Our Services

— San Diego, CA —

Tooth Extractions

Your teeth are meant to last a lifetime, and that is why we, at Rachelle T. Flores, DMD, spare no effort to save a damaged or injured tooth. However, there are times a tooth extraction is unavoidable. Our gentle approach and commitment to outstanding patient experience will ensure you are comfortable before, during, and after the procedure.

Do You Need a Tooth Extraction?

Some patients need a tooth extraction due to extensive decay, advanced gum disease, or trauma. We will first try to restore the damaged tooth with a filling, root canal, or crown, but if the damage is beyond repair, extraction may be our only option.

There are times we will need to remove teeth blocking permanent ones from erupting or coming in the correct position. Moreover, extraction is required as a component of orthodontic treatments to correct crowding by creating the space needed for the remaining teeth to shift into alignment.

Wisdom teeth (third molars), often require extraction. They typically come in during the late teens or early 20s. If they are infected, decayed, or impacted (stuck in the jaw), they will need to be removed to avoid pain, swelling, or complications.

What Should You Expect During the Tooth Extraction Procedure?

We will numb the area using a local anesthetic and administer dental sedation as needed for your comfort. A simple extraction procedure involves the removal of a tooth that is visible and accessible. A surgical extraction, on the other hand, is required when a tooth is broken or impacted. Most patients report minimal pain or discomfort during and following the procedure.

How Can You Promote Healing After the Extraction Procedure?

After your tooth extraction, bite down on the piece of gauze placed on the extraction site for 30-45 minutes to control bleeding and to help a blood clot to form in the socket, which is necessary for healing. Make sure you only eat soft foods for the first few days and drink plenty of fluids. Rinse your mouth with a warm salt gently after meals to keep food particles out of the healing tooth socket. To help reduce swelling and pain, a cold compress or an ice pack applied to your face can help. We may prescribe medicine to control any pain and inflammation or to prevent infection.

Avoid disturbing the clot forming in the tooth socket to help the healing process. Refrain from actions that put pressure on the socket, including drinking through a straw, smoking, sucking on candy, or rinsing forcefully. If the blood clot is dislodged, you can develop a painful condition called dry socket, which will require treatment at our office.

When Should You Contact Our Office?

Contact us right away if you develop a fever, nausea or vomiting, pain that gets worse with time rather than better, or persistent severe pain, swelling, or bleeding.

Gentle Tooth Extractions Near Me

Contact Rachelle T. Flores, DMD in San Diego, CA, if a tooth is damaged or painful. We make every effort to use conservative treatments to save your tooth. If, however, extraction is our only viable option, we will do everything we can to ensure your procedure is comfortable and free of stress. You can always count on our team for quality, gentle care!

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