Tooth Extractions in Los Gatos

Has your dentist suggested you have a tooth extraction? We know you might feel nervous and daunting about the same. But there is nothing to worry about an extraction procedure as it is a fairly common dental procedure these days.

Tooth extraction

Tooth extraction is the process of permanent removal of a tooth from its socket. At our dental office, we try our best to save our patients' teeth using restorative means. We perform dental extractions only when no treatment can salvage teeth.

Dental extractions are suggested for the following reasons:

Dental cavities that can't be fixed with fillings or root canal treatment.
Severe gum disease.
If there is decay or infection that has entered deep into the tooth
Trauma or injury to the tooth or surrounding bone.
Wisdom teeth difficulties.
To prepare for a dental prosthesis.
To prepare for orthodontic procedures if the mouth is very crowded.
If there is an impacted tooth.
If a primary tooth hasn't fallen out but obstructs the eruption of permanent teeth

Preparation for Tooth Extraction

Before we start the dental extraction process, our dentist will thoroughly review the patient's medical and dental history. Besides, we obtain appropriate X-rays to understand the condition and position of the tooth and encompassing bone to decide upon the best method to extract the tooth.

We start the procedure by numbing the tooth and the nearby area using a local anesthetic. However, if the extraction is complicated, an intravenous (IV) anesthesia might be administered to put the patient to sleep.

Tooth Extraction Process

Based on the severity of the condition, location of the tooth, and the surrounding area, our patients might have two types of extractions:

Simple extraction:A simple extraction is done if the tooth to be removed is visible in the mouth. The process involves numbing the patient's tooth and the nearby area and loosening and extracting the tooth using an elevator and dental forceps.
Surgical extraction: A patient will need a surgical extraction if the tooth is impacted or is broken off at the gum line. Here, the tooth is removed after making an incision into the gum.

After Care

Recovery after a tooth extraction typically takes a few days. Take care of the following things to minimize pain, prevent infection, and fasten recovery.

Take prescribed painkillers.
Bite on a cotton gauze pad to lessen bleeding and allow clot formation in the tooth socket.
Applying an ice bag to the area of extraction can reduce swelling.
Relax and limit physical activities for 24 hours.
Do not rinse or spit hard for a day to prevent dislodging of the blood clot.
Rinse your mouth with warm salt water after 24 hours.
Do not smoke.
Eat soft foods on the day after the extraction.
Avoid brushing on your extraction site.

At Tod Anderson DDS Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we are dedicated to providing quality dental care and excellent oral health results to our patients. We also offer effective sedation methods to make our patient's dental experiences as comfortable as possible.

Do you wish to know more about Tooth extraction? Call Tod Anderson DDS at (408) 540-7813 or schedule an appointment online.