Safe and Painless Tooth Extraction
The thought of having a tooth pulled can cause anxiety and apprehension. However, sometimes removing a tooth is the best course of action for your oral health. Our experienced dentist, Dr. Sam A. Lavi, will ensure your procedure is as painless and stress-free as possible.
We offer various kinds of tooth extraction to help resolve dental health problems. Read our guide to extraction to learn how we can help patients in Studio City, Los Angeles County, and surrounding Southern California areas receive the care they need.
Reasons for Tooth Extractions
Tooth extractions are sometimes necessary to prevent further complications and restore your oral health. There are several reasons why our Southern California dentist may want to extract teeth as part of your personalized treatment plan, such as:
- Overcrowded teeth
- Infected teeth
- Irreparably damaged teeth
- Severely decayed teeth
- Impacted teeth
- Teeth affected by gum disease
While the thought of undergoing a tooth extraction may be painful, the result will help reduce pain over time and resolve the underlying issue. If you’re experiencing any of the above dental problems, don’t wait to schedule an appointment with Dr. Lavi. He’ll evaluate your oral health and determine the best course of action to alleviate your painful symptoms and prevent further complications.
Types of Tooth Extractions
At the dental practice of Dr. Lavi, we offer various types of tooth extractions for your convenience. We also provide emergency tooth extractions in Los Angeles and Studio City for when you need expert care right away.
Simple Extractions
Simple extractions, also known as general extractions, are the most common tooth removal method. Dr. Lavi will elect for a simple extraction procedure for teeth that have emerged from the gums.
Our dentist will administer a local anesthetic before gently removing the targeted tooth. Because the tooth has breached the gum line, it won’t require incisions. After removing the tooth, Dr. Lavi will apply gauze and stitches if necessary to begin the healing process. Patients typically heal from this extraction method after 48 to 72 hours.
Surgical Extractions
Surgical extractions are more complex than simple extractions, as they’re for impacted teeth that haven’t breached the gum line. After administering a local anesthetic, Dr. Lavi will make a small incision to access and remove the targeted tooth. He’ll then apply gauze and stitches to promote proper healing, which typically takes 72 hours.
Wisdom Tooth Extractions
Millions of people each year have one or more wisdom teeth removed due to overcrowding, pain or an infection, and impaction. Also known as your third set of molars, wisdom teeth often present painful symptoms or complications when they grow in, as there’s no room for them to emerge. Dentists recommend removing your wisdom teeth in your late teens or early twenties.
Wisdom teeth extraction can be either a simple or surgical procedure depending on the severity of your case. However, some patients may not need to have them removed. Dr. Lavi will determine the best course of action at your initial consultation.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
We want to ensure you have a swift recovery with an excellent outcome. In addition to any recommendations given by Dr. Lavi, you’ll want to follow a few guidelines for the best results. Our dentists recommend that you:
- Avoid exercise for the first 48 hours after the procedure
- Refrain from smoking or drinking from a straw for three days
- Avoid rinsing your mouth for 24 hours
- Consume only soft foods and liquids for 24 hours
- Apply ice on any swollen areas of your face for 15 to 20 minutes every hour or as directed
- Sleep with your head elevated to decrease swelling
- Avoid alcohol for the first 24 hours
After the procedure, it typically takes six to eight weeks for the extraction site to heal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Following a tooth extraction, it’s best to avoid crunchy, chewy, or tough foods for at least 24 hours. Some soft and liquid-based foods you can eat:
- Scrambled eggs
- Soups
- Juices and smoothies
- Yogurt and pudding
- Applesauce
- Blended soups and broth
- Mashed potatoes
The cost of your tooth extraction procedure depends on several factors, such as how many teeth need removal. Dr. Lavi will provide you with a cost estimate at your initial consultation. We recommend contacting your dental insurance provider beforehand to learn what coverage your plan offers.
We also suggest learning more about CareCredit, a third-party financing company that offers low and no-interest plans to fit your budget. Applying online is quick and easy, and patients may qualify for financial aid regardless of their dental insurance statuses.
Pain from tooth extraction is virtually nonexistent. Dr. Lavi will administer a local anesthetic before removing your tooth to ensure you don’t feel any pain. It’s normal to experience mild discomfort after extraction, but any pain should fade within a few days. In the meantime, you can use cold compresses and over-the-counter pain medications to alleviate your soreness.
Tooth extraction healing time depends on factors like oral health and the type of extraction you underwent. However, if you’re still experiencing painful symptoms after a few days, it may be a sign of a complication. If this is the case, contact our office immediately so Dr. Lavi can assess your situation at your appointment.
