Extracting teeth is never Dr. Danny Tran’s first choice, but sometimes it is a necessary step in order to prevent oral health issues from developing and worsening in surrounding areas of the mouth. After all, keeping all of your natural teeth isn’t always a good idea, as teeth that become severely decayed, broken, or infected can lead to much bigger problems. That’s why at Covina Family Dental, we can extract your damaged tooth to preserve your smile. To learn more, give us a call!
reasons why tooth extractions are necessary
We always do everything we can to help our patients keep their natural teeth, but sometimes it simply isn’t the best option. Here are some of the situations where a tooth extraction may help to eliminate oral health issues and benefit the well-being of your smile:
- Ensuring long term success of a restoration, including dentures.
- When there’s severe, irreparable damage to the tooth.
- If a primary tooth isn’t falling out on its own.
- When a tooth is impacted and not erupting properly.
- To allow for a patient to undergo orthodontic treatment.
By extracting teeth that are causing problems, future infections and other issues are significantly less likely to occur.
the process of removing a tooth
We remove teeth by either pulling or surgical extraction. Teeth are only ever “pulled” when they have fully emerged from the gumline. In this case, we numb the area around your teeth and use a clasping tool to shift the tooth around until it breaks away from the gumline. If pulling isn’t an option, the tooth will need to be surgically removed. For this procedure, a small incision is made in the gums to allow us the ability to reach enough of the tooth to remove it.
In order to determine which extraction method is right for you, schedule an appointment with us. This way, Dr. Tran can thoroughly evaluate your situation. This is also a great time to talk about tooth replacement options (if necessary) to prevent future oral health issues that can occur as a result of tooth loss.
tooth extraction aftercare
Before you head home from the practice after your extraction, we’ll provide you with a specific aftercare plan to help you stay comfortable and avoid complications. Everyone is different, but here are some instructions that are generally recommended for optimal recovery:
- Take recommended over-the-counter and prescribed medications as directed.
- Get plenty of rest for optimal healing.
- Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
- Stick to softer foods.
- Keep your head elevated while sleeping.
- Don’t use tobacco products until your mouth has healed.
- Avoid using a straw when drinking.
- Rinse with saltwater
tooth extraction faqs
The Covina Family Dental team is ready to help you improve your oral health through gentle tooth extractions. Before you book an appointment, though, you may have questions about the procedure in front of you. We understand that, so we have put together the following list of FAQs, along with succinct and easy-to-understand answers. If you do not see your specific questions addressed, please reach out to us directly. We look forward to speaking with you!
does getting a tooth extracted hurt?
Dr. Tran and our team want our patients to be as comfortable as possible, so we will thoroughly numb your mouth before we start extracting your tooth. In some instances, we may also administer sedation. You can expect to feel little to nothing during your procedure.
After any anesthesia and sedation wear off, your mouth is likely to be quite sore. We will provide instructions to minimize discomfort during your recovery period. For example, you may need to adjust your diet and take pain medications. Most patients are feeling fairly well-recovered within a week or two of their appointment.
is there an alternative to a tooth extraction?
Tooth replacement options can be very lifelike, but they are still not the real thing. We understand if you are reluctant to commit to an extraction. In some cases, tooth removal can be prevented via restorative procedures, such as root canal therapy and crowns.
In most cases, though, if we recommend an extraction, we have already considered more conservative alternatives and deemed them to be inadequate. Removing a troublesome tooth may be the best (and only) way to get your oral health back on track.
what is the difference between tooth extractions and wisdom tooth surgery?
Wisdom tooth surgery is a type of tooth extraction. However, it is often classed differently because it is more complex than most regular extractions. For example, because wisdom teeth (the third molars at the back of the mouth) can be impacted (stuck beneath the gumline), it might be necessary to create incisions in a patient’s gums or break a tooth into pieces in order to remove it successfully.
can i leave the space empty after a tooth extraction?
If you get your wisdom teeth or extra teeth removed, there is likely no need for you to think about replacing them. In almost all other instances, though, tooth replacement is necessary. If you fail to replace your teeth, your remaining natural teeth could drift out of place and lead to a misaligned bite. You will also be at an increased risk of further tooth loss. Additionally, you may feel self-conscious about the appearance of your smile and find it difficult to consume all of your favorite foods.
