Tooth Extraction in Agoura Hills, CA![]() Contrary to common opinion, tooth extractions are done to prevent pain rather than to cure it. In reality, a severely damaged or decaying tooth can cause various problems for your dental health, general health, and quality of life, making pain-free chewing impossible. Fortunately, removing the tooth can solve these problems if replaced with a cutting-edge treatment like dental implants or the All-on-4® Treatment Concept after extraction. Tooth extraction has numerous benefits. It diminishes the risk of germs that might hurt your gums and teeth. Apart from that, a decayed or broken tooth can ruin your smile if it is not repaired. Tooth Extraction ProcedureThe complete removal of one or more teeth from the mouth is called a tooth extraction. The procedure is relatively quick and can be carried out by a dental surgeon within an hour. Dentists use the latest technologies to ensure minimal pain during the procedure, which is an added advantage. The tooth extraction procedure can be conducted in both adults and children. Baby teeth can be naturally extracted from a child's mouth without the help of a dentist as they erupt to make space for permanent teeth. However, one or more trips to the dentist may be necessary for adults looking for tooth removal. Some people may choose to have a denture or an artificial tooth to replace their missing teeth. Before the procedure, Lignocaine or another local anesthetic is administered close to the tooth to relieve the discomfort. Once the surrounding region is entirely numb, the dentist gently rocks the tooth from side to side while holding it in place until it is ready to be extracted. Usually, there is only a slight tugging sensation on the tooth and no discomfort or pain during the entire procedure. The gums may or may not need sutures to heal the incision after removing the tooth. The patient is then given a piece of soft cotton gauze to bite into to stop any bleeding. Once at home, a patient can take painkillers like ibuprofen to ease discomfort as the local anesthetic wears off. Some patients may be given antibiotic prescriptions. The patient is instructed not to rinse their mouth for at least six hours after discharge. Afterward, they may gently rinse their mouth with warm water and a pinch of salt. After the bleeding stops, soft foods can be consumed. The injured gum region has to be avoided when cleaning your teeth for the first week or so while it heals completely. Why is Tooth Extraction Done?A tooth extraction could be required for numerous reasons, such as injury or severe decay. It may get rid of microorganisms and enhance your overall oral health. If the tooth has been severely affected by periodontal disease, you might need to have it pulled. Because of the extent of the damage, neither a filling nor a crown can repair the tooth. Even after a filling, crown, or root canal procedure, you will still experience some pain. Tooth Extraction RecoveryMost patients heal within a few days, depending on how complicated your situation is. Within 48 to 72 hours, you can resume your normal activities, although it often takes several weeks for the jawbone to recover fully. For the blood clot to develop, your dentist will advise that you relax for the next two days after your extraction. After the resting period, you can resume your usual physical activities. Avoid consuming hot drinks. Hot beverages could make swelling worse. At Artistic Smiles, Dr. John Abajian, DDS will recommend the best procedure that suits your dental needs. Contact us if you are in need of a tooth extraction. |