Extractions

Dental extractions are sometimes necessary to help you achieve or maintain optimal dental health. At Walnut Woods Dental in Walnut Creek, California, Ashley Kim, DDS, performs painless dental extractions in a warm and compassionate manner. If you think you might benefit from an extraction, call the office to book a visit, or schedule online at your earliest convenience. 

When are extractions necessary?

There are a number of reasons you might need to have a tooth pulled, a treatment known as an extraction. Some of the factors that lead to tooth extractions include:

• Crowded teeth
• Upcoming orthodontic treatment
• A decayed tooth
• Severe gum disease
• A fractured tooth
• Tooth luxation

Teeth that are fully or partially trapped beneath your gum tissue may also need to be removed. This is common with wisdom teeth, the last set of molars in the very back of your jaw. 

What happens during dental extractions?

Dr. Kim administers an injection of numbing medication to eliminate any pain during your procedure. Once you’re numb, she uses a dental device called an elevator to gently move your tooth in a back-and-forth rocking motion. This weakens the connection between tooth and bone. 

A device called forceps allows her to grasp the tooth and remove it from the socket. In some cases, breaking the tooth into smaller pieces makes it easier to remove. But remember, you won’t feel a thing during the extraction process. 

Impacted teeth may need to be accessed using a small incision in your gum tissue. Dr. Kim determines if sutures are needed to close your gums after the tooth removal. 

What is the recovery process like after dental extractions?

Dr. Kim uses gauze to cover the extraction site and control bleeding in the hours after your extraction. She also provides detailed guidance on how to care for the extraction site. Adhering to these guidelines is the best way to heal as quickly as possible. 

Be sure to brush your teeth gently for a few days, taking care to avoid the extraction site. If you’re given medications, take them as prescribed. Choosing soft foods for a few days may also be helpful. 

Avoid smoking or drinking through straws after your extraction. Any form of suction in your mouth can dislodge the small blood clot in the empty socket, which plays an essential role in the healing process. It doesn’t take long for your gums to heal after a tooth extraction. 

For more information, call the office to schedule a visit, or book an appointment online in just a few clicks.