Services

Tooth Extractions

When tooth extraction needs to be done?

Dental extractions were once a very common way of treating dental health problems in the past, resulting in few people expecting to keep their teeth throughout their lives. Today, advances in dental techniques and technology allow us to prevent dental problems quicker and preserve smiles for a lifetime. However, dental extractions still play an important role in dentistry. Our Van Nuys dental extraction expert may recommend a dental extraction if you have badly crowded teeth, a severely infected tooth, wisdom teeth that are interfering with other teeth, advanced periodontal teeth or other potentially serious dental problems associated with a particular tooth.

If you are a good candidate for a dental extraction, our Van Nuys dental extraction expert will first examine the tooth. Dental X-rays and other images will be needed as we plan your treatment. We may also explain your restoration options at this time, particularly if the tooth is being extracted as a result of infection, damage or periodontal disease. In most cases, local anesthetic is used when the tooth is extracted. This numbs the area around the tooth but will not put you to sleep. However, if you are having multiple teeth removed, you may instead need general anesthesia.

Van Nuys Dental Extraction

Once the tooth has been extracted, a blood clot will form in the extraction site. Stitches may be placed, and you will be given a piece of gauze to bite to stop the bleeding. Over the next several days, you will need to be particularly gentle with the extraction site. Our expert in dental extraction in Van Nuys may prescribe medication and will give you aftercare instructions. Using the medication and following the aftercare instructions as recommended can help reduce your risk of complications, such as infection or dry socket. Dry socket is a painful complication that occurs when the clot becomes dislodged before healing is complete. Avoid smoking, using a straw, or drinking carbonated beverages, because they can increase the risk of dry sockets.

Most people recover quickly after a dental extraction, but our expert in dental extraction in Van Nuys may recommend eating a soft diet for at least a few days. Good dental hygiene is also critical. Call us today to find out more or to schedule an appointment with our dentist in Van Nuys.