Tooth Extractions in Walnut Creek, CA

Adult teeth are meant to last a lifetime, but they can fall out due to disease, injury, developmental issues, or other reasons. When a tooth is badly damaged or decayed, it may need to be extracted in order to prevent the infection from spreading to your other teeth. Sometimes, a tooth must be removed to prepare for future dental work or orthodontic treatment.

Dr. Karas is board-certified and offers many anesthesia options to ensure your tooth extraction is as comfortable as possible. A simple tooth extraction can be performed in just a few minutes. If you have a tooth that is badly damaged or causing severe tooth pain, contact Muir Oral, Facial, & Dental Implant Surgery of Walnut Creek to schedule an appointment.

Reasons for Needing a Tooth Pulled

• Overcrowding, which leads to crooked teeth, gum disease, and jaw pain
• A tooth that is damaged beyond repair
• A decayed or infected tooth that poses a threat to nearby teeth
• Preparing for braces
• Loose teeth caused by periodontal disease

Types of Tooth Extractions We Offer

General Tooth Extraction

General tooth extraction is categorized as a simple tooth extraction and is performed when the tooth is visible in the mouth. Typically, only a local anesthetic is needed to numb the area around the tooth and your surgeon will extract the tooth using forceps. Instances where a tooth is decayed, infected, or cracked beyond repair would require a simple tooth extraction.

Wisdom Teeth Removal

Wisdom teeth removal is categorized as a surgical tooth extraction. Wisdom teeth can become impacted, or stuck beneath the gums. Impacted wisdom teeth require surgical removal because your surgeon must make an incision in the gum tissue to access them. Canine teeth can also become impacted, but unlike wisdom teeth, they are required for proper oral function and every effort is made to save canine teeth before extraction is considered.

What to Expect During Tooth Extraction

A simple tooth extraction procedure can be completed very quickly and in some cases, we can perform extraction on the same day as the consultation. We may take 3D scans during your first visit to assess the facial structures surrounding the tooth and use these images to discuss your options for replacing the tooth after we extract it.

Will I Receive Anesthesia Before the Extraction?

Simple tooth extractions often only require a local anesthetic, which is inserted through a syringe into the gums and tissues surrounding the tooth. You will remain fully awake with local anesthesia, but the area will be numb. You may feel some pressure during the extraction, but we make every effort to ensure you do not feel any pain.

What Is the Healing Process and Downtime Like?

After having a tooth extracted, it’s important for a blood clot to form so that you can begin to heal. We ask you to bite on a gauze pad for 30–45 minutes and replace the gauze pad every 30 minutes as needed. Do not disturb the blood clot and avoid rinsing vigorously, sucking on straws, smoking, drinking alcohol, or brushing teeth near the extraction site for 72 hours.

You can expect to return to work or school a day or two after your tooth extraction and can resume your normal diet as soon as you are comfortable. We provide post-operative instructions to follow after your tooth extraction so that you can recover quickly and comfortably.

What Are My Options After a Tooth Extraction?

After having a tooth extracted, it’s important to consider all of your options for replacing the tooth. Replacing a missing tooth is important for your oral health and self-esteem, as many people feel more confident about their smile with a full set of teeth. Dr. Karas will explain all of your tooth replacement options and help you determine the right choice for your oral health and budget.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are a long-term solution that preserves your jaw bone and allows you to enjoy your favorite foods. Dental implants are the only option for tooth restoration that fuses to the jaw bone, just like a natural tooth. This fusion stimulates the jaw bone, preventing jaw bone atrophy caused by tooth loss. Your dental implant is designed to blend naturally with your other teeth and there are no removable parts, so you can enjoy eating and smiling with the same freedom and functionality of a healthy, natural tooth.

If you are having a tooth extracted, we may be able to place a dental implant the same day as the extraction. Dental implants require healthy jaw bone to support them, so as long as you have sufficient jaw bone, you likely qualify for same-day dental implants and will not have to go without a tooth following extraction.

Removable Partial Dentures

Removable partial dentures are a fast way to replace missing teeth and do not require surgery. These removable oral appliances rest on the bony ridge in the mouth and do not prevent jaw bone loss. Removable partial dentures must be taken out during meals and when brushing your teeth, which many patients find inconvenient or embarrassing. Partial dentures have clasps or wires that attach to nearby teeth, which causes additional strain and wear on your healthy teeth.

Fixed Dental Bridges

A fixed bridge is designed to replace a tooth without having to use a removable appliance. Fixed bridges consist of multiple crowns attached together, and the crowns on either end are placed over existing teeth to bridge the gap caused by missing teeth. Fixed bridges are often more aesthetically pleasing than dentures and restore some functionality, but they do not prevent jaw bone loss and can be difficult to clean around, increasing the risk of infection or tooth decay.

No Replacement

You do not have to replace a missing tooth right away, but this may compromise your long-term oral health. Without a tooth root or implant post present, the jaw bone will deteriorate due to a lack of stimulation. As the jaw bone weakens, facial features begin to sag, resulting in an older-looking appearance. Nearby teeth can shift into the open space, leading to misalignment of other teeth and bite problems.

If you do not plan on replacing the missing tooth right away, we can insert a bone graft material into the tooth socket. This treatment is called socket preservation and maintains the shape of the socket while reducing bone loss after extraction.

Tooth Extractions in Walnut Creek, CA

Dr. Karas performs quick, safe, and comfortable tooth extractions at our office in Walnut Creek, CA. Contact Muir Oral, Facial, & Dental Implant Surgery of Walnut Creek to schedule an appointment with Dr. Karas if you have a damaged, infected, or painful tooth that may require extraction.