Tooth Extraction

As dentists, we are committed to preserving tooth structure for as long as possible. Many treatments we offer help extend a tooth's lifespan, but sometimes a tooth is too damaged for us to save. When this occurs, we have no choice but to recommend removing the tooth.

At Rancho Peñasquitos Dental, we empathize with your feelings and understand how upsetting it can be to lose a tooth for any reason. Our dental team will do all we can to ensure that you are comfortable with a compassionate and supportive approach.

When Should a Tooth Be Removed?

Dr. Pavneet Sondhi is a San Diego dentist who has 15 years of experience in helping patients maintain healthy smiles; however, there are several situations where she would recommend extraction (pulling a tooth), including:

• A tooth is too decayed to save.
• A tooth infection is too advanced for root canal treatment.
• A tooth has become loose due to gum disease.
• A tooth is broken in a way that can't be restored with a crown.
• A wisdom tooth is impacted in the gum or causes crowding
• One or more teeth need to be removed for dentures, implant placement, or orthodontics.

If Dr. Sondhi recommends tooth extraction, she will use digital x-rays and intraoral images to show you why and how the procedure will benefit your oral health. When planning your extraction, Dr. Sondhi uses 3-D cone beam imaging and panoramic x-rays to find the position of tooth roots for a more comfortable, efficient procedure.

Do You Offer Sedation Dentistry for Tooth Extraction?

At Rancho Peñasquitos Dental Center, your comfort is our utmost priority. Before we begin, we use a powerful local anesthetic to numb the area we're treating to ensure that you won't feel any pain during your procedure.

If you would like additional relaxation, sedation dentistry helps you drift through your appointment in a comfortable, dreamy state. We offer three types of sedation dentistry at our San Diego dental office to match your level of anxiety: nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia.

Please check out our FAQ on sedation dentistry for details about how these different methods work.

What Is Atraumatic Tooth Extraction?

The traditional method for removing a tooth is to use a rocking motion to loosen the tooth gradually. There's nothing wrong with this method, but it can cause trauma to surrounding tissues that results in prolonged pain and discomfort.

Instead of a rocking motion, Dr. Sondhi performs atraumatic extractions using vertical force to remove the tooth. This method results in less trauma to the bone and tissues that support the tooth and results in minimal pain and speedier recovery.

We commonly recommend atraumatic extraction when preparing for dental implant placement because it keeps the jawbone in the area intact.

What Steps Should I Take after Extraction?

The first 24 hours after we remove the tooth are critical for healing. Bite down on the provided gauze pad for about an hour after the procedure to help control bleeding. Be careful not to touch or disturb the extraction site.

During this time, a blood clot forms to protect the site. If the clot is disturbed, it can lead to a painful condition called dry socket. Don't smoke or drink through a straw, as both actions can dislodge the clot.

Do You Need Emergency Tooth Extraction?

Dr. Sondhi doesn't want you to suffer in pain a moment longer than necessary. At Rancho Peñasquitos Dental Center, we offer emergency tooth extractions so you can get the prompt pain relief you need.

Please call us at (858) 484-3100, and a helpful member of our team will be happy to assist you.