Stops Infection
Removing a non-restorable tooth prevents decay and infection from spreading into the adjacent teeth and supporting bone in the surrounding area.
Accepting New Patients
Tooth Extraction in West Hollywood, CA
Does removing a tooth have to be intimidating? Not at our office. Our top priority is preserving natural teeth whenever possible, and when a tooth cannot be saved, we use modern techniques to remove it with minimal discomfort. Tooth extraction in West Hollywood, CA, protects the healthy structures around it.
Understanding Your Treatment
What Is a Tooth Extraction?
A tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth that can no longer be preserved with periodontal therapy, root canal treatment, or a crown. Most removals are simple extractions performed with local anesthetic, while teeth impacted within gum or bone tissue require a surgical approach instead.
The Benefits
The Benefits of Tooth Extraction
Ends Pain
Extraction resolves the source of a chronic toothache that no longer responds to more conservative treatment options such as a crown or filling.
Protects Neighbors
Taking out a compromised tooth safeguards the health of the teeth and gum tissue sitting immediately beside it for the long term ahead.
Enables Replacement
A clean extraction site, often with a bone graft, prepares the area for a future implant, fixed bridge, or partial denture later on.
What to Expect
Our Step-by-Step Extraction Process
Removing a tooth follows a clear sequence, and our dentist reviews the plan and the fees with you before the day of your procedure.
Request an Appointment- 01
Exam & X-Ray
We evaluate the structural integrity and overall health of the tooth to determine whether complete removal is genuinely necessary or whether it can be saved.
- 02
Treatment Planning
You receive a written plan listing the procedures, the fees, and your estimated insurance coverage, including any sedation charges before your procedure date.
- 03
Comfortable Numbing
The tooth and the adjacent structures are fully numbed, and inhalation or deeper sedation is available at your request at any point in the visit.
- 04
Careful Removal
Our dentist removes the tooth using the simple or surgical technique that is appropriate for its position and its condition and its overall condition.
- 05
Bone Graft
When a future implant or bridge is planned, a graft is usually placed the very same day to prevent bone loss at the socket where the tooth once sat.
Types of Dental Extractions
During your dental exam, we’ll take an X-ray of your affected tooth to determine if it needs to be removed and which type of extraction is recommended. We proudly offer simple, surgical, and wisdom tooth extractions in our West Hollywood office.
Simple Tooth Extraction
Most dental extractions are what we call a simple extraction. These procedures can be performed using local anesthetic (numbing medication) and require minimal healing time.
Surgical Dental Extraction
If a tooth is impacted within the gum or bone tissues, a simple extraction is prohibited. Instead, surgical removal of the tooth is required. A classic example is wisdom tooth removal, which is usually regarded as a type of oral surgery. Surgical extractions can be performed by family dentists, oral surgeons, or other dental specialists.
Is It Right for You?
Signs a Tooth May Need to Be Extracted
We typically recommend extracting a tooth as a last resort, or when the health of adjacent teeth is already at risk.
-
Aggressive Decay — Decay that has destroyed too much tooth structure leaves nothing solid for a filling or a crown to hold onto securely for the long term.
-
Traumatic Injury — A fracture that extends below the gumline or down into the root usually cannot be repaired in a predictable, lasting way over the years ahead.
-
Chronic Periodontitis — Advanced gum disease that has consumed the supporting bone leaves the tooth loose, unstable, and difficult to keep properly clean.
-
Impacted Molars — Third molars that are unable to erupt properly frequently cause pain, recurring infection, and crowding of nearby teeth beside them in the arch.
Why Choose Us for Tooth Extraction in West Hollywood, CA
Preservation Always Comes First
We discuss every alternative with you, including periodontal therapy, root canal treatment, and crowns, before we ever recommend removing a tooth that could still be saved.
Modern, Gentle Technique
We use current technology to remove problematic teeth with minimal discomfort and to make the appointment as stress-free as it can possibly be for you from start to finish.
Sedation Available On Request
Nitrous oxide is safe, effective, and leaves no residual drowsiness afterward, while deeper sedatives are available for our more anxious patients who feel nervous beforehand.
Replacement Planned Early
We review implants, fixed bridges, and partial dentures with you before the extraction, so nothing about your next steps is left uncertain before you leave our office.
Real Patients, Real Stories
Real Results, Real Smiles
Patient Reviews
What Our Patients Say
- ★★★★★
I reached out to Dr. Rivas regarding the extraction of my number 16 wisdom tooth. My previous dentist referred me to an oral surgeon who wanted to extract the other three wisdom teeth even though I am not experiencing any issues and during that time I never had any consultative discussions with the surgeon. I connected with Dr. Rivas and she was thorough and transparent when speaking over the phone and she shared that she would be able to extract my tooth. During the procedure, she was extremely caring, asked if I was numbed properly, and checked in with me frequently during the procedure. I did not feel a thing and I was shocked on how fast she was able to successfully extract my tooth. I highly recommend Dr. Rivas and her staff and I commend them for their professionalism and caring nature. I live in the Inland Empire and will be driving to West Hollywood since Dr. Rivas will be my dentist moving forward.
- ★★★★★
Thank you to Weho Dental studio and Dr Rivas for helping me get over my fear of going to the dentist. Felt immediately at home with her and her lovely staff. From the front desk to the hygienist, I really felt like they genuinely cared about my dental health, rather than some of the other offices I’ve been to that immediately tried to push tons of treatments. Dr Rivas and her staff took care of me, happy to call this my dental home. Thank you for making fillings and a crown a pleasant experience!
- ★★★★★
Dr. Rivas was awesome! Staff are great and friendly. I was surprised that my filling took less than an hour and I did not feel any inch of pain. The procedure was so smooth and appreciate that Dr. Lisa walked me through to every step. Highly recommended!
- ★★★★★
really lovely, kind staff— i felt at ease and taken care of! everything was explained to me, and the environment was serene. thank you dr rivas!
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Don't see the answer you're looking for? Call us at (310) 278-9121.
Who performs a tooth extraction in West Hollywood, CA?
Extractions are provided by general dentists as well as most dental specialists. Our dentist handles simple, surgical, and wisdom tooth removals in our office.
Do I need to rest afterward?
Take things easy for a day or two. Rigorous activity too soon can delay healing or trigger a dry socket at the extraction site.
How much does an extraction cost?
A simple extraction generally runs between $150 and $500, while a surgical extraction begins around $300 per tooth. You receive a detailed plan beforehand.
What Are the Extraction Aftercare Instructions?
Following your dental extraction, be sure to follow your written home care instructions. This will help your mouth heal properly and reduce the risk of a dry socket. Some important things to remember include the following: • Rinse with warm salt water after eating and throughout the day to reduce swelling • Take all medication as directed • Only chew on the opposite side of your mouth until the extraction site heals • Eat a soft diet for the first few days • For the first day, apply a cold compress to that side of your mouth on and off every 20 minutes • Keep sterile gauze pressed onto the extraction site until the bleeding subsides • Avoid straws, caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco products
Do I Need a Bone Graft After a Tooth Extraction?
Removing a tooth triggers a natural bone resorption (shrinking) process around the socket, where the tooth roots previously set. Placing a bone graft in this space helps avoid bone loss, which is important if you are planning to get dental implants or need to reinforce the neighboring teeth. Most bone grafts are installed on the same day as your tooth extraction. However, they are not necessary when removing baby teeth or wisdom teeth.
How Can I Prevent Dental Extractions?
Because most simple extractions are due to issues like decay or gum disease, preventative dental care is key. Plan to treat any issues early before they spread deeper into the tooth. Earlier treatments are more conservative and help preserve healthy tooth structure.
Take the First Step
Discuss Your Extraction Options
If you suspect a tooth needs to be removed, we will do everything possible to help you preserve it and review replacement options if extraction is the right choice. Let us know which tooth is causing trouble, and we will schedule an evaluation promptly.
Request a time using the form, or prefer to talk it through? Call us at (310) 278-9121.
- Simple, surgical, and wisdom tooth removal
- Sedation options for a calmer visit
- Financing available on surgical care
Request Your Appointment
We'll reach out to confirm your time.
Also in West Hollywood
Related Oral Surgery treatments
About Our Dentistry
Trusted Local Care in West Hollywood, CA
We're Here to Help
- Insurance: We work with most insurance providers.
- No Insurance? No problem! Call (310) 278-9121 for more information.
- Financing Options: We offer a wide range of dental financing options — learn more.
- We serve patients from the following cities: West Hollywood, Hollywood Hills, Sunset Strip, Beverly Hills.