A tooth extraction removes a tooth that is too damaged, infected or problematic to keep. At EverWhite in Brentwood, Los Angeles, extractions are done under local anesthetic, and Dr. Mansour Zakhor, DDS always checks first whether the tooth can be saved.
When a tooth needs to come out
- It’s too broken or decayed to repair
- There’s a severe infection that can’t be treated with a root canal
- It’s loose from advanced gum disease
- It’s a problem wisdom tooth
- It’s needed to make space for orthodontic treatment
Saving the tooth comes first
Your natural tooth is worth keeping when it can be saved. Before recommending an extraction, Dr. Zakhor looks at whether a root canal, crown or biomimetic restoration could keep it.
What to expect
The tooth and surrounding area are numbed with local anesthetic, then the tooth is gently loosened and removed. You’ll go home with written aftercare instructions.
Aftercare
- Bite on gauze for the first hour to help a clot form
- Avoid straws, smoking and spitting for the first few days
- Eat soft foods and chew on the other side
- Use cold compresses for swelling and rinse gently with salt water after 24 hours
Replacing the tooth
A gap can cause neighboring teeth to drift and your bite to change. Depending on where the tooth was, Dr. Zakhor may recommend a dental implant or a bridge.
Need a tooth out urgently?
Call (310) 208-0007 for a same-day emergency visit during office hours. After hours, call Zakhor Dental Group’s 24/7 line at (310) 208-0811. More about emergency care.
Visit EverWhite in Brentwood
EverWhite Smile Boutique is a full-service dental office at Brentwood Gardens, 11677 San Vicente Blvd, Suite 300, Los Angeles, CA 90049, close to Westwood, Santa Monica and the Pacific Palisades. We’re open Monday–Friday, 9am–6pm, and Saturday, 9am–2pm. Book online or call (310) 208-0007.