Surgical Dental Extractions in San Diego, CA

Severely damaged, decayed, or impacted teeth can cause ongoing pain and make everyday activities like eating and speaking more difficult. Beyond the discomfort, problem teeth can compromise both your oral and physical health and affect your confidence and well-being.

At La Jolla Cosmetic Dentistry & Orthodontics in San Diego, we provide surgical extractions to safely and effectively remove troublesome teeth. Our goal is to protect your smile, preserve surrounding structures, and ensure your long-term dental health.

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What Are Surgical Extractions?

Surgical dental extractions are advanced procedures used to remove teeth that cannot otherwise be easily accessed or pulled using a simple extraction technique. Unlike standard extractions, which typically involve loosening the tooth and gently removing it, surgical extractions may involve gently opening the gum tissue around the tooth to access it and remove it safely. In some cases, the tooth may be separated into smaller pieces to allow for a smoother, more controlled removal.

This type of tooth extraction is often performed by a dentist with surgical expertise—such as Dr. Kohani—or an oral surgeon, and it is a common practice when dealing with impacted teeth, severely damaged teeth, or teeth with unusual root shapes. The goal of a surgical extraction is to safely and effectively remove the problematic tooth while minimizing trauma to the surrounding bone and soft tissues.

What Are Surgical Extractions?
Reasons to Undergo Surgical Extractions
What Is the Process for Surgical Extractions?
What Do Surgical Extractions Involve?
What Is Recovery Like After a Surgical Extraction?
Why Should I Choose La Jolla Cosmetic Dentistry & Orthodontics in San Diego, CA, for Surgical Extractions?
Surgical Dental Extraction FAQs

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Reasons to Undergo Surgical Extractions

Impacted Teeth

One of the most common reasons for a surgical extraction is an impacted tooth. This occurs when a tooth does not erupt properly through your gums, often due to a lack of space, misalignment, or obstruction by neighboring teeth. Wisdom teeth are especially prone to impaction, which can lead to pain, swelling, infection, and even damage to the surrounding teeth if left untreated. Surgical extraction enables the careful removal of the tooth before these complications worsen, thereby protecting and preserving your overall oral health.

Severely Damaged or Decayed Teeth

When a tooth has broken off at the gum line or is too badly decayed to be grasped with standard extraction tools, a surgical extraction becomes necessary. By creating a small opening in your gum, the tooth can be accessed more easily and removed in pieces if needed. This ensures that even broken or extensively damaged teeth can be safely extracted, preventing infection, alleviating discomfort, and helping your mouth return to a healthier state.

Abnormal Root Structures

Not all of your teeth have simple, straight roots. Some teeth have unusually long, curved, or fused roots, making them extremely difficult to remove using traditional dental extraction techniques. In these cases, surgical extraction allows the tooth to be carefully sectioned and removed in a controlled manner. This precise technique helps avoid unnecessary trauma to surrounding tissues and other teeth, and reduces the risk of complications during healing.

Other reasons for surgical extractions may include:

Dense or excess bone around a tooth that can make nonsurgical removal difficult.
Teeth that need to be surgically removed to make room or prepare your mouth for orthodontic treatment.
Infections or abscesses that may prevent a simple extraction or require more precise removal to prevent the infection from spreading.

While surgical extractions may sound intimidating or painful, Dr. Kohani’s training and expertise, combined with advanced techniques, anesthesia, and post-operative care, make the procedure and recovery far more comfortable and efficient than you might expect.

“At our practice, we do not cut corners. We only use the most advanced, cutting-edge equipment available.”rn— Dr. Kohani

How It Works

What Is the Process for Surgical Extractions?

Step One

Contact La Jolla Cosmetic Dentistry & Orthodontics at (858) 295-0603 or use our online contact form to schedule your consultation.

Step Two

Meet with Dr. Kohani to discuss your concerns about the necessity for a surgical extraction, undergo an examination to determine your candidacy for the procedure, and go over what you need to know about the surgical extraction procedure.

Step Three

After anesthesia is administered to ensure your comfort during the surgical extraction procedure, an incision is made in the gum to expose the tooth, giving Dr. Kohani clear access to the area so the tooth can be removed safely.

Step Four

If necessary, the tooth may be gently sectioned into smaller pieces to create a clear path for extraction and minimize trauma to the area.

Step Five

The tooth is extracted, the area is cleaned, and stitches are placed if needed.

Consultation

As with any dental procedure, the surgical extraction process begins with a consultation and evaluation. Dr. Kohani will review your medical history, take digital X-rays or 3D imaging, and examine the affected tooth. At La Jolla Cosmetic Dentistry & Orthodontics, our office is equipped with advanced 3D imaging technology to help ensure an accurate diagnosis. Once he diagnoses the issue, Dr. Kohani will then explain why surgical extraction is necessary and what you can expect from the procedure and recovery.
Anesthesia

Before the surgical extraction begins, anesthesia is administered. Local anesthesia is the most common option, numbing the treatment area so you feel no pain during the procedure. However, depending on the complexity of your case, we offer several dental sedation options to ensure your complete comfort during the procedure.
Incision

Once the area is numb, a small incision is made in your gum tissue to expose the tooth, allowing it to be removed comfortably and safely.
Bone Removal

In some cases, a small amount of tissue around the tooth may be adjusted to create a clear path for removal. This is done with specialized instruments and is carefully planned to support smooth healing.
Tooth Sectioning

If the tooth targeted for extraction is especially large, has multiple roots, or is impacted, it may need to be sectioned into smaller pieces. This allows each piece to be removed individually, minimizing trauma to the surrounding teeth, bone, and soft tissue.
Extraction

Finally, the tooth or its sections are carefully removed. Once complete, the area is thoroughly cleaned to remove any debris or infection. Depending on the size of the incision and the complexity of the surgery, stitches may be placed to help your gums heal properly.

Testimonials

Our patients LOVE us, and you will too!

Dr. Kohani changed my smile by using his special veneering technique with minimal alteration of my own teeth. He is an absolute perfectionist and does unbelievable work. No one can tell I have veneers; they just notice my bright and shining smile.

Brandon S.

I have gone to Dr. Kohani a few times now and have had nothing but great experiences. I was impressed with the friendly staff that is welcoming and organized. We all know these visits aren’t necessarily ones we look forward to, but Dr. Kohani makes this experience quite pleasant…

O. LaJeunesse

I was new to La Jolla, out looking for a dentist and I actually walked into Dr. Kohani’s office by mistake. Well, it was one of the best mistakes I made. My teeth needed a ton of work and Dr. Kohani did a beautiful job. I needed fillings, root canals and veneers. Dr. Kohani was able to do it all…

A. Samimi

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What Is Recovery Like After a Surgical Extraction?

Recovery following a surgical extraction is usually smooth, although it requires a little patience and extra care in the first few days. During the first 24 hours, you may notice a small amount of bleeding from the extraction site; this is normal and will gradually subside.

You will experience some swelling and mild discomfort; however, most patients find that applying an ice pack, along with prescription or over-the-counter pain medications, is enough to keep them comfortable. Complete healing of the gums and underlying bone can take several weeks, but most of the discomfort resolves within the first few days.

Oral hygiene also plays an essential role in the healing process after a surgical extraction. While you’ll need to avoid brushing directly over the surgical site at first, gently rinsing and keeping the rest of your mouth clean will help reduce the risk of infection.

Most people can return to work or normal activities within a few days, although strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided until Dr. Kohani clears you. You will receive detailed aftercare instructions, and a follow-up appointment may be scheduled to check on your progress and ensure the site is healing properly.

Why Should I Choose La Jolla Cosmetic Dentistry & Orthodontics in San Diego, CA, for Surgical Extractions?

At La Jolla Cosmetic Dentistry & Orthodontics, we perform surgical extractions not only with precision and advanced technology but with compassion and patient care at the forefront. Our experienced team prioritizes your comfort, safety, and long-term oral health, offering highly personalized care and successful results.

To learn more about surgical extractions in the San Diego, Murrieta, and Temecula, California, area, call us at (858) 295-0603 to schedule a consultation today!

Surgical Dental Extraction FAQs

How much do surgical extractions cost in San Diego?

The cost of surgical extractions in San Diego varies according to several factors, including the complexity of the procedure, the location of the tooth, and the type of anesthesia used. Dr. Kohani will provide a personalized estimate during your consultation.

How long does a surgical extraction usually take?

Most surgical extractions can be completed in 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the complexity of the procedure, the number of teeth being removed, and whether bone or tooth sectioning is required.

Can I drive myself home after a surgical extraction?

If you only receive local anesthesia or nitrous oxide, you can usually drive home afterward. If oral or IV sedation or general anesthesia is used, you’ll need someone to accompany you to your appointment and drive you home.

How soon can I eat after a surgical extraction?

You’ll want to wait until the numbness has worn off before eating to avoid biting your cheek or tongue. You will also need to stick to eating soft foods, such as yogurt, soups, and smoothies, during the first few days to help protect the healing extraction site.

How can I prevent dry socket after a surgical tooth extraction?

Avoid smoking, drinking through straws, or intense rinsing for at least 48 hours. Being gentle with your mouth and following Dr. Kohani’s aftercare instructions carefully are the best ways to prevent dry socket and support healing.

Can surgical dental extractions be performed on children?

Yes. Children may require surgical extractions to remove impacted or stubborn baby teeth, extra teeth (known as “supernumerary”), or to prepare for orthodontic treatment. Dr. Kohani handles the extractions of your younger patients with special care and may recommend sedation for increased comfort.

What are my options for replacing a tooth after a surgical extraction?

To restore function and appearance after a surgical extraction, your options may include dental implants, dental bridges, or implant-supported dentures. Dr. Kohani will recommend the best solution based on your goals and oral health.

Are there risks associated with surgical dental extractions?

As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks associated with undergoing surgical dental extractions, such as infection and slower healing in some cases. However, these issues are rare when your care is performed by an experienced dentist like Dr. Kohani.