Tooth Extractions in Berkeley, CA
Safe & Gentle Tooth Removal When Restoration Isn't Possible
Safe, gentle tooth removal with comprehensive aftercare and replacement options when a tooth cannot be saved.
At Acorn Family Dental Care, Dr. Teah Nguyen considers extraction only after evaluating all alternatives. A tooth may need removal if it is severely decayed, fractured beyond repair, impacted (especially wisdom teeth), or causing crowding or infection.
Types of Extractions
- Simple Extraction: Performed when the tooth is visible in the mouth. Dr. Nguyen loosens it using instruments and removes it with forceps under local anesthesia.
- Surgical Extraction: Used when a tooth is broken, impacted, or not fully erupted. Incisions, bone removal, or sectioning of the tooth may be required.
Expert Care
Personalized treatment by Dr. Nguyen
Expert Care
Personalized treatment by Dr. Nguyen
What to Expect During & After Extraction
Here’s what you can expect before, during, and after your extraction procedure:
- Evaluation & Planning: Review medical history, take imaging, and choose sedation or anesthesia options.
- Anesthesia & Procedure: Local numbness (or sedation) is applied. Dr. Nguyen then loosens and removes the tooth, possibly making incisions or sectioning for difficult cases.
- Socket Management: After removal, the socket is cleaned. Sometimes a bone graft or membrane is placed to preserve jaw structure.
- Stitches & Protection: Soft tissue may be sutured; protective gauze is placed to help form a blood clot.
- Recovery & Care: You will receive instructions on pain control, diet, oral hygiene, and how to reduce bleeding and swelling.
Ready to get started?
Schedule a consultation and take the first step toward better oral health.
Risks, Problems & Healing Tips
- Normal effects: Some bleeding, swelling, and discomfort are expected.
- Dry Socket (Alveolar Osteitis): Occurs when the blood clot dislodges, exposing bone and nerve, causing pain. Happens in ~1–5% of extractions.
- Infection, delayed healing, nerve injury: Uncommon but possible — especially with surgical extractions or impacted teeth.
- Bone & tissue changes: The socket heals gradually. Ridge resorption may occur over months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Articles
Expert insights and tips from our dental team
dental fillingsDec 25, 2024
Why Do Fillings Still Hurt After They Get Placed?
Experiencing pain after getting a dental filling? Learn why this happens, when it’s normal, and when to see your dentist for further care.
Read article
denturesDec 30, 2017
What to Know Before Getting Dentures
Learn what to expect before getting dentures, including the types available, how they fit, and how to care for them for a comfortable, confident smile.
Read article
dental crownsOct 20, 2017
What to Do if a Crown Falls Off
Learn what steps to take if your dental crown falls off — from staying calm and protecting your tooth to getting it recemented by your dentist quickly.
Read article