Tooth Extractions in San Diego, CA

Nobody wants to lose a tooth, and extraction is never our first recommendation. But some teeth are too severely decayed, too damaged by advanced periodontal disease, or broken in a way that can't be repaired; others need removal because they're impacted or poorly positioned, or to prepare for orthodontic treatment.

Because removing even a single tooth can lead to chewing problems, jaw-joint issues, and shifting teeth, Dr. Kheradmand always discusses alternatives to extraction first — and when extraction is truly necessary, a plan for replacing the tooth with an implant, bridge, or denture.

Benefits of Tooth Extractions

Local anesthetic ensures you feel pressure, not pain
Oral sedation available for anxious patients
Honest discussion of alternatives before any tooth is removed
Replacement planning starts the same day, so the gap never becomes a bigger problem

What happens during an extraction?

The tooth, jawbone, and surrounding gums are numbed with local anesthetic. During the extraction you'll feel firm pressure — that's the tooth being rocked gently to widen the socket — but the anesthetic blocks pain entirely. Some teeth are so firmly anchored, or have such curved roots, that they're sectioned: divided into pieces that are removed one at a time. It sounds dramatic but is a very common, routine technique.

If dental visits make you anxious, ask about oral sedation — many extractions are done while patients are deeply relaxed.

Recovery & Aftercare

First hour: bite firmly on the gauze pad for 30–45 minutes so a blood clot forms; repeat with fresh gauze if oozing continues. First 72 hours: protect the clot — no vigorous rinsing, straws, smoking, alcohol, or brushing right at the site. Limit hard exercise for 24 hours. Swelling & discomfort: an ice pack (or a bag of frozen peas) keeps swelling down; it usually subsides within 48 hours. Take any prescribed medication as directed and finish antibiotics completely if prescribed. Drink plenty of fluids and eat soft, nutritious food the first day, then eat normally as soon as you're comfortable. Resume gentle brushing and flossing after 24 hours. Call us immediately if you have heavy bleeding, severe pain, swelling lasting more than 2–3 days, or a reaction to medication.

Cost & Financing

Extractions are covered by most dental insurance plans. Before any extraction we'll also outline replacement options and their costs, so you can make a decision about the whole picture — not just the removal.

Payment is due at the time of service unless other arrangements are made in advance — we accept Visa, MasterCard, and Discover. See our financial policy for details.

Tooth Extractions: Frequently Asked Questions

Does a tooth extraction hurt?

No — the area is completely numbed. You’ll feel pressure (the sensation nerves that carry pressure aren’t blocked the way pain nerves are), but not pain. Post-operative soreness is usually manageable with over-the-counter or prescribed medication.

How long does recovery take?

Most swelling subsides within 48 hours and most patients feel fine and resume normal activities within a few days. The socket itself fills in over several weeks.

What is dry socket and how do I avoid it?

Dry socket happens when the healing blood clot is dislodged or dissolves, exposing bone — it’s painful but preventable. For 72 hours: no straws, smoking, alcohol, or vigorous rinsing, and don’t brush directly on the site.

Do I need to replace an extracted tooth?

Usually yes, unless it’s a wisdom tooth. An unreplaced gap lets neighboring teeth shift, strains your bite and jaw joint, and accelerates bone loss. Implants, bridges, and partial dentures are the main options — we’ll recommend the best fit for your case.

Dental Implants

Permanent, natural-feeling replacement for missing teeth that protects your jawbone.

Dentures

Complete tooth replacement — full, partial, immediate, and implant-retained options, plus repairs and relines.

Dental Bridges

A fixed, natural-looking way to fill the gap left by one or more missing teeth.