Tooth Extraction in Long Beach, CA

Tooth extractions are very common, and with modern dentistry, they are safer and more comfortable than ever before. Typically, a tooth extraction is performed on a tooth that is beyond dental repair or on wisdom teeth that are compromising the smile structure. During a detailed exam at Emigh Dental Care, our dentists will be able to review the condition to determine if a tooth extraction is necessary. We perform two types of extractions, simple and surgical. A simple extraction is often used on teeth that are still visible and a surgical extraction is used for teeth that are below the gums. Usually, this procedure is performed under local anesthesia to enable optimal comfort and results. If patients think they may be in need of an extraction, we invite them to call our Long Beach, CA office today. 

Depending on whether our dentists perform a simple or surgical tooth extraction, the technique and experience will differ. In either case, there will be a thorough examination prior to extraction when X-rays will be taken to determine the type of extraction needed. In addition, patients will be offered a form of sedation to help them feel comfortable and at ease during their procedure. It’s advised that patients not eat or drink anything for 6 – 8 hours before the surgery. If patients experience nausea or vomiting before the extraction, they will need to call our office to possibly reschedule to avoid health complications. Smoking on the day of surgery is prohibited because of the risks and complications it can pose in the healing process.

With a simple extraction, our dentists will give patients a local anesthetic to alleviate any pain. Our dentists will then use a pair of forceps to grip the impacted tooth and loosen it from the jawbones and the ligaments which hold it in place. The socket that holds the tooth must be widened and enlarged to separate the tooth from the ligaments. A device called a dental elevator, a screwdriver-like tool, is placed between the tooth and gum to make it easier to remove the tooth by expanding the socket. 

Wisdom teeth or any teeth not visible above the gum line, such as severely broken teeth or teeth with long, curved roots require a more complex surgical extraction. General anesthesia is often used prior to procedure. To obtain access to the impacted tooth, our dentists may need to cut through bone, gums, and tissue. Sometimes, our dentists will need to cut the tooth in pieces in order to fully remove it.

After either type of extraction, a blood clot will usually form in the socket of the removed tooth. After a simple extraction, our dentists will pack the area with gauze and have patients bite down in order to stop bleeding. With surgical extraction, our dentists will stitch the area and then place the gauze pads. After extraction, patients should refrain from unnecessary eating, drinking, or talking for at least 2 hours. After the bleeding has stopped, patients should drink plenty of cold or lukewarm fluids.

On the first day after the extraction, only soft foods should be eaten and patients shouldn’t brush or rinse their teeth for 12 hours following the extraction. When brushing is resumed, the extraction area should be avoided with the toothbrush, but the area can be gently rinsed with salt water. Patients also shouldn’t spit forcefully, which may dislodge the blood clot. The healing process usually starts about 1 – 2 weeks following the tooth extraction. This is the time when new gum tissue and bone will fill in the gap where the tooth or teeth have been removed. After about 3 – 4 weeks, the gums should be fully healed. Complete healing of the entire mouth can take up to 6 months, but it varies from person to person.

If you think that you could benefit from a tooth extraction, we would be more than happy to assist you. Give our friendly staff a call today, so we can schedule your exam immediately. During your initial exam, our dentists can give you all of the information you need about tooth extraction to help you make an informed decision.