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Teeth Extractions in Sherman Oaks
Keeping your natural teeth healthy is always the goal. However, there are times when removing a tooth is the best option for protecting your long-term oral health. At our Sherman Oaks dental office, we offer tooth extractions that are gentle, efficient, and designed with your comfort in mind. Whether you have a painful wisdom tooth or a tooth too damaged to repair, our team will guide you through the process with care and understanding.
What Is a Tooth Extraction?
Tooth extraction is a dental procedure in which a tooth is carefully removed from its socket in the jawbone. There are generally two ways this is performed, depending on your situation:
- Simple Extractions: These are done when the tooth is fully erupted and easy to access. The dentist uses special tools to gently loosen and lift it out.
- Surgical Extractions: Needed when teeth are impacted, broken, or trapped below the gums, as with some wisdom teeth. This type involves a small incision and more advanced techniques.
In our Sherman Oaks practice, we always begin with a thorough evaluation, including X-rays and a clinical exam, to choose the safest and least invasive method for your tooth removal.
Signs You Might Need a Tooth Pulled
While preserving your teeth is always the first choice, there are situations where an extraction is healthier. You might need to consider a tooth removal if you have:
- Impacted or partially erupted wisdom teeth causing pain or infection
- A severe tooth infection or abscess that cannot be treated with a root canal
- Advanced gum disease that makes the tooth too loose to save
- Crowding problems, especially before orthodontic treatment
- A broken tooth that cannot be restored with a filling or crown
If you have swelling, tooth pain that doesn’t go away, or signs of infection, it’s best to schedule a dental visit to evaluate whether an extraction is needed.
Benefits of Teeth Extractions
It may sound intimidating, but in many cases, removing a tooth can improve your oral health. Tooth extractions can:
Quickly eliminate pain from a damaged or infected tooth
Protect nearby teeth from spreading decay or infection
Create more space for braces or other orthodontic treatments
Make it easier to clean and maintain a healthy mouth
The Tooth Extraction Process
We do everything possible to make your extraction as smooth and stress-free as we can. Here’s how a typical process goes:
Complete Evaluation
We start with digital X-rays and an exam to check the tooth, bone, and surrounding tissues.
Comfort and Anesthesia
We numb the area completely, and if you feel nervous, sedation options are available to help you relax.
Performing the Extraction
For a simple removal, we gently loosen the tooth and lift it from its socket. In a surgical procedure, we may make a small incision to remove the tooth in sections if needed.
Aftercare Guidance
We will go over instructions for managing swelling, keeping the area clean, and planning your meals while you heal. If you’re interested in replacing the tooth, we’ll explain options like implants or bridges.
Frequently Asked Questions
