Pacific Coast Dental Group

1279 Linda Mar Shopping Center
Pacifica, CA 94044

Pacific Coast Dental Group > Services > Extractions

Dr. Acosta only removes a tooth after exhausting all other options. But where necessary, we ensure your comfort and recovery

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Extractions

Though the Pacific Coast Dental team will make every effort to save a damaged tooth, you may be in a situation where you have a tooth that needs extractions. Rest assured that Dr. Acosta’s team will only recommend removing a tooth as a last resort and that we will provide the highest level of comfort and care throughout the process.

Finally, our dentists will work to educate you on teeth replacement options and why missing teeth should never be ignored. We aim to cultivate a long-term relationship with you to serve your dental needs better. Our recommendations are all intended to help you have a healthy smile for life.

Why Do I Need a Tooth Pulled?

Tooth damage can come from numerous sources, both chronic and acute. Often, patients suffer from an undiscovered condition that surfaces when they have an accident or other triggering event. Here are some common reasons we may need to extract a tooth in Pacifica, CA:

Extensive tooth decay
Severely receded gums unable to anchor a tooth
Overcrowded teeth
Tooth damage beyond a dental crown’s ability to restore
Unsuccessful root canal therapy
A tooth that is broken off at the gumline
Accidental trauma from an auto or sporting accident

Our Personalized and Comprehensive Approach to Dental Extractions

From a holistic perspective, tooth extraction is only one part of a process that includes tooth replacement options. Dr. Acosta will discuss your options and offer extensive information so that your decision is educated. We also can allay your fears about if the procedure will hurt. If you feel anxiety, we can offer conscious sedation so that you won’t experience any stress or pain during your extraction.

The extraction procedure itself comes in two types. Where your tooth to be extracted still has enough structure to be pulled directly, we call this a simple extraction. Surgical extractions involve teeth that are broken off at the gums, have not erupted, or are no longer sufficiently intact. Dr. Acosta is experienced in surgical extractions and can ensure that your procedure is successful.

Post-Extraction Care Is Vital to Recovery

At Pacific Coast Dental, we offer services to help you heal quickly after your extraction procedure. For example, we can perform blood draws, speeding up the healing process. You also have a role in proper after-care. The empty spot where your tooth once was is called your socket, and it usually is sealed by a blood clot.

In the days after your extraction, your care instructions will include the following:

Eating soft foods like mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, and yogurt
Refraining from smoking or drinking through a straw – the suction may dislodge your clot
Avoiding overly hot liquids, which may dissolve your clot or cause sensitivity
Only gentle teeth brushing
Relieving pain with an over-the-counter analgesic

After your mouth has healed, Dr. Acosta will want to follow up to discuss the best way to replace your missing tooth. We encourage you to contact our Pacifica, CA, dental office today to learn more about our tooth extraction services.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do teeth extractions take?

The Pacific Coast Dental's mission is to provide numerous dental services that maintain healthy teeth and repair tooth damage. But in many cases, severe tooth decay, accidental trauma, and advanced periodontal disease create too much damage for your natural tooth to be saved. So if you have a tooth that requires removal, you can rest assured that when we recommend a tooth extraction, that is your best and only option.

Our dentists may complete most tooth extraction procedures in one visit, depending on your specific health condition. The process begins with a thorough consultation so that we can discuss your particular case and address any of your concerns. Our top priorities are ensuring you're comfortable before, during, and after your extraction. Towards that end, we will carefully and thoroughly numb the area around your damaged tooth so that you will feel little pain. However, if you still feel stress or anxiety, we can offer oral conscious sedation or nitrous oxide therapy to take the edge off and help you relax.

Tooth Extraction Aftercare Is Vital

For the first several days after we extract your tooth, you may experience some soreness and swelling that should respond to your preferred over-the-counter pain reliever. Here are a few other recommendations to speed up your healing process:

Avoid smoking or drinking through a straw
Eat only soft foods, such as scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, and yogurt
Minimize hot beverages

Rinse your mouth with only warm water or warm salt water – no mouthwash or strong rinses

If you have any questions about your dental extraction and how important it is to replace your missing tooth, we encourage you to call our dental office today.

Meet Our Doctors:

Dr. John Acosta
Owner/Dentist

Dr. John Acosta has been in the dental profession since 2001 and loves his job. It shows in his quality of work and his caring attitude toward each patient, treating ...

Dr. Soo Youn Si
Dentist

Dr. Soo Youn Si graduated from the University of Minnesota and served as a National Health Service Corps scholar through the US Department of Health and Human Services. In this ...

Dr. Katherine Kieu
Orthodontist

Dr. Katherine Kieu earned her Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from UCLA. She then attended UCSF, receiving her DDS and completing her orthodontic residency at the University of Pacific, ...

Extractions Technology

Oral Conscious Sedation

Hesitation about their visits to their dentist is one of the most common forms of anxiety people experience today. At Pacific Coast Dental, we understand how past negative experiences may rear their ugly heads even if those traumatic events happened years or even decades ago. Because dental anxiety doesn't have an expiration date, our caring staff works hard to create a comfortable and calm environment in which you can seek care. We offer entertainment screens in our treatment rooms to provide a welcome distraction during some procedures.

However, for our patients who experience more pronounced apprehension, we never want dental anxiety to be a barrier to care. Most dental issues start small but can grow into significant problems if you avoid treatment. One option we provide for our patients more impacted by dental distress is oral conscious sedation.

First, we consider your medical history to ensure this is a safe and effective option for you. Then, we will supply medication that you take orally before treatments. This sedative goes into effect quickly, and though you are awake during the procedure, your awareness will be blunted to minimize your experience of stress. Some patients may not even remember details of their treatments afterward, which lessens the chance of traumatic images and memories surfacing during future visits.

One of our qualified staff will monitor you throughout your sedation experience to provide safety and oversight until your visit is over. Our goal is to provide you with needed care in a warm and comfortable atmosphere, using all tools at our disposal to help you achieve a healthy smile.

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