Tooth Extractions

Nobody looks forward to having a tooth removed, but sometimes tooth extractions are the best solution to protect your oral health and eliminate pain. At Smile Craft Dental Group, Dr. Surabhi Gajendragadkar specializes in making this necessary procedure as comfortable and stress-free as possible through gentle techniques and personalized patient care. You deserve to receive tooth extraction services from a dentist who takes time to explain your options, addresses your concerns, and uses proven methods to minimize discomfort during and after your procedure.

Understanding Tooth Extractions

A tooth extraction is the complete removal of a tooth from its socket in the jawbone. This dental procedure involves carefully loosening the tooth from the surrounding tissues and bone before lifting it out of its position. Extractions range from simple procedures for fully erupted teeth to surgical removals that require incisions and bone modification.

Dentists classify extractions into two main categories based on the tooth’s accessibility and condition. Simple extractions apply to teeth visible above the gum line that can be removed with specialized dental forceps after numbing the area. Surgical extractions involve teeth that are broken at the gum line, impacted below the surface, or require sectioning into pieces for safe removal.

Our Tooth Extraction Services

We offer comprehensive extraction services tailored to meet your specific needs, from routine removals to complex surgical procedures that require specialized expertise.

Simple Tooth Extraction

Simple extractions involve teeth that are visible above the gum line and can be removed with standard dental instruments. These procedures typically require only local anesthesia to ensure your complete comfort during the process. Most simple extractions are completed within 20-30 minutes, allowing you to return to your normal activities relatively quickly.

Surgical Tooth Extraction

Surgical extractions are necessary when teeth are broken below the gum line, impacted, or have complex root structures. This procedure may require a small incision in the gum tissue to access the tooth completely. Dr. Gajendragadkar uses precise surgical techniques to minimize tissue trauma and promote faster healing times.

Extractions Recommended for Braces Treatment

Orthodontic extractions create space in overcrowded mouths to allow proper tooth alignment during braces treatment. These strategic removals are carefully planned in coordination with your orthodontist to achieve optimal results. The timing of these extractions is crucial for successful orthodontic treatment outcomes.

Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Wisdom tooth removal addresses problems caused by these third molars that often lack sufficient space to emerge properly. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, infection, and damage to adjacent teeth if left untreated. Early removal of problematic wisdom teeth prevents future complications and protects your overall oral health.

Bone Graft for Socket Preservation

Socket preservation involves placing bone grafting material in the extraction site immediately after tooth removal. This procedure maintains the natural contours of your jawbone and provides a solid foundation for future dental implants. Socket preservation significantly improves the success rate of implant placement when you’re ready to replace the extracted tooth.

Our Tooth Extraction Process

Comprehensive Assessment and Planning

Dr. Gajendragadkar reviews your dental history and examines the problematic tooth using digital imaging to determine extraction complexity. This evaluation helps identify any potential challenges, such as curved roots or proximity to nerves, before your procedure begins. We also discuss your medical conditions and medications to ensure safe treatment planning tailored to your health needs.

Pre-Procedure Preparation and Comfort Options

You’ll receive clear pre-operative instructions, including guidelines about eating, drinking, and medication management before your appointment. Our team explains available comfort measures, from traditional local anesthesia to conscious sedation for anxious patients. We coordinate any necessary prescriptions and arrange transportation if sedation is part of your treatment plan.

Professional Extraction Procedure

The extraction begins with careful numbing of the tooth and surrounding gum tissue to eliminate sensation completely. Dr. Gajendragadkar uses specialized instruments to gently loosen the tooth from its socket before careful removal. Surgical cases may require small incisions or tooth sectioning, which we perform with precision to preserve surrounding bone and tissue.

Recovery Guidelines and Home Care

You’ll leave with specific instructions about managing bleeding, swelling, and discomfort during the first 48 hours after extraction. We provide guidance on safe foods, proper mouth rinsing techniques, and signs that warrant immediate contact with our office. Pain medication recommendations are personalized based on your procedure complexity and individual pain tolerance levels.

Ongoing Support and Healing Monitoring

Follow-up care includes checking the extraction site for proper blood clot formation and tissue healing progress. We assess your comfort level and address any unexpected symptoms or concerns during recovery. Dr. Gajendragadkar discusses future tooth replacement options once initial healing is complete, typically within 2-4 weeks of extraction.

Why Choose Us for Your Tooth Extractions

At Smile Craft Dental Group, we combine clinical excellence with genuine care for your comfort and well-being throughout the extraction process. Our practice uses the latest dental technology and proven techniques to ensure precise, efficient procedures with minimal discomfort. Dr. Gajendragadkar’s extensive experience in both simple and complex extractions means you receive expert care tailored to your unique situation.

We understand that dental anxiety is common, especially when facing tooth removal, which is why we offer various sedation options and take extra time to explain each step of your treatment. Our comfortable office environment and compassionate staff create a welcoming atmosphere where you can feel at ease. We also provide comprehensive aftercare support and remain accessible for any questions or concerns during your recovery.

Gentle dental extraction services you can trust!

Delaying necessary tooth extractions can lead to increased pain, infection, and more complex treatment needs down the road. Early intervention with professional extraction services protects your oral health and prevents complications that could affect adjacent teeth. Taking action now ensures the best possible outcome and fastest recovery time.

Dr. Surabhi Gajendragadkar and the team at Smile Craft Dental Group are ready to provide the expert care you need with the compassion you deserve. Follow our social media pages where real patients share their positive extraction experiences and discover how our gentle approach makes all the difference. Ready to get relief from your dental pain? Contact our dental practice now at (949)916-0568 to book your consultation and start your path to better oral health.

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FAQs

What to eat after tooth extraction?

Focus on room temperature or cold soft foods like applesauce, smoothies, and mashed bananas during your first day of recovery. Protein-rich options such as scrambled eggs, greek yogurt, and protein shakes help support tissue healing while being gentle on extraction sites. Avoid anything that requires chewing or could get stuck in the socket, such as rice, nuts, or small seeds.

When can I eat solid food after tooth extraction?

Simple extractions typically allow for soft solids like pasta and tender fish within 3-4 days, while surgical extractions may require 5-7 days before introducing firmer textures. Begin with foods you can easily mash with your tongue against the roof of your mouth before progressing to items requiring light chewing. Always test your comfort level and stop eating anything that causes pain or pressure at the extraction site.

How long to keep gauze in after tooth extraction?

Replace your initial gauze pad after 30-45 minutes, then continue changing fresh gauze every 30 minutes until bleeding significantly decreases. Most patients need gauze for only 2-4 hours total, though surgical extractions may require longer bleeding control. Bite down firmly but avoid excessive pressure that could dislodge the forming blood clot essential for healing.

How long does a tooth extraction take?

Simple extractions typically require 15-20 minutes of active procedure time, not including numbing and post-treatment instructions. Surgical extractions or impacted wisdom teeth can take 45-75 minutes depending on root complexity and bone removal requirements. Multiple extractions naturally extend appointment time, with each additional tooth adding approximately 10-15 minutes to the total procedure.

Can I drink alcohol 24 hours after tooth extraction?

Alcohol consumption should be avoided for 48-72 hours after extraction as it thins blood and increases bleeding risk significantly. Alcoholic beverages can also dissolve the protective blood clot at your extraction site, leading to painful dry socket complications. Additionally, alcohol interferes with prescription pain medications and antibiotics commonly prescribed after tooth removal procedures.