Tooth Extraction FAQs
At San Juan Family Dentistry, we take every precaution to ensure a comfortable, pain-free tooth extraction experience for our patients. While there may be some discomfort or mild pain during the recovery process, most patients report little to no pain during the actual procedure.
The length of the tooth extraction process can vary depending on the complexity of the procedure and the patient’s needs. In general, most tooth extractions take less than an hour to complete.
Dry socket is a painful condition that can occur if the blood clot at the extraction site becomes dislodged. This exposes the underlying bone and nerves. It’s important to follow post-operative instructions carefully to prevent dry socket.
During your dental exam at San Juan Family Dentistry, we’ll take an X-ray of your affected tooth to determine if it needs to be removed and which type of extraction is recommended:
- Simple Tooth Extraction: Most dental extractions are what we call a simple extraction. These procedures can be performed using local anesthetic (numbing medication) and require minimal healing time.
- Surgical Dental Extraction: If a tooth is impacted within the gum or bone tissues, a simple extraction is prohibited. Instead, surgical removal of the tooth is required. A classic example is wisdom tooth removal, which is usually regarded as a type of oral surgery. Surgical extractions can be performed by family dentists, oral surgeons, or other dental specialists.
You might experience some swelling, discomfort, and minor bleeding for the first 24-48 hours.
For the first 24-48 hours after extraction, stick to soft foods and liquids. Gradually introduce solid foods as your comfort level allows. Avoid drinking through straws and eating hot or spicy foods for the first few days to prevent complications and promote healing.
We often recommend replacing missing teeth to prevent shifting of remaining teeth, bite problems, and bone loss. We can discuss replacement options like dental implants, bridges, or dentures.
Because most simple extractions are due to issues like decay or gum disease, preventative dental care is key. Plan to treat any issues early before they spread deeper into the tooth. Earlier treatments are more conservative and help preserve healthy tooth structure.
The fee for a dental extraction will depend on the type of extraction, which tooth is involved, if you’re being sedated, and other factors associated with the procedure. Generally speaking, a simple extraction may cost between $150-$500, whereas a surgical extraction begins at around $300 per tooth. To prevent any confusion, our San Juan Capistrano dentist will provide you with a detailed treatment plan outlining all fees.
