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  3. Tooth Extraction

General

When a tooth has to come out

Removing a tooth is a last resort, not a first one — but when a tooth cannot be saved, taking it out protects everything around it.

We provide safe and efficient tooth extractions when necessary, ensuring a comfortable experience during your treatment.

An extraction becomes necessary when a tooth is too damaged to be repaired through other dental procedures. We perform both simple and surgical extractions, depending on the complexity of your case. Our goal is always to preserve your oral health while ensuring your comfort and quick recovery.

A patient smiling during a check-up at the dental clinic
  • Simple or surgical
    depending on the tooth and the complexity of the case
  • Wisdom teeth
    impacted wisdom teeth removed to prevent crowding and complications
  • Sedation available
    for complex extractions, or if you are anxious
  • Replacement planned
    we discuss implants or bridges at your follow-up

When it is needed

Reasons a tooth may need removing

  • Severe decay

    When a tooth is too badly decayed to be repaired with a filling, a crown or root canal therapy.

  • Advanced periodontal disease

    When the bone and gum supporting the tooth have been lost and the tooth can no longer be held in place.

  • Impacted wisdom teeth

    Wisdom teeth extractions are often necessary to prevent overcrowding and complications.

  • Preparation for other treatment

    Removing a severely damaged tooth can pave the way for dentures, dental implants or orthodontic work.

What to expect

How an extraction goes

  1. Comprehensive evaluation

    We assess your oral health, take the necessary X-rays and discuss your medical history — which tells us whether extraction is the right course and lets us plan it properly.

  2. A personalised plan

    We determine the type of extraction needed, simple or surgical, choose the most appropriate anesthesia, and outline any preparations you need to make beforehand.

  3. The extraction

    Local anesthesia numbs the area so you feel no pain. For more complex extractions or anxious patients we offer sedation. We use precise techniques to remove the tooth efficiently, minimising trauma to the surrounding tissue.

  4. Aftercare

    We provide instructions covering swelling and discomfort, what to eat, and how to keep the area clean while it heals. We may prescribe pain medication or antibiotics if needed.

  5. Follow-up and what comes next

    We check your healing at a follow-up appointment and discuss replacing the tooth — with a dental implant or a bridge — if that is appropriate.

Related care

Where to go next

Common questions

Questions about extractions

We use local anesthesia to numb the area completely before the procedure. You might feel pressure during the extraction, but you should not feel pain. For dental anxiety or complex extractions we offer sedation, and we provide pain management advice for afterwards.

You can gently brush the same day, but avoid the extraction site and take extra care around it for the first few days. Rinse with warm salt water rather than mouthwash for the first 24 hours; after that you can carefully clean the area with a soft-bristled brush.

Stick to soft, cool foods for the first 24–48 hours, then introduce more solid foods as you feel comfortable, usually within 3–5 days. Avoid hard, crunchy or sticky foods for at least a week, and do not use straws for the first week — the suction can dislodge the blood clot.

Some swelling is normal, especially in the first 24–48 hours. Apply an ice pack to the outside of your cheek, 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off, and keep your head elevated. If swelling worsens after a few days or comes with a fever, contact us immediately.

New patients

New patients are welcome

Your first visit begins with a thorough examination to assess your dental health and discuss your concerns and goals.

  • 11717 Bernardo Plaza Ct Ste 100, San Diego, CA 92128
  • Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
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