When problematic teeth are causing you pain and discomfort, remember that you have options. The goal is always to preserve your natural teeth, but sometimes extractions are the best way to go to save your smile.
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Why might I need an extraction?
Did you know…
Healing time after an extraction is typically 1-2 weeks.
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Get To The Root Of The Problem
With digital x-rays and 3D CBCT scans we get high-resolution images of your teeth that let us visualize tricky anatomy for more effective and minimally-invasive treatment planning. When you’re in pain or experiencing an emergency, we can see why the tooth is reacting and if an extraction is needed.
Sedation Options For Maximum Comfort
We know extractions can feel scary, so let’s take the fear out of your treatment. Sedation can mitigate your anxiety and keep you calm during your procedure. Ask about our sedation options and we’ll help find a solution that works for you.
We Extract Pesky Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth often cause pain and discomfort when they begin to erupt. If you find yourself dealing with unexplained headaches and jaw pain, come in for an appointment to see if you’re wisdom teeth could be the culprit.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth Are No Match For Us
Impacted wisdom teeth can be particularly complex to remove. You can trust our team to remove your impacted wisdom teeth efficiently, without pain, and with minimal discomfort during your healing and aftercare.
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Keeping Care Accessible
We believe everyone deserves access to high-quality dental care, and paying for that care shouldn't be complicated. We're here to make it easy to get the care you need, when you need it.
The Benefits of Dental Extractions
Eliminates Pain
From achy wisdom teeth to severe damage, extractions can get you out of pain quickly.
Treatment Prep
Extractions remove problematic teeth and clear the way for prosthodontics, like dental implants or dentures.
Better Oral Health
Removing problematic or painful teeth can improve your oral and overall health.
The Extraction Process
Treatment Plan
Whether you need a one off extraction or several teeth removed in preparation for additional services, your treatment plan is created specifically for you and your needs. You doctor will discuss all options and give you the final sign off so we can get your smile back on track in the way that makes you most comfortable.
Procedure Prep
After cleaning and sanitizing the site, a dentist near you will numb the area with local anesthesia. Depending on your case, you may only need local anesthesia for your extraction. The goal is to make you as comfortable as possible during treatment, so you may choose a sedation option as well. Sedation can help you relax and relieve anxiety during your procedure.
Extraction & Healing
The extraction itself usually only takes a few minutes. Once the tooth has been pulled, your dentist will clean the area and suture the extraction site if necessary. Recovery typically takes 1-2 weeks. Your doctor will provide you with a comprehensive set of instructions to help your mouth heal as quickly as possible.
Before & Afters
A smile is worth 1,000 words.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is tooth extraction necessary?
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Tooth extractions may be necessary for patients suffering from an extremely severe cavity, severe damage from oral trauma, or an infected tooth that cannot be saved with root canal therapy. In most cases, it is possible to save your tooth with a crown or root canal therapy, but sometimes an extraction may be your only option.
Improper wisdom teeth growth is the most common reason for tooth extractions. If your dentist sees that your wisdom teeth are impacted or failing to erupt properly, an extraction may be recommended to ensure that your other teeth remain healthy. Not everyone needs their wisdom teeth to be removed, however. Consult with your dentist to find out if your wisdom teeth are or will be a problem.
A tooth extraction may be required if severe periodontal disease is compromising the health of the tooth, causing it to loosen from the gums. Your dentist may want to extract these teeth to prepare you for a strong and long-lasting tooth replacement option, such as dental implants or dentures.
Will I be in pain after my extraction and how long does it take to heal?
Thanks to numbing and sedation treatments, you won’t feel any pain or discomfort during or immediately after your extraction procedure. However, symptoms such as pain, discomfort, swelling, bruising, and bleeding may begin to arise within a few hours following your extraction. While these symptoms tend to peak within the first 2-3 days, they will begin to fade as you continue to heal. Make sure to eat a diet of mostly soft foods for about 5-7 days after your treatment to prevent impact and agitation.
It will take about 1-2 weeks to completely heal from the extraction. By carefully following the recovery instructions provided to you by your dentist, you can enhance the healing progress. It is not normal to endure severe pain and discomfort 1-2 weeks after your extraction, so contact your dentist for a follow-up appointment if you are experiencing these symptoms.
Are extractions covered by insurance?
Extractions that are required to remove impacted wisdom teeth, or damaged or decayed teeth, are typically covered by insurance. To fully understand your coverage and benefits, we recommend that you contact your insurance provider.
Will I need a bone graft after my extraction?
In many cases, we will recommend a bone graft after an extraction. By performing a ridge preservation graft, we can fill the space left by the extracted tooth to maintain the integrity of your jawbone. Not only does this help preserve your bone, it can also provide a solid foundation for a dental implant in the future.
What is Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Wisdom teeth removal is a common dental procedure aimed at extracting one or more of the four permanent adult teeth located at the back corners of your mouth on the top and bottom. These teeth, often referred to as third molars, typically emerge between the ages of 17 and 25. For some, wisdom teeth come in without any issues, but for many, they can cause problems like pain, infection, or other dental complications. This is where the expertise of Dr. Tres Layton at Valley Vista Dental Center in Kearny Mesa, San Diego, comes into play, offering a solution to these potentially troublesome teeth.
Wisdom Teeth Removal Process
The process of wisdom teeth removal is generally straightforward, although it can vary depending on the complexity of the case. Initially, a consultation with Dr. Layton will determine the necessity of the extraction. During this consultation, X-rays may be taken to assess the position of the wisdom teeth and to identify any potential issues.
Once the decision for removal is made, the actual procedure is performed under local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia, depending on the patient's needs and comfort level. The area around the tooth is numbed to prevent pain, and then Dr. Layton will make an incision in the gum tissue to expose the tooth and bone. If necessary, the tooth may be divided into sections for easier removal. After the tooth is extracted, the site is cleaned to remove any debris, and the incision is closed with stitches. Recovery time varies, but most patients can expect to return to normal activities within a few days.
Is Wisdom Tooth Removal Painful?
Many patients worry about the pain associated with wisdom tooth removal, but the procedure itself is generally not painful due to the use of anesthesia. Discomfort may occur after the procedure as the anesthesia wears off, but this can be managed with prescribed pain relief medication. Dr. Layton and his team at Valley Vista Dental Center are committed to ensuring a comfortable experience and will provide detailed aftercare instructions to help manage any post-operative discomfort effectively.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to be Removed?
Wisdom teeth may need to be removed for several reasons. They often become impacted, meaning they do not have enough room to emerge or develop normally. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, infection, and damage to adjacent teeth. Even if they are not impacted, wisdom teeth can still be problematic due to their difficult-to-reach location, which makes them more susceptible to decay and gum disease. Removing them can prevent these issues and contribute to better overall oral health.
Is Wisdom Tooth Removal an Emergency?
Wisdom tooth removal is not typically considered an emergency, but there are situations where it can become urgent. If you experience severe pain, swelling, infection, or difficulty opening your mouth, it may indicate an emergency situation requiring prompt attention. In such cases, contacting Valley Vista Dental Center at (858) 277-4453 for immediate consultation is advisable. Dr. Layton will assess the situation and provide the necessary care to alleviate pain and prevent further complications.
How Long Does Wisdom Teeth Removal Take?
The duration of a wisdom teeth removal procedure can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the number of teeth being extracted. On average, the procedure takes about 45 minutes to an hour. Simple extractions may be shorter, while more complex cases involving impacted teeth may take longer. Dr. Layton will provide an estimated timeframe during your consultation, ensuring you know what to expect on the day of your procedure. Recovery time is also a consideration, with most patients experiencing significant improvement within a few days and complete healing within a few weeks.
Choosing to have your wisdom teeth removed at Valley Vista Dental Center ensures you're in the hands of experienced professionals who prioritize patient care and comfort. Whether you're experiencing discomfort or simply want to prevent future dental issues, Dr. Tres Layton and his team are ready to assist you in achieving optimal oral health.
