Tooth Extraction Downey CA

Without proper oral hygiene, bacteria can get stuck in between your gums, eventually leading to an infection. This infection, in turn, may result in pain, swelling, and bleeding. At an early stage, gum disease is called gingivitis, and is quite simple to treat. Treatment for it includes taking away the bacteria by conducting a thorough cleaning.

In order to help prevent the need for a tooth extraction, we strongly recommend a combination of good oral hygiene and routine dental checkups at Downey Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in our Downey office. By doing so, your gums will be healthier, and any gum disease can be treated by us before it spreads. Periodontal disease does not only affect the soft tissues in your mouth. It can attack the teeth directly as well.

Why a Patient May Need a Dental Extraction

A dental extraction may be necessary for a number of reasons:

Gum Disease

When gum disease is ignored and left unattended, it can grow into something much more severe. When this happens, your gums will begin to recede and deep pockets can form in the tissue of your gums, which are similar to small holes. These gaps can expose your tooth structure as far down as the roots. The area being exposed can be very sensitive to food and air, which can cause you pain. The situation can get even worse if the infection spreads from your gums to the bone structure, rendering the remainder of your jaw weak.

If you do not wish to develop an advanced level of periodontal disease (which can lead to your teeth falling out on their own), you should take care of your gum disease as soon as possible. However, if it does get to the point where your teeth start to just become loose or fall out, you should have them removed professionally. Many patients elect to do this at this stage, to help ensure that the extraction is clean, and the risk of infection is reduced.

All of this discomfort can be avoided with just some simple and proper hygiene habits and a visit to our office regularly. We advise brushing your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush, for two minutes per session, and following up with flossing at least once per day.

Decay, Tooth Damage, and Overcrowding

While gum disease is the most common reason for a patient to require a tooth extraction, there are a few other causes as well. Tooth decay that has damaged the tooth beyond repair, broken or fractured teeth that cannot be effectively restored, and crowded teeth that need to be removed for orthodontic treatment are among the reasons a patient may need to have a tooth extracted. Baby teeth that have not fallen out naturally but are preventing permanent teeth from erupting properly may also need to be removed.

Types of Dental Extractions

We use a couple different types of dental extractions at Downey Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. After the extraction is complete, we have a variety of dental restoration procedures available as well.

Simple Versus Surgical Extractions

A simple tooth extraction is a dental procedure in which a tooth is removed from its socket in the jawbone. This type of extraction is typically performed when the tooth can be easily accessed, grasped with dental instruments, and removed with minimal force or manipulation. Simple extractions are usually less complicated and less invasive compared to surgical extractions, which are necessary when a tooth is impacted, broken, or located in a way that requires more extensive procedures. Molar extractions and wisdom tooth extractions are examples of teeth that are commonly removed surgically.

Surgical Extraction

For surgical extractions, we use local and general anesthesia. Our dentist will make a small incision in your gum tissue and expose the tooth. We may need to remove the tooth in parts or remove additional bone tissue as well. Once the tooth is accessible, our dentist will use the same tools that they use in simple extractions to remove it. The dental extraction will be completed by using sutures and gauze.

Healing After an Extraction

Following your extraction we will tell you everything that you need to know for a speedy, comfortable recovery, but here are a few things you can do to prepare. Keep in mind that these suggestions are not hard and fast, and the instructions we give you may be different since every patient is uniquely different.

We recommend eating soft foods following your extraction. Crunchy and spicy foods can make eating difficult and can interfere with the healing of the extraction site. Stay away from smoking and straws too, and opt for low-impact exercise.

We will also likely prescribe antibiotics and suggest taking over-the-counter pain medication. Depending on the severity of your condition or your prior health history, we may ask you to come in for a follow-up appointment.

Dental tools used for a tooth extraction

Dental tools used for a tooth extraction

Dental Restoration Options

You will always have an option to leave the empty space on your gum rather than receiving an artificial tooth. However, you could face further loss of oral structure because of the empty gap that is left from the missing tooth. Dental restorations are necessary for complete function and appearance, as well as to prevent further tissue loss. Common types of restorations are dental implants, crowns, bridges, and dentures (full or partial). Crowns replace single teeth while bridges and dentures replace a row of missing teeth.

Dental Implant Materials

You will also have a choice of restoration material, such as metal, porcelain, or composite resin. These restorations could be attached to adjacent teeth using clips or dental cement. Dental implants are also an option to prevent your adjacent teeth from shifting and being affected. This will require at least one additional surgical procedure, but they are great for stability and visual appeal. These structures are hidden below the gum and will fuse with your natural soft tissues and bone tissue over a period of several months. Like other restorations, these can also be attached to artificial teeth with clips or cement.