Tooth Extraction in Torrance, CA

Mellert DDS and Associates understands how distressing the idea of having a tooth extraction may be. Our caring staff in Torrance, CA, is committed to offering painless, pleasant tooth removal treatments that are personalized to your unique requirements. We like you to keep your natural teeth whenever possible, but if extraction is necessary, you can be certain that you will receive the greatest care with the least amount of pain.

Why Will I Need Tooth Extraction?

Our dentists prioritize keeping your natural teeth healthy throughout your life. They use techniques like fillings and crowns to fix minor and moderate damage. However, there are situations where these methods fall short. If a tooth is severely compromised, tooth extraction is the best option to safeguard your oral health. Here are some reasons why a dentist might recommend removing a tooth:

Extensive Tooth Decay: Cavities are a common dental issue, but if left untreated, they can burrow deep into the tooth. If the decay is too severe for a filling or root canal to address, extraction is often the only way to prevent the infection from spreading.
Fractured Teeth: Depending on the degree of the crack or break, a fractured tooth may threaten a significant section of the tooth; extraction is required to prevent additional damage and infection.

Impacted Teeth: Wisdom teeth are known for being impacted, which means they are locked beneath the gum line and unable to emerge normally. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, damage surrounding teeth, and contribute to gum infections. To avoid these complications, dentists often recommend extracting impacted wisdom teeth.
Crowded Teeth: Crowding can sometimes lead to misalignment, difficulty cleaning, and an increased risk of gum disease. Extraction can create space for orthodontic treatment (braces or aligners) to properly position teeth for a healthy and functional smile.
Severe Gum Disease: Gum disease, if not addressed, can gradually erode the gum tissue and bone that supports your teeth. When gum disease is so severe that it compromises the stability of the tooth, extraction may be necessary to prevent further bone loss and infection.
Dental Injuries: Accidents or trauma can cause significant damage to teeth, leading to cracks, fractures, or complete displacement from the socket (tooth luxation).

Types of Tooth Extraction in Torrance, CA

Surgical or simple tooth extractions are possible, depending on the tooth’s condition.

Simple Extraction

A simple extraction uses a local anesthetic to numb the area surrounding the tooth. This ensures you only feel pressure, not pain, during the procedure. Using an elevator tool, the dentist gently loosens the tooth from its socket. Once sufficiently loosened, forceps are used to remove the tooth carefully.

Surgical Extraction

In more complicated situations, a surgical extraction could be required for teeth that are difficult to reach or have impacted teeth. This procedure typically involves both local anesthesia to numb the immediate area and intravenous anesthesia to induce a state of relaxation. In some cases, general anesthesia may be administered, especially if there are underlying medical considerations. During the whole process, you will be asleep due to general anesthetic.

During a surgical extraction, the general dentist or an oral surgeon makes a small incision into the gum tissue to access the tooth. Depending on the tooth’s position, surrounding bone tissue may need to be removed or the tooth sectioned into smaller pieces for safe removal.

What to Expect During a Tooth Extraction

After the initial consultation, we will discuss the procedure with you, including the type of anesthesia you will receive, and answer any questions.

Local Anesthesia: Most simple extractions will employ local anesthetic to numb the tooth's surrounding region. You may feel some pressure during the procedure, but you should not feel any pain.
Conscious Sedation: For individuals suffering from dental anxiety or requiring more difficult extractions, we may give conscious sedation. This medication will help you relax and feel drowsy during the procedure.
General Anesthesia: In rare cases, general anesthesia may be necessary. This medication will put you into a sleep state during the procedure.

What to Expect After Tooth Extraction

Following your extraction, we will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions. These instructions will typically include:

Bleeding: Some minor bleeding is to be expected after the extraction. To reduce bleeding, apply mild pressure to the extraction site using a gauze pad for 20-30 minutes.
Pain Management: We will prescribe medication to help manage any pain or discomfort you may experience.
Swelling: It is common to experience some swelling after an extraction. To minimize swelling, apply an ice pack to the outside of your cheek near the extraction site for 20 minutes, on and off, for the first 24 hours.
Diet: We recommend a gentle diet for the first several days after your extraction.

Benefits of Tooth Extraction

While we prioritize saving natural teeth, sometimes extraction is the best course of action for your overall oral health. Here are some potential benefits of tooth extraction:

Pain relief: Removal of a severely infected or abscessed tooth can provide immediate and lasting pain relief.
Improved oral health: Extracting a diseased tooth prevents infection from spreading to surrounding teeth and bone.
Preserving healthy teeth: Removing an impacted wisdom tooth can prevent overcrowding and damage to neighboring teeth.
Facilitating other dental procedures: Extraction may be necessary before dentures, implants, or bridges are placed.

How Much Does Tooth Extraction Cost?

The cost of a tooth extraction can vary significantly depending on whether the tooth is impacted. The cost of a simple tooth extraction typically ranges from $75 to $200 per tooth, with potential additional costs depending on the anesthesia required.

In contrast, removing impacted teeth is considerably more expensive, ranging from $800 to $4,000. The location also plays a role in pricing, as fees often reflect the area’s cost of living and the local market for dental services

Schedule a Consultation for Tooth Extraction in Torrance, CA

If you need a tooth extraction in Torrance, CA, don’t hesitate to contact Mellert DDS and Associates. We offer gentle, comfortable care to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience. Call us today at 310-543-1234 to schedule a consultation and discuss your options.

FAQs

How long does it take to recover from a tooth extraction?

The recovery time varies based on the complexity of your case. Typically, most individuals resume normal activities within 48 to 72 hours. However, complete healing of the jawbone generally takes several weeks.

How soon can I eat after tooth extraction?

After tooth extraction, it’s crucial to avoid eating immediately as it could disrupt the surgical site and hinder the healing process. To ensure proper healing, your doctor advises waiting at least three hours before eating. Once this timeframe has passed, you can safely resume eating.

Why no dairy after tooth extraction?

After undergoing dental procedures such as wisdom teeth removal or dental implant surgery, it’s crucial to ensure an uninterrupted healing process. Dairy products have the potential to stimulate mucus production, which could create an environment that might hinder healing. This may extend the recovery period, so it’s advisable to reintroduce your regular diet to facilitate a smoother transition gradually.