Tooth Extraction San Francisco

For many people, having a tooth extracted is a frightening experience. Often, we imagine the worst-case scenario when in reality, tooth extractions are usually relatively straightforward. According to a study by the U.S. National Library of Medicine, 10 million wisdom teeth are extracted from 5 million people in the United States each year. With better and more advanced dental technologies and techniques, tooth extraction can be done in as little as 10-30 minutes.

At Young Dental SF Group, we understand that the thought of having a tooth pulled can be daunting. We take extra care to ensure that our patients are comfortable and relaxed throughout their procedure. If you think you need an emergency tooth extraction in San Fransico, visit us at 490 Post Street, Suite 830, San Francisco, CA, or call (415) 392-8611. We offer Saturday and evening hours to serve you better.

Reasons for Pulling Teeth

Teeth extractions are usually the last resort after trying other dental treatments. Some reasons why your dentist may recommend an extraction include:

• Crowded teeth. If your teeth are too close together or there isn’t enough room in your mouth, this can cause them to become misaligned. In some cases, removing a tooth is the best way to create more space and straighten the teeth.
• Tooth decay. If a tooth is too damaged from decay, no other treatments may work, and it may need to be extracted.
• Infection. If the root of your tooth is badly infected, an extraction may be necessary to prevent the infection from spreading.
• Impacted teeth. Impacted teeth are teeth that have not come in correctly or become stuck under the gums. They may need to be extracted if they are causing pain or other problems.
• Orthodontics. If you are getting braces or other orthodontic treatment, you may need to have some teeth extracted to create more space in your mouth.
• Trauma. If a tooth has been severely cracked or broken and cannot be treated, it may need to be extracted.
• Periodontal disease. In severe cases of periodontal disease, teeth may need to be removed to prevent the infection from spreading.
• Dental Implants. The tooth or surrounding teeth must first be extracted to place a dental implant.
• Wisdom tooth removal. Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last teeth to come in. They are often removed because they can become impacted or cause other dental problems like crowding.

Types of Tooth Extraction

There are two main types of tooth extractions: simple and surgical. A simple extraction is when the dentist removes a tooth above the gum line. This type of extraction is usually done using basic dental instruments. An elevator is used to loosen the tooth in its socket so that it can be removed. Simple extractions are often used for teeth that are visible and easily accessible. Since simple extractions are less invasive, they often heal faster and have a shorter recovery time.

A surgical procedure is needed when the dentist removes a tooth that is not visible above the gum line or is stuck in the gums. The dentist will need to make an incision in your gum tissue to remove the tooth. You may be given a local anesthetic or another form of sedation to numb the area before the procedure. 

Sedation Options

Multiple sedation options are available that can make a tooth extraction painless:

• Local anesthetic. This numbs the area around the tooth that is being extracted.
• Oral sedation. You will be given a pill to take before your procedure. This will help you to relax, but you will still be awake during the extraction.
• IV sedation. This is when medication is injected into your vein through an IV. There are two types of IV sedation: conscious and deep. With conscious sedation, you will be awake but very relaxed. With deep sedation, you may not remember the extraction afterward.
• General anesthesia. This is when you are put to sleep completely and will not feel anything during the extraction.
• Nitrous oxide (laughing gas). This is a gas that you breathe in through a mask. It will help you to relax and may make you feel lightheaded.

Your dentist will recommend the best type of sedation for you, depending on your medical history, the kind of extraction being done, and your personal preferences.

After You Have a Tooth Extracted

It’s essential to take care of the area where the tooth was removed. There are a few things you can do to help ensure proper healing and reduce dental pain:

• Use ice packs. Applying a cold compress to your cheek can help reduce swelling. Do this for the first day or two after your extraction for 20 minutes at a time.
• Avoid using straws. Drinking through a straw can dislodge the blood clot that forms at the extraction site. This clot in the tooth socket is vital for the healing process.
• Eat soft foods. Avoid chewing hard foods or sticking your tongue in the extraction site. Eating soft foods will help to prevent any complications and support healing. 
• Brush carefully. Be sure to brush your teeth gently and avoid the extraction site for at least 24-48 hours. After that, you can start to brush the area gently with a toothbrush.
• Use mouthwash. Use alcohol-free mouthwash or a mix of salt and warm water to help keep the extraction site clean.
• Don’t smoke. Smoking can delay healing and increases the risk of infection.

If you have severe pain or swelling after your tooth extraction, be sure to contact your dentist. They will be able to recommend the best way to manage your symptoms.

Extraction Risks

There are a few risks associated with tooth extractions, but they are typically rare. Complications can include:

1. Problems with anesthesia. Some people may be allergic to the anesthetic used during your procedure. But this is usually discussed beforehand.
2. Nerve damage. There is a small risk of damaging the nerves that control feeling in your lips and chin. This is common with lower teeth extractions.
3. Dry socket. This is when the blood clot that forms in the socket after an extraction is dislodged, which can cause pain and delay healing.
4. Infection. There is a small risk of developing an infection after an extraction. Be sure to follow your dentist’s instructions for care after the procedure to reduce the risk of infection.

Tooth extractions are generally a safe and routine procedure. Complications are rare but can occur. Be sure to follow your dentist’s instructions for care after the extraction to help ensure proper healing.

San Francisco Tooth Extraction

The thought of getting a tooth extracted can be stressful. But with modern anesthesia and techniques, the procedure is usually quick and painless. At Young Dental SF Group and our partner practice Post Street Dental, we understand that every patient is different. We offer various sedation options to ensure you are comfortable and relaxed during your procedure.

Please schedule a consultation with us if you need a tooth extraction in San Francisco. We will discuss your options and help you choose the best type of sedation for your needs to ensure your extraction is as painless as possible. Contact us today at (415) 392-8611 or complete our online booking form. We look forward to seeing you!

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