Navigating Oral Surgery: What to Expect from a Tooth Extraction

At Avalon Dental Care, our priority is always to save natural teeth and restore healthy, beautiful smiles. However, there are times when extracting one or more of your teeth is our only viable solution when a tooth is beyond repair or is compromising your oral health. Our skilled and experienced dentists and team use state-of-the-art technology and refined techniques to provide you with a superior patient experience and ensure the best outcomes for your smile. We invite you to visit our Lomita practice to get started today!

Why Would You Need to Have a Tooth Extracted? 

Here are some of the reasons why you may need to have a tooth extracted: 

• Severe tooth decay or infection with extensive damage that’s beyond repair
• Advanced gum disease that has damaged the structures holding a tooth in place, compromising its stability
• An injury or accident that has caused severe, irreparable damage to a tooth
• As a component of orthodontic treatment to make space for the remaining teeth to move into alignment
• Impacted or problematic wisdom teeth that are posing a risk to your oral health

What Is Bone Graft Socket Preservation? 

After a tooth is lost or extracted, the supporting bone and tissue begin to resorb and change in shape over time. Depending on the location of your extracted tooth, we may recommend a procedure known as socket preservation. The procedure involves placing bone grafting material in the tooth socket right after extraction to maintain your bone density and the shape of your jawbone. The minimally invasive procedure helps ensure the success of future implant dentistry and retains your natural jawbone contours. 

What Can You Expect During Your Tooth Extraction? 

We will start by numbing the affected tooth and the surrounding area for your comfort. We may also administer oral conscious sedation, if needed, to help you feel relaxed and stress-free during treatment. 

At Avalon Dental Care, we perform simple and surgical extractions to address your unique needs. A simple tooth extraction is designed to remove a tooth that is visible and readily accessible. A surgical extraction, on the other hand, is designed to remove a weak, fractured, or impacted tooth. The area will be numb, so you should not feel any pain or discomfort during treatment. 

How Can You Promote Healing After Tooth Extraction? 

It’s important to follow post-extraction care instructions to promote healing and recovery. Make sure to bite down firmly on the gauze we place to control bleeding. Use cold compresses to help minimize swelling and take pain-relief medication, as needed, to manage any discomfort. 

It’s important to avoid any activities that can dislodge the blood clot in your socket, which could lead to a painful complication known as dry socket. These include spitting, smoking, vigorous rinsing, or drinking through a straw. Maintain a diet of soft foods while avoiding acidic, spicy, or hot foods for the first few days. 

After the first day, gently rinse with salt water 2-3 times a day to keep the area clean and support healing. Continue brushing and flossing while avoiding the extraction site. Please contact our Lomita practice if you have any questions or concerns in the days following extraction.

Teeth Extraction Near Me in Lomita, CA

If you need to have a tooth extracted, you’re in excellent hands here at Avalon Dental Care. Our skilled and experienced team i committed to providing exceptional care with a gentle, compassionate touch, ensuring the best possible patient experience. We invite you to call 310-530-3100 to schedule an appointment or book your visit online today!