Saving a natural tooth is always our top priority. However, just like a car, a tooth can only undergo so many repairs before it becomes unreliable. When severe decay, advanced periodontal disease, or a complex fracture puts your oral health at risk, removal may be the safest and most cost-effective option. Leaving a damaged or infected tooth in place can lead to serious complications, including the spread of disease, chronic pain, and progressive bone loss. When a tooth simply cannot be restored, a professional extraction protects your surrounding teeth and sets the stage for high-quality replacements like dental implants, bridges, or dentures.
At Peninsula Oral and Facial Surgery, we are the premier center for oral surgery tooth extraction in the Bay Area. For over 50 years, our highly skilled surgical team has provided safe, predictable, and compassionate care to our community. Our board-certified surgeons understand that having a tooth removed can feel intimidating, which is why we prioritize your comfort and safety above all else. From routine removals to the most complex surgical extractions, we use advanced techniques to ensure a smooth, stress-free experience.
If you are experiencing severe dental pain or have been told you need a tooth removed, do not wait for the problem to worsen. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and secure the health of your smile.
A tooth extraction procedure is the careful removal of a tooth from its socket in the jawbone. After a detailed consultation with you and your dentist, our surgeons may determine that a tooth needs to be removed for several reasons. This could be due to advanced decay, severe gum disease, or traumatic breakage that cannot be repaired.
In other cases, teeth are extracted because they are poorly positioned—such as impacted wisdom teeth—or to prepare the mouth for orthodontic treatment. During the procedure, your surgeon will gently widen the socket and carefully remove the tooth. We then focus on preparing the site for future restoration so you can maintain optimal chewing ability and jaw joint health.
Your comfort is our absolute priority during any oral surgeon tooth extraction. We offer two primary options to ensure your procedure is entirely pain-free. The simplest method is local anesthesia, which completely numbs the nerves in the treatment area. While you may feel a firm pressure as the tooth is rocked to widen the socket, you will not feel any sharp pain.
For patients experiencing anxiety or undergoing a more complex extraction, we offer intravenous (IV) sedation. Our surgeons are extensively trained to administer IV sedation safely. This advanced sedation option allows you to sleep peacefully through the procedure with no memory of the surgery and zero discomfort.
Sometimes a tooth is so firmly anchored in the jaw, or has roots that are heavily curved, that the socket cannot naturally expand enough to allow for a simple removal. In these instances, your oral surgery tooth extraction will involve a technique called sectioning.
The doctor simply cuts the tooth into smaller, manageable sections and removes each piece one at a time. While this sounds complex, it is a very common and routine practice for our experienced oral surgeons. Sectioning actually minimizes the trauma to the surrounding bone and tissue, making the overall extraction safer and the healing process much smoother.
The underlying concept of front tooth extraction is fundamentally similar to other tooth removal procedures. Front tooth extraction is a simpler surgery in most cases. However, the restoration options for front tooth extraction are often more complex.
You can talk to our team about restorative options available for front tooth extraction.
When a tooth is removed, the bone that once held it in place loses its purpose. Without the daily stimulation of a tooth root, the surrounding bone and gums can shrink and recede very quickly. This leads to unsightly aesthetic defects and a collapse of the lips and cheeks. This deformity can create major problems when you want to restore your smile with dental implants or bridges.
During your tooth extraction surgery, we can prevent this deterioration with a ridge preservation graft. By filling the empty socket with a specialized bone substitute and covering it with a protective membrane, we encourage your body’s natural ability to repair the socket. This maintains your jaw's natural shape and creates a solid, healthy foundation for a future dental implant.
Proper home care is essential for a smooth recovery. Immediately after the extraction, a blood clot must form to stop the bleeding and begin the healing process. You will be instructed to bite firmly on a gauze pad for 30 to 50 minutes.
Once the clot forms, it is critical not to dislodge it. For the first 72 hours, avoid vigorous rinsing, using straws, smoking, or drinking alcohol. You may experience some mild pain and swelling, which usually subsides after 3 to 4 days. For most patients, a combination of Tylenol and ibuprofen during this period of healing is an extremely effective way to limit any postoperative pain. Stick to a soft food diet on the day of the surgery, and you can resume normal eating as soon as you feel ready.
It is important to resume your normal dental routine after 24 hours. This should include brushing and flossing your teeth at least once a day. This will speed healing and help keep your mouth fresh and clean.
After a few days, you should feel fine and can resume your normal activities. If you have heavy bleeding, severe pain, continued swelling for 2-3 days, or a reaction to the medication from tooth extractions, call our office immediately.
The overall tooth extraction cost varies based on the specifics of your unique case. Factors that influence the price include the location and complexity of the tooth, the type of anesthesia or IV sedation chosen for your comfort, and whether you require a ridge preservation bone graft to prepare for a future restoration.
Because we believe in total financial transparency, we will provide a comprehensive breakdown of all expected fees during your initial consultation. Our knowledgeable financial coordinators will also work closely with your dental and medical insurance providers to maximize your benefits and minimize your out-of-pocket expenses.
Delaying a necessary tooth removal can lead to severe pain and further dental complications. We make it easy and completely stress-free to get the expert surgical care you need. Whether you are seeking a tooth extraction independently or have been referred by your general dentist, our team is ready to help.
You can easily request an appointment using our secure online patient portal from the comfort of your own home. Alternatively, you can call our office directly to speak with our friendly staff. We will gladly answer your questions, assist with your insurance details, and find an appointment time that works seamlessly for your schedule. We look forward to seeing you and restoring your smile to full health.