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Tooth Extractions in Walnut Creek, CA
When a tooth cannot be saved, Dr. Hani Jabbour removes it gently at Kwon & Jabbour Dental in Walnut Creek, can place a bone graft at the same visit to protect the bone, and plans how to replace the tooth so your bite stays healthy.
At a glance
Who it is for: a badly broken or infected tooth, or a tooth loosened by gum disease that cannot be saved
First step: an exam and X-rays; we look at saving the tooth before recommending removal
Wisdom teeth: we check them and refer removal to an oral surgeon
Comfort: local anesthetic; we do not offer sedation or nitrous oxide
Next step: we plan the replacement, such as an implant or bridge, before the extraction
We always try to save a natural tooth first. When a tooth cannot be saved, removing it carefully and planning what comes next protects the rest of your mouth.
When Does a Tooth Need to Come Out?
A tooth may need to be removed when:
- It is broken or decayed too far to repair with a filling, crown or root canal
- Gum disease has damaged the bone that supports it
- Teeth are crowded and orthodontic treatment needs more space
- An infection cannot be treated another way
Before recommending an extraction, Dr. Kwon or Dr. Jabbour will explain whether a restoration such as a crown could save the tooth, so you can make an informed choice.
Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth are the third molars, the last teeth to come in, usually in the late teens or twenties. Many mouths do not have room for them. They can come in at an angle, stay trapped under the gums or partly break through, which makes them hard to clean and prone to decay and infection.
We check wisdom teeth with X-rays at your exams and tell you whether they need to come out, can be watched, or are fine to keep. We do not remove wisdom teeth in our office: when they need to come out, we refer you to an oral surgeon and share your X-rays so you do not have to repeat them.
Have a question about your own situation? Dr. Kwon or Dr. Jabbour will explain your options in plain language, with no pressure.
Schedule an appointmentBone Grafting After an Extraction
When a tooth comes out, the bone that held it starts to shrink. If you may want a dental implant later, Dr. Jabbour can place a bone graft in the socket at the same visit to help preserve the bone, so the implant has a solid base when the time comes.
What Happens at an Extraction Visit
Before
We review your health history and medications, take X-rays and explain the plan, including how the tooth will be replaced if needed.
During
The area is fully numbed with local anesthetic. You will feel pressure but should not feel sharp pain. The tooth is gently loosened and removed, a bone graft is placed if we planned one, and we place gauze to help a clot form.
After
Most patients go home the same day with written aftercare instructions and a number to call if anything feels wrong.
Recovery and Aftercare
- Bite on the gauze as directed to help a clot form
- Rest for the rest of the day and keep your head raised
- Use a cold compress on the cheek for swelling in the first day
- Eat soft foods and avoid the extraction side for a few days
- Do not use straws, smoke or rinse hard for the first days, so the clot stays in place
- Call us if pain gets worse after a few days, bleeding does not slow, or you have a fever
Most people feel much better within a few days. We tell you what to expect for your specific tooth.
Replacing a Missing Tooth
A gap left open can let the neighboring teeth drift, change your bite and affect the bone. We plan the replacement before the extraction so you know your options, which may include a dental implant, a bridge or a partial denture.
Our article on dental implants vs bridges explains how the two compare.
Cost and Insurance
The cost depends on the tooth and how it sits in the jaw. Most dental insurance plans cover part of an extraction. We give you the cost in writing before treatment and offer payment plans through CareCredit.
Questions about tooth extractions
Does a tooth extraction hurt?
The area is fully numbed, so you should feel pressure but not sharp pain. Some soreness afterward is normal for a few days and is usually managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Do you remove wisdom teeth?
No. We check wisdom teeth with X-rays and, when they need to come out, refer you to an oral surgeon. Wisdom teeth that are healthy, fully erupted and easy to clean can often stay.
Do you offer sedation or nitrous oxide?
No. Extractions in our office are done with local anesthetic, which keeps the area fully numb. If you feel you need sedation, tell us and we can refer you to a provider who offers it.
What is a bone graft, and do I need one?
A bone graft fills the empty socket to help preserve the bone after a tooth comes out. It is most useful when you may want a dental implant later. We tell you before the extraction whether we recommend one.
How long does recovery take?
Most people feel much better within a few days, and the gum heals over the following weeks. Following the aftercare instructions protects the clot and helps healing.
Should I replace a tooth after an extraction?
Usually, yes. A gap can let other teeth shift and affect your bite. We plan the replacement with you before the extraction.
Talk to Us About an Extraction in Walnut Creek
If you have been told a tooth needs to come out, call Kwon & Jabbour Dental at (925) 930-8465 or request an appointment online. We will examine the tooth, explain your options and plan the next step with you.