Tooth Extractions in Northgate

At Reen Chung, DDS, we strive to keep tooth extractions, wisdom teeth removal, and a variety of oral surgery procedures in-house so we don’t have to refer you out to another dental practice. The anticipation of a tooth extraction can be a bit daunting, but our team works tirelessly to keep you comfortable and at ease throughout your treatment. If you think you may be in need of an extraction, please contact our Northgate dental office today!



Cause for a Tooth Extraction

While we hope to exhaust all other restorative options before resorting to an extraction, there are some instances where removing the tooth is more beneficial for your overall oral health. Some of the most common causes for an extraction include:

  • Irreconcilable damage or decay
  • Overcrowding of your mouth
  • Trauma left behind by a dental emergency
  • Wisdom tooth extraction

Tooth Extraction Process

To precisely plan out your extraction, X-rays will be utilized to provide accurate images of your tooth and jawbone and allow for a smooth procedure. Before the process begins, we will use an adequate amount of anesthesia to numb the area so you should only feel a heavy amount of pressure while we’re working. We will then begin removing the gum and tissues covering or surrounding the tooth to give us full access to your tooth. Gentle force is then used to loosen the tooth from the jawbone and remove it completely. In some more difficult cases, a tooth may be removed in pieces.

Tooth Extraction Aftercare

Once your extraction is complete, gauze will be applied to the open area and a blood clot will begin to form. We will send you home with detailed aftercare instructions and prescribed medication to alleviate any pain you may be experiencing. Some things to avoid for the first few days following treatment are drinking through a straw, smoking, chewing difficult foods, and brushing too vigorously.

Tooth Replacement Options

Perhaps the most stressful aspect of getting a tooth removed is thinking about the gap it will leave behind. We offer several tooth replacement options, including dental implants that can be capped with a crown or bridge and full or partial dentures. Each of these treatments can improve your smile’s appearance and return full functionality to it.

Tooth Extraction FAQs

How long do I have to wait before I can eat?

We always recommend that patients wait until the numbness in their mouth wears off before they try to eat anything so that they do not bite their tongue or the inside of their cheek. Once your mouth starts to feel normal again, we recommend starting with very soft foods that require little to no chewing, like yogurt, applesauce, cream of wheat, and mashed potatoes. If you have any questions or concerns during your recovery process, we encourage you to reach out to our office for assistance.

Can you be sedated during a dental extraction?

Our office offers nitrous oxide sedation, which patients are welcome to use in conjunction with any of our services, including dental extractions. Nitrous oxide is a very safe and effective form of sedation that begins working quickly, and the effects wear off after breathing normal air for a few minutes. If you are interested in utilizing nitrous oxide during your dental extraction, our team will be happy to offer more information and help you decide if dental sedation is the right choice for you.

Are tooth extractions covered by insurance?

Tooth extractions are often considered a necessary procedure, which means many insurance plans offer at least partial coverage for tooth extraction services. Reen Chung, DDS also accepts third-party payment plans through CareCredit®, and members of our in-house dental savers plan receive a 15% discount on restorative services like tooth extractions. To learn more about your financing options, please contact our office or visit our financial page.

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Reen Chung, DDS

Reen Chung, DDS