When a tooth is badly damaged, deeply infected, or causing crowding and pain, tooth extractions can be the healthiest next step. While nobody plans on having a tooth removed, the right practice makes the experience surprisingly smooth. At Connect Periodontics and Implant Dentistry in Brentwood, Los Angeles, Dr. Josh Shayefar performs gentle, precise tooth extractions with your comfort, safety, and long-term health in mind. Because every smile and situation is different, we explain options clearly, reduce anxiety with modern techniques, and help you heal quickly—so you can get back to life without lingering tooth pain.

What Are Tooth Extractions—and Why Are They Sometimes Necessary?

Simply put, tooth extractions involve removing a tooth from its socket in the jawbone. Although saving a natural tooth is usually the goal, there are times when tooth extractions protect your overall oral health. For example, a tooth may be fractured below the gumline, decayed beyond restoration, or loosened by advanced gum disease. Additionally, impacted wisdom teeth or severe crowding can call for planned tooth extractions to prevent future complications. Because our focus includes both periodontal health and implants, we evaluate the big-picture impact of each tooth on your bite, gums, and bone—then recommend the safest path forward.

Common Reasons Patients Need Tooth Extractions

• Severe decay or infection: When bacteria reach the pulp and a root canal isn’t predictable, tooth extractions can stop pain and prevent spread.
• Cracks and fractures: Vertical or root-level fractures often can’t be repaired, so tooth extractions avoid recurring infections.
• Periodontal disease: In advanced cases, mobile teeth may require tooth extractions to stabilize gum health.
• Impacted or problematic wisdom teeth: Crowding, pain, or cyst formation frequently lead to wisdom tooth extractions.
• Orthodontic planning: Strategic tooth extractions may create space for alignment in complex cases.

Because timing matters, we encourage patients with persistent pain, swelling, or recurring infections to schedule an evaluation before problems escalate. Early, planned tooth extractions often mean easier treatment and faster recovery.

Simple vs. Surgical: Types of Tooth Extractions

Not all tooth extractions are the same. Therefore, we match the approach to your anatomy and needs:

• Simple extraction: For a tooth that’s fully erupted and accessible, we gently loosen it and remove it intact. These tooth extractions are typically quick and straightforward.
• Surgical extraction: If a tooth is broken at the gumline, impacted, or anchored by dense bone, a small incision and precise sectioning may be used. Surgical tooth extractions are common for wisdom teeth and complex roots.

In both scenarios, we prioritize comfort and clarity. We review X-rays, explain each step, and provide written aftercare, because informed patients recover more smoothly after tooth extractions.

Comfort First: Sedation and Pain Control Options

Dental anxiety is real, and we take it seriously. Consequently, we offer local anesthesia for profound numbness and, when appropriate, sedation options to keep you relaxed throughout tooth extractions. From nitrous oxide to oral or IV sedation, we tailor the level of relaxation to your health history and the complexity of care. Meanwhile, our team monitors you closely to ensure that comfort and safety stay front and center.

Step-by-Step: What to Expect During Your Visit

1. Personalized consultation: We review your symptoms, medical history, and imaging. Then we discuss whether tooth extractions are the best next step and outline any alternatives.
2. Numbing and sedation: Local anesthesia fully numbs the area. If chosen, sedation begins and your comfort is monitored continuously during tooth extractions.
3. Gentle removal: We use precise instruments to minimize trauma to surrounding bone and tissue. Even with surgical tooth extractions, our goal is a clean, efficient procedure.
4. Site protection: Gauze, sutures, and—when appropriate—bone grafting help preserve the socket for future restoration after tooth extractions.
5. Aftercare guidance: You’ll leave with clear, written instructions and a direct contact for questions as you heal from tooth extractions.

Aftercare: Healing Well After Tooth Extractions

Thoughtful aftercare makes a big difference. Therefore, we recommend the following to support recovery after tooth extractions:

• Maintain gentle pressure on the gauze as instructed to control initial bleeding.
• Use cold compresses in the first 24 hours to manage swelling after tooth extractions.
• Stick with soft, cool foods at first; then progress as comfort allows.
• Avoid straws, smoking, and vigorous rinsing for several days; these can disrupt clotting after tooth extractions.
• Take prescribed or recommended medications as directed, and call us if pain worsens rather than improves.

Because every patient heals differently, we schedule follow-up when needed and remain available for quick questions as you recover from tooth extractions. Most people resume light activities within a day or two, though surgical cases may require a bit more rest.

Preventing Complications: Our Proactive Approach

Although complications are uncommon, we plan ahead. Consequently, we identify risk factors—such as sinus proximity, complex root shapes, or systemic health issues—before tooth extractions. In selected cases, we place a small bone graft to support volume and reduce ridge collapse. Because smart planning pays off, this proactive strategy shortens downtime and sets up the site for predictable future restoration.

After Tooth Extractions: Tooth Replacement Options

Once a problem tooth is gone, the next step is restoring function and appearance. As a periodontics and implant practice, we map a long-term plan from day one. Popular options after tooth extractions include:

• Dental implants: A titanium or zirconia root replacement that supports a custom crown; this gold-standard option preserves bone and feels like a natural tooth after tooth extractions.
• Implant bridges: Ideal when several teeth are missing; fewer implants can support multiple teeth for a seamless result after tooth extractions.
• Conventional bridges or partials: Budget-friendly restorations that close gaps after tooth extractions; we’ll explain pros and cons in your case.

Because your goals, timeline, and budget matter, we’ll compare choices transparently and recommend a phased plan if that suits you best after tooth extractions.

FAQs About Tooth Extractions

Will I feel pain during the procedure?

With effective anesthesia and, when helpful, sedation, most patients feel only pressure during tooth extractions. Mild soreness afterward is common but manageable.

How long is recovery?

Simple tooth extractions often need just a couple of easy days; surgical cases may take a bit longer. Nevertheless, most patients return to normal routines quickly.

What about dry socket?

Dry socket occurs when the blood clot dislodges prematurely. Therefore, avoid straws and smoking, follow your instructions closely, and call us if pain spikes several days after tooth extractions.

Can I replace the tooth immediately?

Sometimes, yes. In select cases, immediate implant placement is possible following tooth extractions. However, if infection or bone loss is present, staged healing often yields the best long-term result.

Why Choose Connect Periodontics and Implant Dentistry?

• Specialized expertise: Surgical skill and periodontal insight lead to efficient, comfortable tooth extractions.
• Comfort options: Sedation and modern anesthesia minimize stress during tooth extractions.
• Future-focused planning: We preserve bone and guide you to a stable, beautiful restoration after tooth extractions.
• Clear communication: You’ll know what to expect at every step, from consultation to follow-up after tooth extractions.

Ready to Feel Better? Start with a No-Pressure Consultation

If you’re dealing with pain, swelling, or a broken tooth, relief is closer than you think. Explore our tooth extractions page for more details, then connect with our team. Because the sooner we evaluate your options, the sooner we can restore comfort and prevent bigger problems.

Request an appointment and let us guide you step by step. We’ll answer questions, outline costs and timing, and personalize your plan for the best possible outcome after tooth extractions.

Contact & Location

Practice Name: Connect Periodontics and Implant Dentistry
Doctor’s Name: Dr. Josh Shayefar
Address: 11600 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 308, Los Angeles, CA 90025
Phone: (310) 473-8770

With precise planning, gentle technique, and a clear path to restoration, tooth extractions can be a turning point toward better oral health—and a more confident smile.