Senior man standing at home near windowIf your dentist recommends removing one of your teeth, you may not be looking forward to undergoing the procedure. This is an understandable feeling as you cannot regrow them and the goal of oral hygiene is to preserve their health and presence in your mouth! But when you learn it is time for an extraction, it is because there are no longer more conservative treatments available to save your problem tooth. This procedure can prevent the spread of a serious infection or remove the roots of a tooth that does not have enough healthy material for a restorative crown. Think of your removal procedure as simply the first step in the overall process towards regaining your full smile! After we extract your tooth, your Newport Beach, CA, dentist can help you plan a visit to install a dental implant or other prosthetic solution. What this means is that you will not have to live life with a permanent hole in your grin! Removing your injured tooth grants desirable relief and allows you to enjoy your bite once again!

Why We Remove Problem Teeth

Because we prioritize maintaining your healthy smile, we will only extract your tooth when it is necessary. If your tooth is severely decayed, it may not be able to be saved with a filling or crown and removal presents the best option for stopping the spread of decay. Similarly, if an infection of your pulp does not respond to root canal therapy, removal prevents bacteria from accessing your bloodstream and spreading throughout your jaw and other parts of your body. We also perform this procedure when physical trauma breaks a tooth too badly to repair in place.

Performing Your Tooth Removal

To begin, we will numb the general area to provide comfort throughout and prevent additional pain. Using special tools, we will loosen the tooth from its socket and apply force until it comes out. We then pack the socket with gauze to stop any bleeding and allow you to recover. We will give detailed instructions on caring for your extraction site over the coming weeks. To reduce swelling, apply an ice pack to your cheek. Consider taking over-the-counter pain pills and make sure to prioritize rest to maximize your recovery.

Restoring Your Missing Tooth

To return the function of your bite and restore your full smile, we can place a restoration after removing your tooth. Dental implants and bridges provide lifelike prosthetic recreation of your natural tooth. Talk to your dentist about which solution best serves your bite!

Talk To Your Newport Beach, CA, Dentist About Booking A Tooth Extraction

For more information on how we can safely remove your tooth and plan a restoration, contact Dr. Hofkes at Balboa Dental Surgery at (949) 630-0143 to schedule an appointment today.