Tooth Extractions in Mission Viejo
A tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth that cannot be saved because of deep decay, a crack, gum disease, or impaction. Dr. Arthur Johnson, a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon, performs simple and surgical extractions at our Mission Viejo office for patients from Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, and across Orange County, with local anesthesia, nitrous oxide, or IV sedation.
Your dentist will try to save a tooth first, with a filling, crown, or root canal. When the damage goes too far, taking the tooth out stops the pain or infection and protects the teeth and bone around it.
Some extractions are simple: the tooth is fully visible and comes out in one piece. Others are surgical, such as a tooth broken off at the gum line, a tooth with curved roots, or a tooth still under the gum. An oral surgeon handles both kinds and plans for what comes next, such as a bone graft or a dental implant.
Common reasons for a tooth extraction
The most common reasons are decay that has reached the nerve and cannot be restored, a cracked or broken tooth, advanced gum disease that has loosened the tooth, and impacted teeth, most often wisdom teeth. Teeth are also removed before dentures or full arch implants, or to make room for orthodontic treatment.
Your dentist may refer you, or you can book a consultation directly.
What happens at your appointment
Dr. Johnson reviews your X-rays and, when the roots sit close to a nerve or the sinus, takes a Cone Beam CT scan in our office to see the tooth in 3D before he removes it.
You choose an anesthesia option with the surgeon: local anesthesia to numb the area, nitrous oxide to help you relax, or IV sedation so you sleep through the procedure. Many single extractions take well under an hour. If you have IV sedation, an adult needs to drive you home.
Bone grafting and replacing the tooth
Dr. Johnson recommends a bone graft after most tooth extractions. A graft placed in the empty socket, called socket preservation, helps keep the jawbone from shrinking while it heals. That bone is what will hold an implant later, so keeping it can avoid a larger graft down the road. Wisdom teeth are the common exception, because no implant will replace them.
If you plan to replace the tooth, he can go over dental implants, bridges, and dentures at the same visit so the extraction fits the plan.
Recovery after a tooth extraction
Expect some soreness and swelling for a few days. Bite on gauze to control bleeding on the first day, eat soft foods, and avoid straws, spitting, and smoking while the socket heals. Suction can pull the blood clot out of the socket and cause a painful condition called dry socket.
You go home with written instructions, and you can call the office with questions after surgery. Call us if pain gets worse after the third day, or if you have a fever or bleeding that does not slow down.
Cost and insurance
The cost depends on whether the extraction is simple or surgical, whether you add a bone graft, and the anesthesia you choose. You receive a written estimate after your consultation. Our Mission Viejo office accepts many PPO dental plans and Denti-Cal. We do not accept HMO plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a tooth extraction hurt?
The area is numbed before the tooth is removed, so most patients feel pressure rather than sharp pain. Sedation is available if you are anxious. Afterward, soreness is usually managed with over-the-counter or prescribed medication.
How long does it take to recover from a tooth extraction?
The gum usually feels much better within a few days, and the socket keeps healing for several weeks. Surgical extractions and removing several teeth take longer than a simple extraction. Follow your instructions until your follow-up visit.
What is the difference between a simple and a surgical extraction?
A simple extraction removes a tooth that is fully visible above the gum. A surgical extraction is needed when a tooth is broken, impacted, or has roots that are hard to reach, and it may involve a small opening in the gum.
Should I replace a tooth after it is pulled?
Usually, yes, unless it is a wisdom tooth. A gap lets the nearby teeth drift and the bone shrink over time. Dental implants, bridges, and dentures are the common options, and Dr. Johnson can explain which ones fit your case.
Is there an oral surgeon near me for tooth extractions?
If you live in south Orange County, yes. Our office is at 25982 Pala Ste 120, Mission Viejo, CA 92691, close to Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Lake Forest, and Rancho Santa Margarita. Call (949) 347-9990 to book a consultation.