Extractions in Los Angeles
We understand that despite our best efforts, a tooth may need to be removed to protect your oral health. Our caring team uses the latest techniques to ensure your tooth extraction is as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
Maintain a Healthy, Lasting Smile
While we are committed to preserving your natural teeth whenever possible, there are instances when extraction becomes the most effective option for enhancing your oral health. Numerous dental problems can be aggravated by teeth that remain in the mouth, particularly those that are infected. Infections can arise from various causes, including untreated cavities or minor oral injuries. When tooth enamel is compromised, adjacent gum tissue may become inflamed, potentially leading to periodontal disease. Furthermore, the affected tooth may eventually become loose and dislodged, disrupting the alignment of your smile in the process.
Advanced Periodontal Disease
If your gum line appears swollen and you see blood in the sink, you could be experiencing advanced periodontal disease. Our main focus is on any teeth that could be harming their neighboring teeth by infecting your gums. A tooth extraction can prevent this by eliminating the infected tissue and enamel.
Broken Teeth
A traumatic injury can cause serious chips or breaks in teeth, making it difficult or impractical to fix them with crowns or dental bonding. The sharp edges can harm your gums, and removing the tooth may be needed to prevent decay and keep your smile healthy.
Non-Impacted Wisdom Teeth
If you notice your wisdom teeth emerging, it may be time to consider having them extracted. Unless you are among the fortunate individuals who experience no problems from these extra teeth, you may start to feel discomfort where they are coming in, have an uneven bite, experience loose teeth, and ultimately deal with an impacted tooth. Reach out to us promptly so we can extract the tooth before complications arise.
The Extraction Process
Consultation
The process begins with a comprehensive consultation and examination. Your dentist will perform digital X-rays and scans to evaluate your tooth and the nearby structures. We will review your medical history, address any concerns, and talk about your sedation preferences. Together, we'll develop a personalized treatment plan to ensure a seamless tooth extraction and recovery process.
Sedation & Anesthesia
To ensure your comfort throughout the procedure, your doctor will apply a local anesthetic to numb the tooth and the surrounding tissues. If you would like, we will also use your chosen type of sedation – we offer laughing gas, oral medication, IV sedation, or, in more complicated situations, general anesthesia. You can expect to feel completely relaxed and comfortable during the procedure.
Gentle Tooth Removal
The doctor will skillfully use specialized tools to gently loosen and remove the tooth, ensuring that your jawbone and gums remain intact. In some cases, dissolvable stitches may be used to close the area and aid in healing. This procedure is usually quite fast, often lasting just a few minutes.
Recovery & Aftercare
Immediately after your procedure, we'll provide you with detailed instructions for caring for the extraction site, managing any discomfort, and keeping the area clean. Most patients are able to return to work or school within a day or two. We'll schedule a follow-up visit to monitor your healing and discuss your tooth replacement options, if applicable.
FAQs
Have questions? Find answers here.
The price for a tooth extraction depends on the kind of tooth, the procedure's complexity, and the type of sedation applied. After your consultation, we will give you a personalized treatment plan and cost estimate. Many dental insurance plans typically cover some of the expense. Additionally, we provide financing solutions to accommodate your budget.
The time it takes to recover varies based on the complexity of your situation and your body's ability to heal. Generally, discomfort and swelling decrease after a few days. We will give you comprehensive post-operative guidelines and pain management techniques. Most patients return to their usual activities within 48 to 72 hours.
We provide an array of tooth replacement solutions to address any gaps, such as dental implants, bridges, and dentures. In certain situations, a temporary tooth may be inserted while your permanent restoration is in progress. We will review your replacement choices before your extraction.
After a tooth extraction, you may wonder about options to replace any missing teeth and restore your smile. We offer a variety of restorative options, including:
- Dental Implants
- Implant-Supported Dentures
- Implant-Supported Bridges
- Crowns
