Tooth extraction is sometimes the best solution for protecting your oral health when a tooth is too damaged or infected to be saved. At our South Bay dental surgery center, our skilled periodontists, dental surgeons, and maxillofacial prosthodontist use advanced technology and gentle techniques to ensure your procedure is safe, comfortable, and stress-free from start to finish.

Why Teeth May Need to Be Removed

A dentist or periodontist may recommend tooth extraction for many reasons. Removing a problematic tooth can relieve pain, prevent the spread of infection, and protect the alignment of your remaining teeth.

Common reasons for tooth extraction include:

  • Severe decay that cannot be repaired with a filling or crown
  • Advanced periodontal (gum) disease causing tooth mobility
  • Fractured or broken teeth that cannot be restored
  • Overcrowding before orthodontic treatment
  • Teeth damaged beyond repair due to trauma
  • Cysts or infections that cannot be resolved with other treatments

In many cases, timely intervention can save surrounding teeth and support your long-term oral health. After healing, many patients choose dental implants as a permanent and natural-looking way to restore the function and appearance of their smile following extraction.

How to Know If You May Need a Tooth Removed

Not every dental issue requires extraction, but certain symptoms can signal the need for professional evaluation. Our team can determine whether removing a tooth is the most appropriate option for restoring your oral health.

You should schedule an appointment if you experience:

  • Persistent pain or pressure in a tooth
  • Swelling, redness, or bleeding gums in one area
  • Difficulty chewing or biting down
  • Recurring dental infections or abscesses
  • Loose teeth due to bone loss

At PermaDent, we use digital radiographs and CBCT imaging to examine the tooth’s structure, root position, and surrounding bone. This allows us to plan the procedure precisely and minimize your recovery time.

What to Expect During a Tooth Extraction

Understanding the extraction process can help reduce anxiety and make you feel more prepared for your appointment. Whether you need a simple or surgical extraction, we ensure that every step is handled with your comfort in mind.

Before the Procedure

Your visit begins with a comprehensive consultation and examination. We will:

  • Review your dental and medical history to ensure safe treatment
  • Use imaging to evaluate the tooth and its relationship to nearby structures
  • Discuss sedation and anesthesia options based on your comfort level and treatment needs
  • Provide detailed pre-operative instructions, which may include fasting or adjusting certain medications

You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions about the procedure, anesthesia, and recovery process so you feel informed and confident moving forward.

During the Procedure

We perform extractions in our modern Torrance office using advanced equipment and techniques. Depending on the situation, your extraction may be:

  • Simple extraction – Used when the tooth is fully visible and can be gently loosened and removed without extensive surgical steps.
  • Surgical extraction – Necessary for teeth that are broken at the gum line, have curved or long roots, or are otherwise more difficult to remove. This may involve making a small incision and removing the tooth in sections.

Regardless of the method, we preserve surrounding bone and tissue whenever possible. Once the tooth is removed, the site is cleaned, and sutures may be placed. You’ll leave with detailed aftercare instructions.

Sedation and Comfort Options in South Bay

We understand that many patients feel anxious about dental extractions. That’s why we offer a range of sedation and comfort solutions tailored to your needs.

IV Sedation

IV sedation is ideal for patients with significant anxiety or for longer, more complex extractions. This option provides deep relaxation, and you’ll need someone to drive you home afterward.

Oral Sedation

Oral sedation involves taking prescribed medication before your procedure to reduce anxiety. It’s helpful for patients with moderate to severe nervousness and also requires a recovery escort.

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, provides mild sedation and wears off quickly. It’s a good choice for patients with mild anxiety and allows you to resume normal activities soon after treatment.

Recovery Timeline: Healing After Tooth Removal

Every patient heals at a slightly different pace, but most people find that their discomfort improves significantly within a few days. Following our aftercare instructions will help you recover quickly and reduce the risk of complications.

First 24–48 Hours

The initial healing period is the most important for protecting the clot that forms at the extraction site. During this time:

  • Mild bleeding is normal; bite on clean gauze to help a clot form
  • Swelling often peaks at around 48 hours; apply ice in 20-minute intervals
  • Rest and keep your head elevated to promote healing

Days 3–7

Most patients notice decreased swelling and discomfort after the first few days. You should:

  • Continue eating soft foods such as yogurt, applesauce, and mashed potatoes
  • Avoid straws, smoking, or forceful rinsing to prevent dry socket
  • Take prescribed or over-the-counter pain relief as directed

Beyond Week One

By this point, you should be able to resume normal activities and diet, although you should continue to be gentle in the area. Depending on the type of sutures used, they may dissolve on their own or be removed at a follow-up appointment. For patients replacing multiple teeth at once, advanced options like All-On-X dental implants can provide a secure, full-arch restoration in fewer appointments.

Potential Risks and When to Call Us

While tooth extraction is generally a safe procedure, it’s important to monitor your healing and reach out if something feels unusual. Contact our office if you notice:

  • Severe pain that worsens after several days
  • Bleeding that does not stop with applied pressure
  • Signs of infection, such as swelling, fever, or pus
  • Numbness or tingling in your lips, tongue, or chin
  • Trouble swallowing or breathing

Prompt care can prevent complications and ensure a smooth recovery.

Why Choose Our Dental Surgeons for Extractions?

Our dental specialists combine advanced dental technology with personalized, compassionate care. When you choose us for your extraction, you benefit from:

  • Highly trained periodontists and dental surgeons with decades of experience
  • Precise imaging for accurate, minimally invasive treatment planning
  • Sedation and anesthesia options for every comfort level
  • Individualized aftercare and direct communication with your provider
  • A convenient Torrance location serving the South Bay community

When extractions are part of a larger treatment plan, our specialists can integrate them seamlessly into a full mouth reconstruction for a complete, functional smile. Our goal is to make every stage of your treatment as comfortable and stress-free as possible.

Schedule Your Tooth Extraction Consultation in Torrance

If you’re experiencing pain, infection, or other dental issues, our team is here to help you find relief and protect your oral health. Call PermaDent today at (310) 325-9969 to schedule your tooth extraction consultation. We’ll walk you through every step, answer your questions, and ensure your care is handled with expertise and compassion.