See the Importance of Tooth Extractions in Thousand Oaks, CA
A dental extraction is a procedure to remove an infected tooth that may be detrimental to your other healthy teeth, gums, or jawbone. This procedure is most often necessary if a tooth is damaged beyond repair due to decay, bacteria, or blunt force trauma. The most common reasons for tooth extractions are:
● Severe tooth decay
● Bacterial infection
● Advanced gum disease
● Tooth obstruction
● Orthodontic work
● Wisdom teeth
What to Expect
Dr. Chung will first administer anesthetic to numb the area and reduce discomfort. During the extraction, you will feel the pressure of the tooth being removed, but will not feel any pain. Typically, Dr. Chung is able to remove your tooth within a matter of minutes. A tool called an “elevator” will be used to lift the tooth out of the socket, and then forceps will take the tooth out of your mouth.
He'll then clean the area and provide gauze to help create a blood clot. This blood clot will protect your tooth during the healing process, but you should try to avoid getting food anywhere near the extraction site. Your gums may bleed for about 24 hours after the surgery, but it will subside. You may be given some type of pain medication to help with the healing process, but the area should feel fine within just a few days. Contact Dr. Chung to learn more about the process for tooth extractions.
Types of Thousand Oaks Tooth Extractions
● Simple Extraction: Dr. Chung will administer a local anesthetic to numb the area around your tooth. You will only feel a slight pressure but no pain, and you will be awake for the whole procedure. Next, Dr. Chung will then loosen the tooth from the socket and remove it.
● Surgical Extractions: This procedure requires intravenous anesthesia, local anesthesia, or general anesthesia. You will be unconscious for the procedure. Dr. Chung will make a small incision in your gums and potentially remove a small piece of jaw bone in order to remove your tooth. You will then receive stitches so that your gums can properly heal.
Wisdom Tooth Extractions
A wisdom tooth extraction is necessary if your wisdom tooth is causing damage to your otherwise healthy teeth. It's a very common procedure and can save your smile in terms of structure and comfort. Wisdom teeth can push on otherwise healthy teeth and cause overcrowding or more serious orthodontic issues in the future.
Sometimes, wisdom teeth emerge just like regular molars and cause almost no issues. In this instance, wisdom teeth are safe to keep, though it is rare. If a tooth is impacted, it means that there is not enough room for it to emerge properly and will end up needing to be extracted.
Choosing not to extract wisdom teeth can lead to several problems in the future:
● Pain
● Trapping food and debris
● Infection or gum disease
● Tooth decay
● Damage to surrounding teeth
● Development of cyst around the wisdom tooth
● Inability to straighten teeth due to crowding
Emergency Tooth Extractions
There are several reasons why you may need an emergency tooth extraction in Thousand Oaks. An emergency tooth extraction may be necessary to help prevent further damage to your otherwise healthy teeth, gums, and jawbone. It may also be necessary for orthodontic procedures, though it is uncommon.
If you have partially knocked out a tooth or fractured a tooth that resulted in sharp points, you will need a tooth extraction. This typically happens as a result of sports, so be sure to wear a mouth guard if applicable. If your tooth is fractured all the way down to the gums, it will need to be removed.
You may also need to have an emergency tooth extraction if you have severe periodontal disease or if you have developed an abscess. If you have severe decay or disease that compromises the health of your surrounding teeth. If you experience extreme, persistent pain, it may be a sign that you have developed a tooth abscess. This must be treated right away because it can be potentially fatal if left untreated.
If you would like to learn more about tooth extractions in Thousand Oaks, CA, call our office today to request more information. You can reach us at (805) 497-7505, or you can fill out a contact form directly on our website and a member of our staff will reach out at your convenience.
