A. Tooth extraction is generally a safe procedure, but there is a small risk of harmful bacteria entering the bloodstream. It also puts gum tissue at a small risk of infection. As such, patients with any conditions that put them at high risk for developing a severe infection may need to take antibiotics before and after the extraction. Make sure to let Vatan Dental Group know your complete medical history and any medications and supplements you are currently taking. It is also essential to let us know if you have congenital heart defects, artificial joints, damaged or man-made heart valves, impaired immune system, liver disease, or a history of bacterial endocarditis.
Q. When should I call the dentist after my tooth extraction?
A. Some swelling and residual bleeding 24 hours after a tooth extraction are normal and to be expected. However, you should call us immediately if you are experiencing severe pain and bleeding for more than four hours after the tooth extraction. You should also let us know if you are experiencing any signs of infection (such as fever and chills), nausea and vomiting, cough, shortness of breath, redness, swelling, chest pain, or excessive discharge from the treated area.
Q. What is it like to recover from a tooth extraction?
A. It usually takes a few days to recover from a tooth extraction. Some minor pain and discomfort are not unusual, and they can generally be controlled with over-the-counter medications. Eating soft foods, refraining from tobacco use, and applying an ice pack can also help.
Q. What happens after a tooth extraction?
A. We may prescribe you painkillers to prevent infection. Take these as directed. Do not rinse or spit forcefully for 24 hours after the extraction, lest you dislodge the clot forming in the socket. Remember to follow any other direction we provide you.
Scan here to view this page, When Is a Tooth Extraction Necessary, on mobile
Dental Terminology
Call Us Today
When necessary, tooth extraction can relieve pain and give you have a more functional smile. Our team at Vatan Dental Group can help determine whether you are a good candidate for this procedure. Call us at 310-906-1300 to learn more about our services or 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
About our business, license, and website security
- Vatan Dental Group was established in 2012.
- We accept the following payment methods: American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa
- We serve patients from the following counties: Los Angeles County
- We serve patients from the following cities: Los Angeles, Inglewood, Westchester, Marina del Rey, Playa del Rey, Playa Vista, Culver City, Fox Hills, Hawthorne, El Segundo and Santa Monica
- CA (License #49259). View License Information and Specifics
- National Provider Identifier Database (1740278662). View NPI Registry Information
- Norton Safe Web. View Details
- Trend Micro Site Safety Center. View Details
Scan here to open directions to Vatan Dental Group on mobile
Back to top of When Is a Tooth Extraction Necessary
Related Posts
Welcome To Vatan Dental Group
We are committed to providing quality service to residents located In the Los Angeles, CA area. Our website has additional information about the following topics: Dentist, Cosmetic Dentist, General Dentist, Family Dentist, Emergency Dentist, Dental Implants, All-on-4 Dental Implants, Implant Supported Dentures, Dentures and Dental Crowns.
Explore additional topics covered on our website:
Call Us Today
Scan here to call Vatan Dental Group on mobile