Tooth Extractions in Long Beach, CA: Gentle Care When a Tooth Can’t Be Saved

Saving your natural tooth is always the first goal. But when a tooth is too damaged or infected to repair, removing it relieves the pain and protects the rest of your mouth. At Salem Dentistry in Long Beach, Dr. Roxana Salem, DDS, performs gentle extractions and helps you plan how to replace the tooth, so you’re never left with a gap and no plan.

Call 562-435-8339 or book online

Why patients choose Salem Dentistry for extractions

• We try to save the tooth first. Dr. Salem recommends an extraction only when a filling, crown, or root canal won’t work.
• One dentist from start to finish. Dr. Salem removes the tooth and replaces it, all in the same office.
• Comfort comes first. We numb the area completely, and nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is available if you’re anxious.
• Same-day appointments are often available for toothaches and broken teeth.
• A plan for the gap. Bone grafting, implants, bridges, and partial dentures are all offered here.
• No surprise gaps in front. With planning ahead, you can leave with a temporary tooth the same day a front tooth is removed.
• The right care for your case. Dr. Salem performs most extractions herself and refers difficult cases to a trusted oral surgeon.
• All PPO plans and Medi-Cal Dental accepted.
• Care in three languages: English, German, and Farsi.

Why might a tooth need to be extracted?

You might need a tooth removed if:

• The tooth is severely decayed and can’t be restored
• Advanced gum disease has loosened the tooth
• The tooth is broken in a way that can’t be repaired
• The tooth is impacted or poorly positioned, as often happens with wisdom teeth
• Space is needed for orthodontic treatment
• You are preparing for dental implants or dentures

Can my tooth be saved instead?

Often, yes. A root canal and crown can save many teeth that are infected or badly decayed. Dr. Salem will take X-rays, show you what she sees, and explain honestly whether your tooth can be saved and what each option involves.

What to expect

1. Exam and X-rays. Dr. Salem checks the tooth and the bone around it, reviews your health history and medications, and explains your options.
2. Numbing. She numbs the area completely. You’ll feel pressure but should not feel pain.
3. Removing the tooth. She gently loosens and removes the tooth. Most extractions take only a few minutes once you’re numb.
4. Protecting the socket. When needed, a bone graft is placed to preserve the jawbone for a future implant.
5. Going home. You leave with gauze, clear written instructions, and our phone number.

Please tell us about all the medications you take, especially blood thinners, before your appointment.

Replacing your tooth

A gap left by a missing tooth can cause the neighboring teeth to shift, change your bite, and make chewing and speaking harder. Dr. Salem will go over your replacement options before your tooth is removed:

• Dental implants replace the whole tooth, including the root, and stand on their own.
• Bridges fill the gap with a replacement tooth attached to the teeth on either side.
• Partial dentures are a removable, affordable way to replace one or several teeth.

If a front tooth is being removed, ask about a temporary tooth. When it’s planned ahead, you can leave your extraction visit with a tooth in place.

After your extraction

• Bite gently on gauze for the first few hours to control bleeding
• Use an ice pack on your cheek to reduce swelling
• Eat soft foods for a few days and chew on the other side
• Don’t drink through a straw, smoke, or spit forcefully for at least 3 days
• Take pain relievers as directed
• Gently rinse with warm salt water starting the day after
• Brush your other teeth as usual, but be gentle near the extraction site

Most people feel better within a few days.

Call us at 562-435-8339 if your pain gets worse after two or three days, if bleeding won’t stop, or if you develop a fever or increasing swelling.

Questions patients ask

Does a tooth extraction hurt?
The area is completely numb, so you’ll feel pressure but should not feel pain. Soreness afterward is normal and usually eases within a few days.

How long does it take to heal?
Most people feel back to normal in a few days. The gum closes over in about two weeks, and the bone underneath continues to heal for a few months.

What is a dry socket?
A dry socket happens when the blood clot in the socket comes loose too early. It causes throbbing pain a few days after the extraction and is easy to treat in our office. Avoiding straws, smoking, and forceful spitting helps prevent it.

Do I need to replace the tooth?
In most cases, yes, except for wisdom teeth. Replacing it keeps your other teeth from shifting and protects your bite.

What is a bone graft, and do I need one?
After a tooth is removed, the bone around it starts to shrink. A bone graft placed in the socket helps preserve the bone, which is especially important if you want an implant later. Dr. Salem will tell you if it’s recommended for you.

Can I be seen today?
Often, yes. Call 562-435-8339 as early in the day as you can and we’ll do our best to see you the same day.

Will Dr. Salem remove my tooth herself?
In most cases, yes. If your tooth is in a difficult position or close to a nerve, she’ll refer you to a trusted oral surgeon and explain why.

Do you take my insurance?
We accept all PPO dental plans and Medi-Cal Dental. We do not accept HMO plans. Call us and we’ll check your benefits for you.

When is a toothache an emergency?
If you have swelling in your face or jaw along with a fever, or any trouble swallowing or breathing, go to the nearest emergency room right away.

Get out of pain today

Call Salem Dentistry at 562-435-8339 or book online. Dr. Salem will take a look, tell you honestly whether the tooth can be saved, and get you comfortable again.