I understand that hearing the words “tooth extraction” can be concerning. My priority is always to save your natural teeth whenever possible. However, there are times when removing a tooth is the best, or even only, option to protect your overall oral health, alleviate pain, and prevent more serious problems. When an extraction is necessary, you can trust my team and me to provide the gentlest, most comfortable care right here in Woodland Hills.
While I always aim to preserve your natural smile, certain situations can make tooth extraction the most beneficial course of action. My goal is to ensure you understand why an extraction is being recommended and what to expect. Common reasons for tooth extraction include:
My team and I are dedicated to making your tooth extraction experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Here’s generally what you can expect when you come to my Woodland Hills dental office for an extraction:
When a tooth needs to come out, you want a dentist who combines skill with genuine care. Here’s why patients in Woodland Hills, CA choose Smiles By Eddie for tooth extractions:
I will thoroughly numb the area with local anesthesia, so you should not feel any pain during the actual extraction. You might feel some pressure, but no sharpness or pain. We also have sedation options if you’re feeling anxious.
Recovery time varies depending on the complexity of the extraction and individual healing, but most people feel significantly better within a few days. We’ll provide detailed aftercare instructions to help speed up your recovery.
For the first few days, stick to soft foods like yogurt, soup, mashed potatoes, and smoothies. Avoid hot, spicy, crunchy, or chewy foods that could irritate the extraction site.
It’s generally recommended to avoid strenuous physical activity for at least 24-48 hours after an extraction to prevent dislodging the blood clot that forms in the socket, which is crucial for healing.
It depends on the location of the extracted tooth. For back teeth, it might not be strictly necessary, but for front teeth or if multiple teeth are extracted, I’ll discuss options like dental implants, bridges, or dentures to restore your smile and bite function.
A dry socket occurs when the blood clot that forms in the extraction site dislodges too soon, exposing the bone. To avoid it, don’t smoke, don’t use straws, avoid vigorous rinsing, and follow all post-operative instructions carefully.
Applying an ice pack to your cheek over the extraction site for 15-20 minutes at a time (on/off) during the first 24 hours can help reduce swelling.
You can gently brush the rest of your teeth, but avoid the extraction site for the first 24 hours. After that, you can carefully brush the area, but avoid direct contact with the socket for several days
Wisdom tooth extractions can sometimes be more complex, especially if the teeth are impacted (stuck beneath the gum line or bone). However, the general principles of care and comfort remain the same.
I understand dental anxiety. We offer various sedation options, including nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or oral conscious sedation, to help you feel calm and comfortable throughout your procedure. We can discuss which option is best for you during your consultation.