Why might I need a tooth pulled?

Even though permanent teeth are made to last your lifetime, it doesn’t always happen. For example, you may need to have a tooth extracted because it’s too diseased to keep. Lifestyle choices, trauma, and decay may all contribute to the need for having a tooth pulled.

Extractions may be necessary for other reasons, including:

• Risk of infection from a failed root canal
• Risk of infection during an organ transplant or chemotherapy
• Advanced periodontal (gum) disease
• Crowded or extra teeth
• No room for third molars (wisdom teeth)

 

How are extractions performed?

There are simple extractions and surgical extractions. When you can see the tooth inside your mouth, it’s called a simple extraction. During this procedure, a highly accomplished dentist at IPI of Torrance will first loosen the tooth with an instrument called an elevator. They will then use forceps to remove the tooth.

A surgical extraction can be more invasive. The tooth may have been broken off at your gum line, or it hasn’t yet come through the surface of your gums, as is typical with wisdom teeth. In these cases, the dentist makes a small incision in your gum to remove the tooth. The tooth may need to be cut into pieces to be extracted. It may also be necessary to remove some of the bone around the affected tooth.

Your dentist gives you an injection (a local anesthetic) to numb your mouth before a simple extraction or surgical extraction, so you shouldn’t feel any pain. If multiple teeth are being extracted at the same appointment, as is common with wisdom teeth extraction, your dentist may give you a general anesthetic so you don’t feel pain and you sleep through the entire procedure.

How soon can I expect to heal from a tooth extraction?

It depends on your individual situation and how many teeth you had extracted, but healing usually takes one or two weeks. New bone and gum tissue grow in the spaces where your teeth used to be. You may experience pain and discomfort or difficulty chewing as you heal, based on the invasiveness of your dental procedure.

Since everyone’s situation is unique, it’s best to contact IPI of Torrance and book a consultation to find out about your options and any necessary follow-up procedures like crowns or dental implants.

Call today or schedule over the web using the booking tool.