While it’s common to feel anxiety about tooth extraction, the doctors and staff at SF Oral Surgery will make you feel comfortable and confident during your visit and ensure your tooth extraction goes smoothly. They are committed to providing the San Francisco community with a smooth tooth extraction experience.

When Is a Tooth Extraction Necessary?

Occasionally, a tooth may be too unhealthy to remain in your smile. In these instances, tooth extraction becomes essential. Common reasons for having a tooth extracted include:

Severe decay or damage
Overcrowding in your mouth
Infection that can’t be otherwise treated

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s essential to schedule an appointment with SF Oral Surgery to determine if a tooth extraction is necessary. Our oral surgeons will carefully examine your smile and coordinate care with your dentist to see if a tooth extraction is necessary.

Video: Watch Dr. Yang explain the importance of replacing missing teeth with dental implants after tooth extractions.

The Benefits of Tooth Extraction

Tooth extraction may seem scary, but tooth extractions have more benefits than you may think. Advantages of tooth extraction include:

Prevent Continuing Tooth Decay

When a tooth is severely decayed or damaged, it can cause more harm to your mouth than good. Removing the tooth can prevent the spread of decay and other infections, which can be detrimental to oral health.

Make Room for Your New Smile

In some cases, overcrowding in your mouth can lead to issues with your smile. Tooth extraction can create space in your mouth for your remaining teeth, allowing them to align correctly and provide a more aesthetically pleasing smile.

Relief

Teeth too unhealthy to remain in your smile can cause discomfort and pain. Tooth extraction can alleviate the discomfort caused by a damaged or decaying tooth.

A Walkthrough of Tooth Extractions

At SF Oral Surgery, we provide our patients with the best possible care to make your tooth extraction as comfortable as possible. Here are the steps you would take with Dr. Michael Chan, Dr. Kirsten Rittenbach, and Dr. Brian Yang.

The Initial Tooth Extraction Consultation

During your initial consultation, one of our oral surgeons will review your medical history, including any surgical referrals or X-rays you provide. They will discuss your case and answer any questions you have.

Preparing for Tooth Extraction Surgery

Before your surgery, you will need to follow some guidelines to ensure your safety during and after the procedure. Your surgeon will provide the information you need to be ready for the procedure and discuss anesthesia options with you. The SF Oral Surgery staff will take your insurance information and schedule your appointment for extraction.

Day of Tooth Extraction Surgery

On the day of your surgery, you will be made as comfortable as possible and given anesthesia before the procedure. After this, your oral surgeon will remove the tooth and apply gauze to the area to help with bleeding.

Recovery From a Tooth Extraction

After your surgery, taking proper care of your mouth is essential to ensure a speedy recovery. You’ll be given pain medications to manage any discomfort you feel after the anesthesia wears off, and in some cases, you’ll receive an antibiotic prescription to prevent infection. Following your surgeon’s instructions is important to promote faster healing and prevent additional complications.

Follow-Up Treatments After Tooth Extraction

After your recovery, you’ll have a follow-up appointment to ensure everything is healing properly. In some cases, we may recommend follow-up treatments or procedures to replace the lost tooth. Standard dental implants are the gold standard of tooth replacement, and implants can be added to the smile immediately after extraction in some cases. If suitable, the All-On-4® treatment concept can be used to restore your entire smile and confidence.

Take the First Step in Tooth Extraction Surgery

The staff and oral surgeons at SF Oral Surgery offer 40 years of experience and skill in performing tooth extractions. Don’t wait until infection or decay causes more damage to your dental health. If you are in San Francisco or any surrounding area and suspect you need a tooth extraction, call (415) 776-6710 or schedule your initial consultation online today.