Key Takeaways
- Extraction is the last resort: Dentists at Clove Dental Sherman Oaks try to save teeth first, but extraction becomes necessary for issues like deep cavities, gum disease, broken teeth, or crowded wisdom teeth.
- The procedure is painless: With modern anesthesia (and sedation if needed), patients feel pressure but no sharp pain. Simple extractions are quick, while surgical ones (like impacted wisdom teeth) take longer.
- Recovery is manageable: Most patients feel a little sore, but they can make it better with medicine from the store and ice packs. They start to feel better in a few days.
- Proper aftercare is crucial: Rest and don’t use straws or smoke. Eat soft foods and rinse your mouth with salt water.
Nobody loves the idea of getting a tooth pulled. Let’s be honest, it sounds worse than it usually is. But sometimes it’s the healthiest choice you can make for your smile. Around Sherman Oaks, we see patients every week who need a tooth extraction for one reason or another. And most walk out saying, “That wasn’t nearly as bad as I thought.”
This post is here to cut through the nerves and give you the basics: why extractions happen, what the procedure feels like, how to take care of yourself afterward, and what comes next.
Why Teeth Sometimes Need To Go
Not every bad tooth has to be pulled. But a few situations make tooth extraction the smart move:
- A deep cavity that’s gone past saving
- Gum disease that loosened the tooth
- Wisdom teeth crowding or getting stuck
- A tooth broken under the gumline
- Making space before braces or Invisalign
At Clove Dental Sherman Oaks, we always try to save teeth when possible. Fillings, crowns, root canals, we go there first. Extraction is usually the last call. But it’s sometimes the safest call.
The Actual Procedure
Patients usually ask: “Will it hurt?”
The short answer: no, not during the procedure. We numb the area completely. You’ll feel pressure but not sharp pain. If you’re anxious, sedation can make the whole thing calmer; you’ll basically snooze through it.
A simple tooth extraction is quick, maybe ten minutes. For surgical cases like impacted wisdom teeth, it takes longer because we may need to open the gum a bit. Either way, it’s steady, careful, and over before you know it.
What To Expect After
Okay, so what about the pain after?
Most patients describe it as soreness, not agony. Over-the-counter pain meds (ibuprofen, Tylenol) usually keep things under control. Sometimes we prescribe something stronger, but it’s not always necessary. A cold pack on the cheek works wonders for swelling.
The first day or two are the trickiest. By day three, most patients in Sherman Oaks tell us they feel almost back to normal.
Healing The Right Way
Here’s where it’s easy to mess up recovery. That blood clot in the socket is your friend; lose it, and you risk dry socket. To avoid problems:
- Rest the first day. No gym, no heavy lifting.
- Don’t sip through straws. Don’t smoke either.
- Stick to soft foods like soup, smoothies, or mashed potatoes.
- Salt water rinses starting the next day, keep the area clean.
Within a week, the gum tissue usually looks much better. Full healing takes longer, but you won’t feel it.
Do You Always Have To Extract?
Not always. Root canals, crowns, or gum treatments sometimes save a tooth that looks doomed. But sometimes keeping it does more harm than good. Infection, spreading decay, or bone loss is worse than losing one tooth.
The good news? If a tooth does need to come out, modern dentistry has solid solutions to replace it.
What Happens After A Tooth Is Gone
Leaving a gap isn’t always ideal. Teeth shift, bites change, and chewing gets harder. That’s why we usually talk about replacement early. Options include:
- Dental implants look and feel like a natural tooth
- Bridges, fill the gap using neighboring teeth
- Dentures, best when several teeth are missing
At Clove Dental Sherman Oaks, we lay out the pros, cons, and costs before you decide. No one-size-fits-all here.
Clearing Up The Myths
People around Sherman Oaks sometimes walk in with old-school fears. Let’s tackle a few:
- “It’s going to be super painful.” → Modern anesthesia makes the procedure itself painless.
- “I’ll be stuck in bed for weeks.” → Most patients are back to work the next day.
- “I’ll need dentures right away.” → Not true. Replacement depends on the case, and many choose implants instead.
The stories your grandparents told don’t match up with modern dentistry.
Why Patients Choose Us
Honestly, any dentist can pull a tooth. What makes the experience different is how you’re cared for before, during, and after. At our office, we talk through every step, check in during healing, and make sure patients know their next options.
We take out teeth, like wisdom teeth and harder ones. We want to keep you comfortable and make sure you understand everything.
Final Word
Getting a tooth pulled might sound scary, but it doesn’t have to be. It can be quick, healing is not too hard, and it can help you feel better.
At Clove Dental Sherman Oaks, we have helped many people, and most say it wasn’t that bad. If your dentist says you need an extraction, don’t worry. Just ask questions and know there’s a plan to help you.
