Tooth Extraction

Keeping your smile at full strength is always a priority. But sometimes, some teeth might need to go to preserve your oral health and overall smile. We perform tooth extraction and wisdom teeth removal in Glendora with precise, pain-free techniques that can alleviate symptoms and keep you healthy.

What Is Tooth Extraction?

In short, tooth extraction involves removing a tooth. Of course, we only recommend this when other options will not help. The entire process is painless and surprisingly quick, and you have plenty of tooth replacement options afterward, should you need them.

When Would I Need an Extraction?

We only recommend extraction when keeping a tooth in could lead to greater issues. Usually, patients need tooth extraction when a tooth is severely damaged, either due to decay or an injury. But a surprising number of situations might call for an extraction, including:

Reducing crowding or preparing for orthodontic treatment
Removing a severely misaligned tooth
Removing a remaining tooth or two to prepare for dentures
Removing an infected tooth that a root canal cannot save

When Would I Need Wisdom Teeth Removal?

Wisdom teeth removal is a unique type of tooth extraction that many patients require. Your wisdom teeth, or final set of molars, may start to grow in during adolescence. However, many people do not have enough room in their jaw for these teeth. In these cases, the teeth can start causing a range of issues, including:

Impacted teeth (malposition beneath the gum line)
Wisdom teeth growing in at odd angles
Teeth crowding and misalignment
Discomfort and risk for infection

Usually, dentists will track a child’s development and make recommendations before wisdom teeth become a problem. But if you or your teen is having issues with their wisdom teeth, we recommend visiting us for an exam and consultation.

Benefits of a Tooth Extraction

Improved comfort
Alleviated symptoms (pain, soreness)
Less crowding
Preserving oral health

Tooth Extraction Overview

Though extraction counts as surgery, the process is quick, painless, and requires minimal recovery.

Anesthetic: Most simple extractions require only local anesthetic. For more complex extractions or for some wisdom teeth removal cases, patients may receive sedation.
Removing the Tooth: Your surgeon will carefully cut the tooth free from the gum. They take care to minimize any damage to the gum. In some cases, we may need to break the tooth into smaller pieces to remove it more efficiently and safely.
Sutures: Simple extractions may not even require stitches. When sutures are required, we use a type that will eventually come out on its own.
Wrapping Up: If you had sedation, you can rest for a time at the office until ready to go home. However, you will need someone to drive you. For simple extractions with local anesthetic, you can return home immediately and even drive yourself.

Tooth Extraction FAQs

Is tooth extraction painful?

Not at all! Many patients report their surprise at how quick and pain-free the extraction process is. After the anesthesia wears off, you can feel some pain for a few days. Patients can manage this with either prescribed medication or OTC pain relievers as needed.

How long is the recovery for tooth extraction?

The gums heal very quickly. However, even simple extractions can take a few days to heal. Some patients can be back to work within 2 days, but the full recovery can take up to 2 weeks, depending on individual factors.

How long is the recovery for wisdom teeth removal?

Milder cases may require only about 3 to 5 days off from school or work for recovery. By this time, most of the swelling should resolve, and you should feel minimal discomfort. However, the full recovery time can take up to 2 weeks.

What should I do after my extraction?

Keep the site clean (salt water rinse or anti-microbial rinse as instructed).
Use ice packs (outside the mouth) to help with swelling.
Avoid using straws or creating suction in your mouth (e.g., forceful spitting)
Avoid strenuous activity
Restrict your diet to soft foods

What are alternative treatments?

When wisdom teeth need removal, the only viable solution is to remove them. Otherwise, they can continue to cause increasing issues. However, for extractions, we only use them as a last resort. We always explore other restorative options before suggesting full tooth removal. In some cases, we can save the tooth with a root canal. Or we could clear away decay and cover the tooth with a crown. Sometimes, though, removing a tooth proves the best way to preserve your overall oral health.

Schedule Your Appointment

Fill out our appointment form to book a visit and see what we can do for your smile, including pain-free wisdom teeth removal. In emergency cases, you can directly call our office for same-day tooth extraction in Glendora.