A dental extraction is the removal of a tooth from the mouth.

The most common reasons for tooth extractions are:

• Severe tooth decay or infection that has destroyed enough of the tooth structure to render the tooth non-restorable
• Impacted or problematic wisdom teeth
• Severe gum disease which may affect the supporting tissues and bone structures of teeth
• To make room for adjacent teeth and for proper teeth alignment during orthodontic treatment
• Fractured teeth

At our Beverly Hills dental office, we do everything we can to ensure that your tooth removal process is painless, quick, and anxiety-free.

Post Extraction Healing

In most cases, the recovery period lasts only a few days. The following tips will help speed up the recovery process and make you feel more comfortable after the procedure:

• Do not rinse your mouth vigorously for the first 24 hours after the procedure
• Proceed with gentle rinsing several times a day with warm salt water to reduce swelling and relieve pain
• Avoid drinking through a straw for 24 hours
• Take it easy after the procedure because physical activity may increase bleeding
• Avoid smoking
• Follow a liquid/soft food diet, which may include gelatin, yogurt, pudding, applesauce, or soup, and gradually add solid food into your diet as healing progresses
• Avoid rubbing/touching the area with your tongue
• Take pain medications as prescribed by Dr. Keselbrener
• Continue to carefully brush your teeth and tongue

After the damaged tooth has been extracted, it is always best to replace the gap with a dental implant or dental bridge work. This will allow you to:

• Restore your chewing and speaking ability
• Prevent remaining teeth from shifting out of their normal position
• Maintain your facial structure and prevent a wrinkled, sunken facial appearance associated with missing teeth
• Maintain proper alignment of your teeth and bite
• Help prevent bone loss and gum disease
• Enjoy a healthier and happier life style by providing comfort and enhancing the appearance of your smile

So if you have any discomfort, a cavity or old filling, or if your tooth is loose or broken, do not postpone your dental visit. Contact our office to schedule an appointment with Dr. Michael Keselbrener for a dental check-up today. Remember that many dental conditions can be successfully treated before they grow into a serious problem.