Hearing that you need a tooth removed can feel stressful. At Connect Periodontics and Implant Dentistry in Brentwood, Los Angeles, our team focuses on gentle techniques and clear guidance so your extraction and recovery are straightforward. Whether a tooth is too damaged to repair, wisdom teeth are causing problems, or infection threatens your health, we make the process as smooth and comfortable as possible. This guide explains when an extraction is needed, what the procedure involves, how to heal quickly, and the replacement solutions that restore your smile afterward.
When is an extraction necessary?
We recommend removing a tooth only when no other option can reliably save it. Situations that may call for extraction include:
- Severe decay that extends below the gumline
- Advanced periodontal disease loosening the tooth
- Broken or fractured tooth that cannot be rebuilt with a crown
- Infected tooth not responsive to root canal therapy
- Wisdom teeth that are impacted, painful, or crowding other teeth
- Preparing the mouth for orthodontics or full-arch implant treatment
Before recommending removal, we evaluate imaging, discuss restorative options, and explain why extraction is the most predictable step.
The extraction process
Extractions can be simple or surgical depending on the tooth’s condition. Here’s what to expect:
- Comfort first: Local anesthetic ensures the tooth and surrounding tissues are fully numb. For anxious patients, we provide sleep dentistry options.
- Loosening and removal: For simple cases, gentle instruments loosen the tooth before it is lifted out. For surgical cases—such as impacted wisdom teeth—small incisions or sectioning may be needed.
- Socket care: The area is cleaned and, if needed, bone graft material is placed to preserve the ridge for future implants.
- Closure: Dissolvable stitches may be placed to guide healing.
Most extractions take only a short visit, and patients often say the anticipation is worse than the procedure itself.
Recovery timeline and aftercare
Healing is typically straightforward when you follow post-op instructions carefully:
- First 24 hours: Bite on gauze to control bleeding, rest with your head elevated, and use cold compresses in 20-minute intervals to reduce swelling.
- Days 2–3: Switch to gentle saltwater rinses after meals. Stick to soft foods like yogurt, scrambled eggs, and pasta. Avoid straws, smoking, and alcohol.
- Days 4–7: Soreness improves, and you can slowly expand your diet to include tender proteins and cooked vegetables.
- 1–2 weeks: Gum tissue closes over the socket. Sutures dissolve, and normal activity levels resume.
Avoiding dry socket
Dry socket happens when the blood clot protecting the bone is dislodged. It typically appears with sharp pain 3–5 days after extraction and a bad taste or odor. To prevent this complication:
- Avoid using straws for at least a week
- Skip smoking or vaping during recovery
- Do not poke the socket with your tongue or fingers
- Follow rinsing and cleaning instructions exactly as provided
If you suspect dry socket, call us right away—we can place a soothing dressing and provide relief quickly.
When to call the office
- Bleeding that does not slow with firm gauze pressure
- Increasing pain after the third day instead of improvement
- Swelling that worsens instead of decreases
- Fever, foul taste, or difficulty opening your mouth
Prompt follow-up ensures healing stays on track.
Replacement options after extraction
If a permanent tooth is removed, restoring the gap prevents shifting, bite changes, and bone loss. Replacement solutions include:
- Dental implants – Replace the root and crown, preserve bone, and function like natural teeth.
- Fixed bridges – A prosthetic tooth anchored to crowns on neighboring teeth.
- Partial dentures – Removable appliances that restore multiple missing teeth at once.
We often place bone graft material during extraction to preserve ridge volume and make future implant placement simpler.
Frequently asked questions
Does extraction hurt?
Local anesthesia numbs the tooth fully. You may feel pressure but not pain. Mild soreness afterward is normal and managed with over-the-counter medication. Sedation is available if you want a calmer experience.
How long will I be out of work?
Most patients return to non-strenuous activities within a day or two. Plan to avoid heavy lifting, intense exercise, and contact sports for about a week.
Will I always need a replacement?
Wisdom teeth and some very back molars may not require replacement. For visible or functional teeth, replacement is highly recommended to protect bite balance and jaw health.
Benefits at a glance
- Gentle, precise approach with sedation available
- Clear instructions and support for smooth recovery
- Options for replacement that look natural and protect your health
- Team specialized in extractions, implants, and periodontal care