Relieve Your Tooth Pain With Extraction
When a tooth is damaged or beyond the point of repair, it may need to be removed to prevent future complications. At Southern Cal Smiles, Dr. Susan Fredericks is one of the best dentists in Woodland Hills, CA, for tooth extractions of all types. Our dental team will take the utmost care in planning and performing your tooth removal procedure.
We proudly serve the Hidden Hills, West Hills, and surrounding San Fernando Valley areas with gentle tooth extractions. Learn more about the procedure and how our dentist can make the process a breeze.
When Is Tooth Extraction Necessary?
While no one wants to hear they need a tooth removed, it’s sometimes the best decision for preserving your oral health. Your dentist in Woodland Hills will only recommend extraction for patients struggling with teeth that are:
- Overcrowded
- Trapped beneath the gum line (impacted)
- Damaged beyond repair
- Severely decayed or infected
Types of Tooth Extraction
At Southern Cal Smiles, we offer various types of extraction procedures, each performed with local anesthesia and your preference for dental sedation. These procedures include:
- Simple Extraction: This procedure is performed on teeth that have emerged from the gum line, and are either overcrowded, infected, or damaged. This form of removal doesn’t require any surgical methods.
- Surgical Extraction: Our dentist may opt to surgically remove an impacted tooth that’s trapped below the gum line. This procedure requires incisions to access and safely extract the targeted tooth.
- Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Similar to a surgical extraction, removing a wisdom tooth usually requires an incision. Dr. Fredericks will gently access and remove the third set of molars, which is recommended for patients in their late teens and early twenties.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
After your tooth removal, Dr. Fredericks will provide a list of post-operative instructions for you to follow for at least 24 hours. These instructions may include:
- Avoiding vigorous physical activity
- Avoiding using a straw
- Avoiding tobacco and alcohol
- Avoiding chewing on the surgical site
- Following a soft food or liquid diet
- Taking pain medications as prescribed
- Icing the area in 10-minute intervals with a cold compress
Insurance Coverage
If the extraction is done for medical purposes, a portion of the cost is usually covered by dental insurance. The coverage may vary based on the type of extraction, so our office will confirm your benefits and out-of-pocket cost. We also offer financing plans and accept several payment options to make your procedure more affordable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Extracting a tooth is quick and painless. Your dentist will administer a local anesthetic beforehand to ensure you don’t feel a thing during the procedure. If you struggle with dental anxiety, ask your dentist if they offer dental sedation.
It’s normal to experience mild discomfort once the numbness subsides, but any pain will fade within a few days and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
The length of your tooth extraction procedure depends on factors like how many teeth need removal and which method best suits your needs. Typically, simple extraction takes around 20 and 40 minutes, while surgical and wisdom tooth extractions can last about 45 minutes. Ask your dentist for an estimated treatment timeline at your initial appointment.
After tooth extraction, avoid foods that may harm or irritate the surgical site, such as crunchy, hot, or chewy foods. Some foods that are safe to eat in the 24 hours after having a tooth removed include:
- Soups and broths
- Mashed vegetables
- Scrambled eggs
- Yogurt and Jell-O
- Smoothies and purees
- Protein shakes
While it’s possible to return to work after tooth removal, it isn’t recommended. Dentists advise patients to take at least one day off to heal from tooth extraction to ensure a successful recovery. After a simple extraction, it’s best to allow 48 to 72 hours for the surgical site to recover. Wisdom and surgical extractions should have recovery periods of at least 72 hours.