Why You Might Need Tooth Extraction

Torrance, CA dentist Dr. Webber usually tries everything he can think of to preserve your teeth. However, there are some situations where extraction is the right course of action. The most common reasons for extraction are:

  • Infected tooth
  • Damaged tooth
  • Periodontal disease
  • Orthodontic treatment

An infected tooth is a dental emergency. It can be the source of a potentially deadly infection. Usually, we try to treat an infected tooth with root canal therapy. Sometimes, though, the tooth is too badly damaged to be restored. Other times, the infection is serious and needs to be treated quickly. Extracting the tooth quickly eliminates the source of infection and can help you recover.

If you are immune-compromised or are undergoing treatment that weakens your immune system, your doctor might recommend extracting a tooth that is at risk of future infection.

A tooth doesn’t have to be infected to be too badly damaged to save. If a tooth is badly broken, there might not be a good way to restore it. Then it’s best to extract the tooth and consider restorative dentistry options.

Periodontal or gum disease infects the bones and gums that support your teeth. When it’s bad, your tooth might be in danger of falling out. Sometimes we can stabilize the tooth as part of treatment. Other times, we might choose to extract the tooth to make treatment easier and more effective.

Finally, sometimes your mouth is too crowded for your teeth, and teeth need to be extracted to make room.

Sedation Dentistry Can Help

Thanks to modern dental anesthesia and other advances, a tooth extraction is not especially painful or difficult. However, many people who need an extraction worry about the procedure.

Sometimes this is because you have dental anxiety that contributed to an avoidance of care. Other times, it could be discomfort at sitting in a dental chair for long procedures. Whatever the cause of your worry, Torrance, CA dentist Dr. Webber wants to make sure you are as comfortable as possible. That’s why he makes his dental office a welcoming environment and offers sedation dentistry.

Tooth Extraction Procedure

During your consultation, Torrance, CA dentist Dr. Webber will talk to you about the condition of your teeth and your goals. He will perform a detailed exam and recommend imaging and tests necessary to determine the health of the tooth. Then he will clearly explain the results of your exam and imaging. Then you will discuss whether an extraction is the best course of action. You will also talk about your feelings and whether you will benefit from sedation dentistry.

At the time of the procedure, you will get anesthesia. Usually, this means local anesthesia injections. Once you are numb, Dr. Webber will loosen the tooth, then remove it.

In some cases, a tooth is too damaged or weak to be removed whole. Dr. Webber will then remove it in sections.

Dr. Webber will give you detailed care instructions to follow after your procedure to help you recover.

Do You Need Tooth Extraction in Torrance, CA?

If you know or suspect you need a tooth extracted, let Dr. Webber help. He works hard to make you feel comfortable for the procedure. To talk to Dr. Webber, please call (310) 534-3477 today for an appointment at Simply Smiles in Torrance, CA.