San Jose Tooth Extractions

When Do We Need to Extract a Tooth?

When the dental damage reaches beyond the point of restoration, an extraction might be needed. We also perform extractions during the popular wisdom teeth surgery to prevent problems like mouth pain and misalignment down the line. We will provide the level of skill and compassion necessary in order to remove a troublesome tooth.

Whether you need your wisdom teeth removed or you have a tooth beyond repair, you can call (408) 317-7400 or contact us online for tooth extractions in San Jose.

About the Tooth Removal Process

Simple Extractions v. Surgical Extractions

Simple tooth extractions are the simplest types of extractions. These removals take between 20-40 minutes to complete. We use forceps to remove the tooth when the tooth is visible in the mouth and is not broken.

A surgical extraction is more complicated than a simple extraction. We perform these extractions in cases when the tooth has not erupted from the gumline or when it is broken. With surgical extractions, we must make an incision in the gum to remove the tooth. Our team at Compass Dental Arts will choose the ideal extraction for your individual needs.

The steps of the procedure for both simple and surgical extractions include:

• Numbing the area
• Extracting the tooth
• Closing and restoring the area

FAQs: Your Questions About Tooth Extractions Answered

We understand that you have questions about tooth extractions. Here are a few of the most frequently asked questions regarding tooth extractions:

What is the difference between a simple tooth extraction and a surgical tooth extraction?

• The main difference between the two is the complexity of the procedure. A simple tooth extraction is performed when the tooth can be easily accessed and removed from the socket in the bone. During a surgical tooth extraction, the dentist or oral surgeon may need to make incisions in the gum tissue to access the tooth and remove it.

Why might you need simple tooth extraction?

• You may need a simple tooth extraction if your tooth is damaged, decayed, or infected beyond repair. Additionally, your dentist may recommend a simple extraction if you need orthodontic treatment and need to have teeth removed to make room for tooth movement.

What is the recovery like after a simple dental extraction?

• After a simple tooth extraction, you should avoid smoking, drinking through a straw, and consuming hard or chewy foods for the first few days to allow the area to heal. You may experience some swelling, bleeding, and discomfort, but these symptoms should gradually improve over the course of a few days.

Do I need to replace the extracted tooth?

• If you have a missing tooth, it is recommended to consider replacing it with a dental implant, bridge, or denture. This is because missing teeth can cause problems with chewing, speaking, and can lead to bone loss in the jaw. Our San Jose dentists can provide guidance on the best replacement option for your individual needs.

How long does it take to heal after a surgical tooth extraction?

• The healing time after a surgical tooth extraction can vary depending on the individual and the extent of the extraction. However, most people can expect to fully heal within 1-2 weeks.

Professional Wisdom Teeth Removal Services in San Jose

There are several signs that may indicate you need to have your wisdom teeth removed:

1. Pain and Discomfort: Persistent pain in the back of the mouth, jaw, or gums.
2. Swelling: Swelling and tenderness in the gums around the back molars.
3. Infections: Recurring infections in the gums, often indicated by redness and swelling.
4. Damage to Nearby Teeth: Crowding or damage to adjacent teeth caused by the growth of the wisdom teeth.
5. Jaw Stiffness: Stiffness or limited movement in the jaw, often accompanied by pain.
6. Cysts or Tumors: Formation of cysts or tumors around impacted wisdom teeth, which can cause damage to the jawbone.
7. Decay: Increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease due to difficulty in cleaning the hard-to-reach area.

Contact us at (408) 317-7400 to schedule a wisdom teeth removal consultation in San Jose.

Preventing Dry Sockets After Tooth Extraction

Most patients tend to see healing roughly seven to eleven days post-operation. During the healing process, it is especially important to prevent dry sockets. If you do develop a dry socket, it will occur three to four days after the procedure. If a dry socket does not develop, for the patient, this means that the clot formed fully and properly in the socket after the extraction and is protecting the bones and nerves. If the clot becomes out of place, the bones and nerves are left prone to the toxins that enter the mouth, which leaves the patient with pain in the mouth for around a week. Some of the best ways to prevent dry sockets include eating soft foods, avoiding smoking and tobacco, avoiding straws, and practicing good oral hygiene. Other ways you can prevent dry sockets include resting, using ice packs, drinking fluids, and performing saltwater rinses several times daily.

If you have any questions about San Jose tooth extractions, or you are wondering about our other treatments, call us at (408) 317-7400 or contact us online.