Tooth Extractions
We do our best to preserve your natural teeth as long as possible, but when a tooth is beyond repair or threatening to disrupt your overall dental health, an extraction may be the best step forward. We offer different sedation options to make the experience as comfortable as possible and set you up with all the information and necessary medications you need for a speedy recovery.
Our Primary Focus is Your Oral Health
We do everything we can to protect your dental health, but sometimes teeth need to be removed to keep your mouth healthy and disease-free. In some cases, teeth can decay past the point of no return, and a simple extraction can help prevent the spread of infection. Other times, impacted teeth can threaten your bite’s alignment and function, in which case a surgical extraction can restore your smile. The difference between these two treatments is that simple extractions are for teeth that rest above the gumline, while surgical extractions are for teeth that haven’t erupted from the gums yet. At Dental Express, we offer both simple and surgical extractions to protect your oral health.
We know how stressful these treatments can be, and we’re committed to providing you top-notch care from consultation to recovery. To keep you calm and relaxed during treatment, we offer several sedation options to choose from. Before your extraction, you can decide which sedative will make you the most comfortable. If you’d like more information or to set up an exam, please give us a call at one of our San Diego locations. We’re always here to service your smile.
Best Candidates
Tooth extractions are appropriate in a variety of situations and for patients of all ages. Usually, broken or damaged teeth are fixed using a filling, crown, or other restoration. But if one of your teeth is too decayed to support any of these options, then a simple extraction is the best way to prevent the infection from spreading to your surrounding teeth. If you have teeth that are growing in improperly (impacted teeth), your dentist may recommend a surgical extraction to preserve your alignment. Most often, wisdom teeth become impacted and require extraction to keep you chewing and smiling comfortably. Also, if you opt for SmileCorrect Aligners or another orthodontic treatment, you may need a simple extraction to give your other teeth room to shift back to their proper places.
What to Expect
Our dental team will walk you through every step of the process when you arrive for your extraction. Your understanding of and comfort with the treatment is our primary concern. Before a surgical extraction, we may prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection.
To start, we numb the tooth and surrounding area using a local anesthetic. If you need a stronger sedation method, we offer nitrous oxide and oral conscious options to reduce discomfort and keep you relaxed during treatment.
If you’re receiving a simple extraction, we’ll loosen your tooth with what’s called an elevator and then safely extract it. For surgical extractions, your dentist will have to make incisions in your gums to reach the tooth. In some cases, the tooth may need to be broken into smaller pieces and then removed. After the extraction, your dentist will sew up the incision, and you’ll be on your way. Following your treatment, getting you on the road to a healthy recovery and back to smiling is our top priority.
Recovery
Before and after your treatment, we’ll sit down and go over how to care for your mouth post-extraction. If you have questions or concerns at any point, please feel free to bring them up so we can address them. Our goal is to fully prepare you and set you up for a smooth and speedy recovery.
If you plan on using one of our heavier sedation methods, you may need to arrange a ride home. Throughout your recovery, avoid smoking, spitting, and drinking from straws, as any of these activities could disrupt the healing process. Recoveries from surgical extractions may be a bit longer than simple extractions, but either way, we recommend a soft or liquid diet for a few days after treatment. You may have some swelling, but anti-inflammatory pills and cold compresses can help reduce any discomfort. Depending on the extent of your treatment, we may prescribe you some pain-relieving medication or antibiotics.
After your follow-up appointments, maintaining your annual checkup schedule is essential. When you visit us, we’ll be able to monitor your progress and keep an eye out for any potential issues. And of course, your at-home dental care routine is vital to reduce the likelihood of you needing another extraction.
Give us a call during our office hours if anything comes up in your recovery process. Sometimes patients are unsure whether they can eat certain foods or have issues unique to their rehabilitation. Part of developing an effective dental health plan is building a solid relationship with your dentist. We would love to know how you’re doing! Our dental professionals are here to make your recovery quick and easy, so please don’t hesitate to contact us whenever you have questions.
Insurance Coverage
While most providers will cover extractions, they’re less likely to cover sedation methods. Before and after your extraction, we’ll talk with you about your coverage, personal costs, and benefits. We’ll work with you and your insurer to find the most affordable option for you. If you don’t have dental insurance, we offer medical financing and accept several different payment methods. If your dental health is in jeopardy, we’ll do everything we can to fix the issue in a way that’s comfortable for you and your wallet.
Simple and Surgical Extraction
There’s a reason “pulling teeth” is an expression. Often, getting a tooth pulled can be a painful and complicated process. At Dental Express, we strive to correct the record by making teeth extraction as smooth and straightforward as possible.
Whatever your reason for needing an extraction, we pride ourselves on providing the best family-friendly dental care in San Diego. When you trust us with your smile, we make it our mission to improve your oral health and keep you smiling for years to come. If you’d like to learn more or schedule an exam, get in touch with us at one of our San Diego offices. We look forward to welcoming you to the Dental Express family!
