What You Need To Know About Having A Tooth Extracted

At Encino Dental Esthetics, our top priority is the care and well-being of our patients. Our team of skilled professionals is committed to ensuring a comfortable and stress-free dental experience. We provide compassionate and personalized attention, along with gentle and precise care, which has earned us the respect and trust of our patients.

While our main objective is to preserve the integrity of your natural smile, there are situations where tooth extraction is necessary to protect your oral health and overall well-being.

Our office may recommend tooth extraction for several common reasons.

An over-retained deciduous tooth, commonly known as a "baby" tooth, that is severely decayed or damaged. Sometimes, a baby tooth remains firmly attached to the bone instead of naturally falling out as the permanent tooth comes in. This can occur if the roots of the baby tooth do not shrink as they should or if the baby tooth becomes fused to the supporting bone. The prolonged presence of baby teeth can impact the development and alignment of your child's smile. Our team will monitor your child's smile as they grow and inform you if and when it is necessary to remove a baby tooth to facilitate the proper eruption of the permanent tooth.

A tooth that has severe decay and cannot be restored. If a small defect on the outer enamel layer of your tooth is left untreated, it can gradually damage the healthy tooth structure and reach the inner layers. Neglecting a cavity can cause severe harm to the tooth structure, irreversible nerve damage, dental infection, and have serious consequences for your oral health and overall well-being. In cases where the tooth has suffered extensive structural damage and cannot be saved, a dental extraction might be necessary.

A tooth that has experienced extensive fracture or cracking and is beyond repair. There are different types of chips, cracks, and fractures that can affect your teeth. The extent of the damage will determine if there is enough remaining tooth structure to save the tooth and the specific treatment required. If a significant amount of tooth structure or the root is compromised, extraction may be necessary.

Wisdom teeth that are impacted, malpositioned, or decayed. Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the final set of permanent teeth to erupt in the mouth and typically emerge last. However, it is common for wisdom teeth to encounter issues such as insufficient space for eruption, improper growth, extensive decay, or causing complications for neighboring teeth and tissues. While wisdom tooth extraction may be advised for older individuals, it is more commonly recommended to remove problematic or potentially troublesome third molars in young adults at an earlier stage.

Overcrowded Teeth: Overcrowded teeth occur when the size of the teeth does not match the size of the jaw. This can result in a smile that is misaligned and crowded. In order to achieve a well-aligned, attractive, healthy, and functional bite, it may be necessary to remove certain permanent teeth as part of an orthodontic treatment plan.

How is a tooth extraction performed?

No matter the reasons for needing a dental extraction, you can trust that our office will provide the best care possible. Our dentist will start by reviewing your medical and dental histories and discussing any special considerations for your treatment.

It is important to inform us of any existing medical conditions or medications you are currently taking. In certain situations, extra precautions such as antibiotics or a change in medication may be necessary. We may also require a medical clearance. Please follow all pre-surgical instructions and let us know if you are feeling unwell or experiencing any symptoms on the day of your surgery.

Our main goal is to minimize anxiety and ensure your comfort during a tooth extraction. Before the procedure, we will discuss any medical concerns or precautions and provide you with pre-surgical instructions. We will also discuss post-surgical recommendations, including the possibility of replacing the extracted tooth or teeth and the best options for your care.

To accurately assess the tooth and determine the type of extraction needed, we will conduct a thorough examination and take digital radiographs as necessary. Extractions are typically classified as either "simple" or "surgical extractions."

What Is A Simple Extraction?

When the tooth is easily seen in the mouth and the root structure is not abnormally hooked, fused to the surrounding bone, or otherwise unusual, it is considered a simple extraction. Our dentist will administer a local anesthetic to numb the tooth and surrounding tissues. They will then gently loosen any attached periodontal tissues and use forceps to remove the tooth. We prioritize your comfort and relaxation during every dental procedure.

What Is A Surgical Extraction?

If your teeth are severely damaged, fused to the jawbone, or trapped, a surgical extraction is usually necessary. In such cases, we may recommend you to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon who specializes in this procedure. During a surgical extraction, a small cut is made in the soft tissues, allowing for precise removal of the overlying bone to gain better access to the tooth. Like any tooth extraction, patients are given a local anesthetic to ensure complete numbness of the affected tooth and the surrounding area.