Tooth Extraction

Dentist Inglewood

New Image Dental
1608 Centinela Ave, Ste 7, Inglewood, CA 90302
(310)216-9600
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What is Tooth Extraction

Tooth extraction is a procedure where your tooth is completely removed from the socket, this is also known as pulling a tooth. It is important to get the tooth extracted as soon as possible when a dentist recommends it because waiting could risk your other tooth and gum damage or infection.

Although tooth extraction may not be pleasant, it could be necessary for your dental health. New Image Dental is the dentist office in Inglewood where many patients visit with dental anxiety and offer sleep dentistry as an option.

When is Tooth Extraction Needed?

Tooth extraction may be needed when other methods such as a dental filling or dental crown won’t fix the issue.

If the tooth has been damaged beyond repair, taking it out could be necessary. A dentist may recommend extraction for severe tooth decay, overcrowding, cavities, severe gum disease, or injured teeth. Another reason for tooth extraction is if your wisdom teeth don’t have room to grow or have become impacted.

Another common reason for tooth extraction is tooth infection. If untreated, infections can spread to other parts of your body or may even result in sepsis. Signs of a dental infection include fever, pain, swelling, bad breath, and many other symptoms.

What Happens Before Tooth Extraction?

Before a tooth extraction and during your appointment, a dentist will take X-rays and assess the affected tooth as well as the gums surrounding it. A dentist will also ask about your dental history and any medications you may be taking. Your dentist will then discuss the dental sedation options for your procedure.

Dental Sedation

There are three possible dental sedation options. The first is nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas. This is a light level of sedation. The next option is oral conscious sedation which is a pill taken an hour before the appointment. The final option is intravenous sedation or sleep dentistry which is recommended for people with significant dental anxiety and is administered directly into the bloodstream.

Tooth Extraction Procedure

During a tooth extraction, local anesthesia will be used to numb the tooth and surrounding gums. A dentist will use a special tool, called an elevator, to raise and loosen the tooth, carefully taking it out of the socket. Once it’s removed, the socket will be disinfected and cleaned.

Finally, stitches will be placed to help it heal. After the procedure, your dentist will place gauze over the area to slow the bleeding and ask you to hold it down until it has slowed down enough.

The healing process can last between 48 and 72 hours and it may take the jawbone a few weeks to completely heal.

Other Methods of Tooth Extraction

Your dentist will choose the simplest extraction method, when necessary, but sometimes other methods of extraction may be taken. A surgical extraction is performed when you have impacted or broken teeth under the gums. Some of the jawbone may need to be removed to create easier access for removing the tooth.

What to do After Tooth Extraction?

It is important to keep the extraction site clean after the procedure by rinsing with antimicrobial mouthwash and taking medication as directed. After tooth extraction, it is important to avoid hard and crunchy food for the first few days. Additionally, avoid drinking through straws which can cause dry sockets.

You will be able to return to work or school after a day or two unless otherwise directed by your dentist.

See the before and after photos from New Image Dental a dentist office near Los Angeles. More testimonials about our dental office are here. Also, take a look at the before and photos of patients from our dental office in Los Angeles here.