When Tooth Extraction Is the Best Course of Action

Deep decay, dental trauma, overcrowding, and painful impaction are common reasons for a recommended tooth extraction, or the uprooting and removal of a tooth from its socket in the jawbone. “Pulling a tooth” is a standard dental procedure that can be:

• Simple, removing a problematic tooth that has fully erupted 
• Surgical, removing a tooth that is mostly or entirely below the gumline

At Burbank Dental Studio in Burbank, California, Dr. Annie Aboulian only recommends a tooth extraction when it’s the best way to address a deeply problematic tooth and restore your oral health. Here’s what you should know. 

When tooth removal is the best solution

A tooth extraction is a common dental procedure to remove a problematic tooth. Although Dr. Annie prefers to preserve natural teeth whenever possible, there are times when a tooth is too damaged to be saved — or when its presence undermines your oral health in other ways.  

She may recommend a tooth extraction to treat or resolve: 

• Severe tooth decay
• Severe gum disease
• A fractured tooth 
• An impacted tooth 
• Overcrowded teeth 
• Severe dental trauma

Some teeth require extraction when deep decay or infection can no longer be resolved by a root canal. Others require removal when advanced gum disease has seriously damaged their supportive tissue structures, leaving them permanently loose in your mouth.  

Extractions may also be done to prevent or alleviate dental crowding. This includes:  

• Impacted wisdom teeth (third molars) that don’t have space to erupt
• Permanent (adult) teeth that cause overcrowding in a small jawbone
• Primary (baby) teeth that don’t loosen when their replacements erupt 

A tooth that has sustained severe trauma — such as a luxated tooth that has been significantly loosened in an accidental fall — may require extraction if the damage is so extensive it can’t heal or be repaired.   

Extraction methods: Simple vs. surgical 

The method Dr. Annie uses to extract a tooth depends on whether it has erupted (its entire crown is fully visible above the gumline), or it’s fully or partially impacted below the gums. 

Simple extraction steps

A simple extraction is the mechanical, nonsurgical removal of a tooth that has fully erupted. This approach is used to pull teeth that are too decayed or damaged to be saved as well as fully erupted teeth that are contributing to overcrowding.  

After numbing the treatment area, Dr. Annie uses an instrument called a dental elevator to gently rock or twist your tooth back and forth. This action helps loosen the ligament that is holding your tooth in place until she can easily pull it out with dental forceps. 

Surgical extraction steps

Surgical extraction removes a tooth that is below the gumline — either because it’s fully impacted (hasn’t yet erupted), or its crown has been broken off at the gumline. Impacted wisdom teeth are the most common reason for a surgical tooth extraction. 

Once you’re numb and/or sedated, Dr. Annie makes a small incision in your gums to expose the problematic tooth. She carefully removes any bone that blocks access to the root, breaking the tooth into smaller pieces that are easier to extract. 

She then cleans and disinfects the socket, and if necessary, closes it with stitches. 

Your comfort is our priority 

The average tooth extraction doesn’t require more than a local dental anesthetic to keep you comfortable and pain-free throughout the procedure. If your extraction is complex or you’re nervous about the procedure, however, you may benefit from additional sedation.

Dental sedation — including nitrous oxide (laughing gas), conscious sedation, and deeply relaxing IV anesthesia — can help ensure your extraction is stress-free.   

Tooth extraction aftercare and recovery 

After your extraction, Dr. Annie provides detailed care instructions to help you reduce the risk of infection, prevent complications, minimize discomfort, and maximize healing. You can expect to:

• Gently swish with mouthwash three times a day 
• Avoid brushing the extraction site as recommended
• Take your antibiotics or pain relievers as directed  
• Follow a soft-food diet as the extraction site heals
• Avoid strenuous activity for at least 48-72 hours

 To prevent a painful complication called dry socket, it’s also important to avoid anything that can damage, dislodge, or dissolve the healing blood clot that forms within the socket after an extraction. This includes smoking, drinking hot beverages, and using straws.   

Benefits of removing a problematic tooth

Removing a severely damaged, extensively decayed, or painfully impacted tooth protects your oral health in many ways. Tooth extraction benefits include:

• Putting an immediate end to any dental pain you may have
• Getting rid of a harmful bacteria source before it spreads further
• Protecting adjacent teeth and tissues; preserving your bite 
• Helping you avoid future dental infection, pain, and treatment

Simply put, a tooth extraction aims to give you the best chance at restoring optimal oral health. 

No matter why you need a tooth extraction, you’re in good hands with Dr. Annie and our team at Burbank Dental Studio in Burbank, California. Give us a call today, or use our easy online booking feature to request an appointment anytime.