EXTRACTIONS

Effectively Removing Teeth In Valencia, California

An extraction, or removal of a tooth, is one of the most common oral surgery procedures that we perform at our office in Valencia, CA. Tooth extractions involve the removal of a tooth from its socket in the bone. This procedure is typically performed when a tooth is damaged, decayed, or causing crowding. Our skilled team ensures a comfortable and stress-free experience, using advanced techniques to promote quick healing and minimize discomfort. We try to keep the natural tooth whenever possible, but sometimes oral surgery is the healthiest and safest path forward for your smile.

Extractions

There are many reasons your dentist may recommend extractions, including:

  • Crowding – There may not be enough room in your mouth for all your teeth to fit comfortably or healthily. This is especially true of wisdom teeth, which are extracted in most young adults.

  • Tooth decay – An extraction may be necessary if tooth decay has made the tooth unsalvageable.

  • Trauma – In the case of an accident where a tooth is damaged beyond repair, extraction may be the best treatment option.

  • Preparing for dentures – Existing teeth may need to be removed before receiving dentures or other restorative devices.

WHAT TO EXPECT

To determine if you need an extraction, your dentist may perform an x-ray of the area to get a better look. This will also allow your dentist to examine the surrounding teeth and gums. At Go Dental, we schedule a consultation between patients and their dentist before any oral surgery procedure. We value our patients and we want them to feel comfortable and informed at all times. Your dentist will explain the procedure in detail and give you a chance to ask questions about the surgery.

Before the extraction, your dentist will numb the area. Using special tools, the dentist wiggles the tooth back and forth until it separates from the ligament holding it in place. For more deeply rooted teeth, your dentist may need to make a small incision in the gum line to reach the tooth. After the tooth is removed, your dentist will clean and disinfect the socket, or the hole in the bone.

EXTRACTION AFTERCARE

Some discomfort and bleeding after an extraction is normal. Applying gauze can help control bleeding and encourage clotting. Simple extractions will not require stitches, and the gum will heal itself over time by forming a blood clot over the socket. In other cases your dentist may place stitches to help the gum heal. Your dentist will provide detailed aftercare instructions to encourage healing after your extraction, including:

Brush and floss as normal but avoid the teeth directly around the socket. Rinse your mouth gently with water.

Applying an ice bag or cold cloth can help ease discomfort and swelling.

Depending on the severity of your extraction, your dentist may recommend refraining from exercise or other activities for two or more days.

Following your extraction, eat soft foods such as pasta, icecream, apple sauce and soups. Hard and crunchy foods will not only cause pain and be difficult to chew, but could also harm your surgery site.

Sharp objects and strong substances can cause irritation to your extraction site.

Clotting is a normal part of the healing process following an extraction. Dry rot is a painful condition that occurs when the blood clot is dislodged or doesn’t form at all. If you experience severe pain following a tooth extraction, ask your dentist about dry socket.