Tooth Extraction

It is always optimal to keep your natural teeth, but sometimes it becomes necessary to extract a tooth.

This can be due to a severe infection, damage or trauma and the tooth is beyond saving. In these cases, Dr. Chow will extract the tooth painlessly. There is no need to worry about this procedure: patients report it is painless, and Dr. Chow's gentle and sure techniques make it an easy process.

Tooth Extraction Specialist

In cases where the teeth are misaligned, it may be necessary to extract one or more teeth to ensure orthodontic treatment is successful. Making room for the teeth to move into alignment is necessary when the arch is narrow, causing some of the teeth to rotate or move out of alignment due to crowding. As the majority of these patients are children, Dr. Chow explains the procedure to them and does nothing sudden or surprising. His calm cheerful attitude instills confidence in his patients, particularly the younger ones.

Full Dental Restoration Extractions

Extracting targeted teeth as part of a full dental restoration plan is necessary when using the All-on-4® dental implant method or when the full arch (upper or lower) is so damaged that leaving one or two natural teeth would produce an undesirable cosmetic effect. In these cases patients are able to ultimately enjoy a return to carefree dining and socializing, free of the burden of dentures or the embarrassment of cracked, stained teeth.

Dispelling Fear Of Tooth Extraction

At ModelSmile Dentistry in Thousand Oaks, Dr. Chow routinely performs gentle tooth extraction to relieve pain, treat abscessed teeth and to prepare for other restorative work. His gentle calm manner sets the tone of the procedure which most patients are delighted to find is painless and fast.

The procedure is done after the tooth is completely numbed and the patient is prepared for the slight pressure that signals the offending tooth is out. Recovery is usually a matter of keeping the tooth socket free of food and debris and following simple instructions such as not drinking hot liquids, not using a straw and not brushing the area for a few days.

A protective blood clot forms in the socket of any tooth removed. The purpose is to protect the area from bacteria and to provide a buffer against saliva and other substances until it is healed. Leaving the clot in place by following the post extraction instructions is simple and within a few days dental hygiene can return to normal.

Replacing An Extracted Tooth

It is best, in most cases, to replace an extracted tooth with a bridge or an implant. If the empty socket is not filled, then the surrounding teeth can become loose and shift position, and the bone that held the tooth could deteriorate.

Dr. Chow will go over with you exactly what to expect and what your best options are for replacing the tooth. You can rest assured that even though you may lose a tooth, we will make sure the final result will have you showing off a beautiful smile once again.

Wisdom Teeth

Extracting wisdom teeth before they cause problems is becoming commonplace. These last permanent teeth, the third set of molars, usually appear in the late teens or early twenties. Occasionally the wisdom teeth never develop and in other cases the wisdom teeth only partially erupt. Impacted wisdom teeth are painful and can be very difficult to extract when growing at an angle or if they have become infected. They are unnecessary for chewing and if they do erupt, they are prone to decay. It is very difficult to properly clean at the very back of the mouth when the teeth are crowded together. For these reasons many young adults opt to proactively have these teeth removed before they erupt or cause problems.

Procedure For Removing Wisdom Teeth

Patients will be given sedation anesthesia to ensure a comfortable non traumatic experience. Sedation anesthesia relaxes the patient to the degree that the procedure is not well remembered and is pain free. In addition, local anesthesia is applied to each area. The procedure takes between one to two hours.

During surgery an incision is made in the gum line to allow access to the tooth. The tooth is extracted usually in sections which makes it easier to remove. The site is then cleaned and stitches are placed in the incision. A piece of gauze may be placed over the socket to assist in the formation of a blood clot which protects the socket while healing.

Recovery After Wisdom Teeth Removal

After patients are awake and alert, they can be driven home to rest. Thorough post operative instructions are provided, outlining how to care for the surgical site including actions to avoid such as using a straw, smoking, and eating hot, spicy or hard foods.

For the first 24 hours patients should rest and recover from the surgery.

A prescription for pain medication will have been provided prior to surgery so it can be available as needed following surgery. Normal activities can be resumed the next day with the exception of strenuous exercise. It is very important to follow the dental hygiene instructions given so that the protective clot which forms over each empty socket remains in place. This will insure a painful condition called dry socket doesn’t develop and will also assist with keeping the area free of infection.

Wisdom teeth removal at ModelSmile Dentistry in Thousand Oaks is nothing to fear. Whether they are currently dormant or are actively causing pain Dr. Chow will remove your wisdom teeth quickly and painlessly.

Recovery is a matter of following simple instructions for a few days after which these teeth will never bother you again.

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Tooth Extraction Specialist

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Dispelling Fear Of Tooth Extraction

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Procedure For Removing Wisdom Teeth

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