Why a tooth may need to come out
The most common extractions are wisdom teeth. We may also recommend removing a tooth that's coming in at an angle, threatening the position of healthy teeth or crowding the mouth. A badly broken tooth, a tooth with decay too extensive for a root canal, or a tooth loosened by advanced gum disease may need to be extracted too. Removing one problem tooth can often spare you hours of future treatment.
What to expect
You'll receive a local anesthetic to numb the tooth, jawbone and surrounding gums. The dentist or oral surgeon gently rocks and rotates the tooth to widen the socket. Because the area is numb, you'll feel some dull pressure but shouldn't feel pain. Once the tooth is out, we place a small piece of gauze over the area.
Taking care afterwards
We'll explain exactly how to heal well. In most cases, you'll bite gently on gauze for 30 minutes to an hour. Our usual instructions include: apply ice to the jaw if there's swelling; keep brushing, but avoid the extraction site; rinse gently with water; take an antibiotic or pain reliever if prescribed; and avoid smoking or using a straw for at least 24 hours.
Replacing the tooth
If the extracted tooth needs replacing, we can talk through a dental implant, a bridge or a denture so your bite stays balanced.
Frequently asked questions
Do you remove wisdom teeth?
Yes. Wisdom teeth are the most common extractions we see. We'll take an X-ray to check how they're positioned first.
How long does healing take?
Most people feel back to normal in a few days. The gum usually closes over within a couple of weeks.
Can I have a tooth pulled on the day of an emergency?
Call (408) 263-9343 — we make every effort to see emergencies as soon as possible.