Restorative Dentistry · Panorama City, CA
Gentle Tooth Extraction in Panorama City, CA
When a tooth can't be saved, a gentle tooth extraction in Panorama City can relieve pain and protect your health. We remove both simple and impacted teeth, including wisdom teeth, with sedation options to keep you comfortable.
About extractions
What is a tooth extraction?
A tooth extraction removes a tooth that can't be saved. At our Panorama City office, a simple extraction lifts out a visible tooth with minimal force, while a surgical extraction reaches teeth below the gum or bone, like impacted wisdom teeth, sometimes removing them in sections.
Extractions may be needed for both baby teeth and permanent teeth. Preserving your natural teeth is always our goal, but sometimes removing a tooth is the healthiest choice.
Before recommending an extraction, we'll look at whether other options, such as root canal therapy or a crown, could save the tooth. If removal is the best path, we'll explain why and what comes next.
Most extractions are done with local anesthetic in a single visit. If you feel nervous, we offer sedation options, including oral conscious sedation, so you can feel calm and relaxed. Let us know about any health conditions or medications you take, since some can affect bleeding or healing.
When it's needed
When is a tooth extraction necessary?
Your dentist may recommend an extraction for:
- 01A tooth with severe decay or damage that can't be restored
- 02An infection that hasn't responded to other treatment
- 03Impacted or partly erupted wisdom teeth causing pain or crowding
- 04A tooth loosened by advanced gum disease
- 05A cracked tooth that has split below the gumline
- 06Baby teeth that haven't fallen out on their own
Removing a badly infected tooth can keep the infection from spreading. If a tooth could technically be saved but has a low chance of long-term success, your dentist may advise extraction as a preventive step.
Your comfort
What happens during a tooth extraction?
- 01
Exam and X-rays
We check the tooth and the bone around it, review your health history and explain the plan.
- 02
Numbing or sedation
We numb the area with local anesthetic. Sedation is optional; many patients prefer to stay awake. You may feel pressure, but you shouldn't feel pain.
- 03
Removing the tooth
Simple extractions are often quick. Surgical extractions may involve removing a little bone or sectioning the tooth.
- 04
Closing and aftercare
Some sites need stitches, many don't. You'll bite on gauze to control bleeding and go home with detailed aftercare instructions.
Healing
How long does it take to recover from a tooth extraction?
Most people feel better within a few days after a simple extraction, while surgical extractions can take about a week or two. Some swelling and tenderness are normal at first. Rest, take pain relievers as directed and follow your aftercare instructions to heal smoothly.
For the first day, avoid rinsing hard, spitting, drinking through a straw and smoking. These can loosen the blood clot that protects the socket and lead to a painful condition called dry socket.
Stick to soft foods for the first few days, and chew on the other side. After the first day, gentle warm salt-water rinses can help keep the area clean.
If pain or swelling gets worse instead of better, or you have a fever, call us at (818) 989-3074 for a follow-up visit.
Cost and coverage
How much does a tooth extraction cost?
The cost of a tooth extraction depends mostly on whether it's simple or surgical, plus any sedation or X-rays needed. Many dental insurance plans cover part of an extraction. We'll check your benefits and give you a clear estimate before your procedure.
We accept a wide range of dental insurance plans, cash, checks and all major credit cards. Financing is available through CareCredit, Cherry and Alphaeon, including monthly plans for patients with low credit scores. Visit our Patient Info page to learn more.
We're here to help
Get a gentle tooth extraction in Panorama City
Dr. Zack and Dr. Naziri perform extractions in our office and reserve time every day for emergencies. We're close to Arleta and Sun Valley, too. After you heal, we can talk about replacement options such as dental implants or a bridge.
In pain? Book an appointment or call (818) 989-3074.
Questions
Extraction questions
Does a tooth extraction hurt?
You shouldn't feel pain during the extraction because the area is fully numbed. You may feel pressure or movement. Afterward, some soreness is normal for a few days and is usually managed with over-the-counter or prescribed pain relievers. Sedation is available if you feel anxious.
How long does a tooth extraction take?
A simple extraction often takes just a few minutes once you're numb. Surgical extractions, such as impacted wisdom teeth, take longer. Plan for extra time at your appointment for numbing and aftercare instructions.
Should I replace an extracted tooth?
Usually, yes, unless it's a wisdom tooth. A gap can let neighboring teeth shift and make chewing harder, and the jawbone in that area can shrink over time. Implants, bridges and dentures are all options, and we'll help you choose what fits your needs and budget.
Do wisdom teeth always need to come out?
No. Wisdom teeth that grow in fully, are healthy and can be cleaned well may not need removal. We often recommend taking them out when they're impacted, causing pain or infection, damaging nearby teeth or are too hard to keep clean. X-rays help us decide.
What can I eat after a tooth extraction?
Stick to soft, cool or lukewarm foods for the first few days, such as yogurt, smoothies eaten with a spoon, mashed potatoes, eggs and soup that isn't too hot. Avoid crunchy, spicy and very hot foods, and don't use a straw. Slowly return to normal foods as you heal.
Can I drive after a tooth extraction?
If you only had local anesthetic, you can usually drive yourself home. If you chose sedation, you'll need someone to drive you and stay with you for a while. Plan to rest for the remainder of the day either way.
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