Tooth Extraction

Tooth extraction may not sound ideal, but it can sometimes prove the best option for your overall well-being. From simple extractions to wisdom teeth removal, Dr. Mansour provides safe and effective oral surgery in El Cajon.

Simple Tooth Extraction

Simple extractions can take only a few minutes. As long as there is no significant damage to the tooth (fractures or breaks beneath the gums), a simple extraction is all you will need.

Wisdom Teeth Removal

Many people will not have enough room in their mouth for their wisdom teeth, or final set of molars. When your wisdom teeth then try to come in, they can begin causing a range of issues. Crowded wisdom teeth can shift your other teeth, cause discomfort, and even lead to infection. In some cases, a wisdom tooth can become impacted beneath the gums, causing further issues.
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What Is the Process for Having a Tooth Extracted?

Despite technically being surgery, tooth extraction is quick, pain-free, and convenient.

Step 1: The Consultation

With tooth extraction, we always reserve the procedure as a last resort. Whenever possible, we prefer treatments that can save or restore a tooth. But when a tooth poses a risk to your overall health if it stays in, then your best solution is to remove it.
For simple extractions, we can often perform them on the same day as your consultation. We also provide tooth extraction services as part of our suite of emergency dental care.

Step 2: Anesthesia

Pulling a tooth does not need to hurt. Patients typically only need local numbing for a pain-free extraction. You may feel some pressure, but that is it. Even for wisdom teeth, local anesthesia can prove more than sufficient. However, for more complex cases, you may benefit from full sedation.

Step 3: Removing the Tooth

Once you have enough anesthesia to feel no pain, Dr. Mansour carefully removes the target tooth. For simple extractions, they involve only cutting it from the gums. More complex extraction may require breaking the tooth and removing it in several pieces. You may also have the gum sutured closed. We often use stitches that come out on their own, so you will not need a follow-up visit.
Removing a tooth need not spell the end for a full smile. We offer several options for tooth replacement to keep your smile at 100%.

When Do I Need a Tooth Extraction?

Tooth extractions are only performed when keeping the tooth will cause additional problems. We always consult thoroughly with patients before moving forward with the procedures. Examples of why you may need a tooth extraction include:
  • Extreme Tooth Decay: A tooth may be eaten away by decay to the point it causes an infection or cannot be restored.
  • Significant Injury: Many dental injuries can be repaired, but full cracks or breaks may require extraction.
  • Crowding & Alignment: Even before wisdom teeth, some patients may have significant tooth crowding that affects tooth alignment.

When Do I Need Wisdom Teeth Removal?

Wisdom teeth removal typically is best when done as a preventative measure. Routine visits to the dentist for your child can allow your dentist to estimate if they have room for wisdom teeth. If not, removing them sooner may be best. Waiting may lead to difficult-to-reverse issues like tooth misalignment. Other reasons for wisdom teeth removal include:
  • Impaction: Teeth become stuck beneath the gums and press against other structures.
  • Crowding: Even before coming in, wisdom teeth may contribute to dental crowding.
Alternative options can include:
  • Root Canal: Early treatment of an infected tooth may be limited to a root canal instead of an extraction.
  • Orthodontics: Invisalign can often fix tooth crowding or alignment.
How Is the Recovery After an Extraction?
Tooth extraction recovery tends to stay rather mild. The gums rapidly heal thanks to plenty of blood supply. For simple extractions, most swelling and discomfort are gone within a couple of days. Wisdom teeth extraction may require taking a couple of days off from school or work. Most swelling should resolve within about 1 week.
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If you need a tooth pulled, you want to ensure you are in good hands. Dr. Mansour is an experienced dentist providing tooth extraction and wisdom teeth removal in El Cajon with compassion and expert care in a welcoming atmosphere.

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