Extraction in West Hills
If a tooth is badly broken, aching, crowding its neighbors, or stuck beneath the gums, removing it may be the most practical way to protect your oral health. At 805 Dentistry, we perform both simple and surgical extractions for patients across West Hills from our office in Thousand Oaks. We take the time to explain why a tooth may need to come out and what your options are afterward, so you can make the decision with clear information.
A tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth from its socket in the jawbone. It is usually recommended when a tooth cannot be reasonably saved or when keeping it would cause problems for the surrounding teeth. Common examples include teeth with extensive decay or fractures, teeth that are crowding the mouth, and wisdom teeth that do not have room to come in properly.
We see children and adults of all ages, so West Hills families can bring several household members to one office. Because we also offer emergency dental appointments, patients dealing with a painful or damaged tooth do not always have to wait weeks to be seen.
We offer two types of extraction, and the right one depends on how the tooth sits in your mouth. A simple extraction is used for a tooth that is fully visible above the gumline. After numbing the area, we loosen the tooth and remove it without making an incision. This approach often suits teeth that have erupted normally but are too damaged to restore.
A surgical extraction is used when a tooth is harder to reach. That includes teeth that have broken off at the gumline, teeth with complex roots, and impacted teeth such as many wisdom teeth. This procedure typically involves a small incision in the gum, and the tooth may be removed in sections. Our team includes a board-certified oral and maxillofacial radiologist who provides CBCT and 3D imaging and interprets scans for impacted teeth. These images help us plan surgical cases carefully before treatment begins.
Who is a good candidate for tooth extraction?
You may be a candidate if a tooth is too damaged to repair or is causing problems for the teeth around it. In every case, we start with an exam and imaging to confirm that removal is the right choice. When a tooth can be saved, we discuss alternatives first. For example, our board-certified endodontist performs root canal therapy and treats cracked teeth.
Situations where extraction is commonly considered include:
- Severe decay or fractures that a filling or crown cannot fix
- Impacted or partially erupted wisdom teeth
- Crowding, including cases connected to orthodontic treatment
- Teeth loosened by advanced gum disease
- Damaged teeth that are causing pain or infection risk
Extraction is also often one step in a larger plan. If a tooth needs to be replaced, we offer dental implants, bridges, and partial or complete dentures. When the jawbone needs support for a future implant, we also offer bone grafting.
What happens during the extraction appointment?
The visit begins with numbing the area so you stay comfortable throughout the procedure. For a simple extraction, the tooth is gently loosened and removed. For a surgical extraction, we access the tooth through the gum, remove it, and close the site as needed.
If you feel nervous about dental work, you have options. We offer nitrous oxide, oral sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia, and we have a board-certified dental anesthesiologist on staff who provides anesthesia for patients with dental anxiety. Many West Hills patients find that knowing these choices are available makes it easier to schedule the care they have been putting off.
How should I care for the area after an extraction?
Follow the specific aftercare instructions we give you, because they are tailored to your procedure. In general, this means resting, being gentle with the extraction site, and contacting us if anything concerns you. Surgical extractions and sedation may call for additional precautions, and we will review those with you before you leave.
We also schedule any follow-up you need and talk through the next steps for your smile. That may include replacing the tooth or simply checking that the area is healing as expected.
How can I pay for my extraction?
We accept all major PPO insurance plans, and our team can help you understand how your coverage applies. We also welcome self-pay patients.
Financing is available for patients who would like to spread out the cost of treatment, including extraction combined with tooth replacement. If you live in West Hills and have a tooth that is troubling you, contact 805 Dentistry. We will help you understand your options and your costs before any treatment begins.