Tooth Extractions

A tooth extraction may be necessary when there is excessive tooth decay, a tooth infection, or crowding. In addition, patients who have to get braces may need a tooth extraction to provide room for the teeth to properly shift into place. 

An extraction can be performed by a dentist or oral surgeon and is a relatively short outpatient procedure. A tooth extraction may involve local, general, or intravenous anesthesia or a combination. When teeth are visible, the extraction procedure is fairly simple. However, teeth that are broken, impacted, or below the gums, may involve a more complex extraction. Whatever the case may be, our team at the Oral Surgery Center has an abundance of experience in successfully handling simple and complex procedures. 

You can trust that our team will provide you with the care you need. We take pride in providing the best results for our patients and giving them a beautiful and healthy smile. 

The Extraction Process

Depending on whether the tooth is visible or impacted, the extraction process may vary. Here are the two types of extractions:

• Simple extraction: A simple extraction involves local anesthesia, which entails numbing the area around your tooth. With local anesthesia, you will only feel pressure, but not any pain during the procedure. Once the anesthesia is applied, your dentist or oral surgeon will use an instrument called an elevator to loosen the tooth and forceps to remove it.
  

• Surgical extraction: A surgical extraction may involve a combination of local anesthesia and intravenous anesthesia. Intravenous anesthesia will make you feel at ease and calm. Depending on certain medical conditions, you may also receive general anesthesia. With general anesthesia, you will not feel any pain at all and you will remain unconscious throughout the procedure. Once the anesthesia has been administered, your general dentist or oral surgeon will make a small incision into your gum area to remove your tooth. Depending on the complexities of your case, your dentist may or may not need to remove the bone around your tooth or cut the tooth before it is extracted.
  

When is an Extraction Necessary?

A tooth extraction may be necessary for the following reasons:

1. The tooth has sustained severe damage that is irreparable

Once tooth decay reaches the pulp, the bacteria from the tooth decay can cause damage to the pulp and result in an infection. In some cases, a root canal procedure may be necessary; however, if the decay is too severe, then a tooth extraction will be necessary to prevent the infection spreading any further. 

2. The patient has periodontal disease

Periodontal disease is an infection within the gums, periodontal ligaments, alveolar bone, and other foundational structures of the teeth. It is important that periodontal disease is quickly addressed, as it can become very severe and result in more oral health problems. Periodontal disease may result in the loosening of a tooth, and an extraction may be necessary.

3. Avoiding an impacted tooth

An impacted tooth occurs when the tooth is blocked from erupting, or the gums prevent the tooth from coming out. This is usually the case when wisdom teeth are involved. This may be necessary to prevent other teeth from becoming damaged. An extraction can lower the risk of an infection or overcrowding. 

4. Eliminate overcrowding 

One or more teeth may need to be extracted in order to avoid overcrowding of the teeth. This helps with the overall alignment of your teeth.

5. After an accident

If you have been involved in an accident, such as a car accident, an extraction may be necessary if preservation of the tooth is not possible.

Contact Our Team For Teeth Extractions in Los Angeles

Whatever your case may be, our dentist and oral surgeon in Beverly Hills will examine your tooth to determine what is the best procedure to ensure your oral health. Contact our team today to learn more about our tooth extractions in Miracle Mile.