Comprehensive Tooth Extractions at Fairview Dental, in Brentwood CA

At Fairview Dental Brentwood, our primary objective is to help you maintain your natural teeth for a lifetime. However, there are circumstances where a tooth is so severely damaged, decayed, or poorly positioned that removing it is the best way to protect your overall oral health. Under the expert care of Dr. Thuc Luu, tooth extractions are performed with a focus on patient comfort, surgical precision, and long-term recovery.

Whether you are dealing with a painful wisdom tooth or a tooth fractured beyond repair, our Brentwood, CA team provides a supportive environment to ensure your procedure is as stress-free as possible.

When is a Tooth Extraction Necessary?

An extraction is rarely the first option, but it becomes necessary when a tooth poses a risk to the surrounding teeth, gums, or jawbone. Common reasons for extraction include:

• Severe Decay or Infection: When a cavity has reached deep into the pulp and the tooth cannot be saved by Root Canal Treatment.
• Advanced Gum Disease (Periodontitis): When the bone and ligaments supporting the tooth have been destroyed, leaving the tooth loose and prone to infection.
• Impacted Wisdom Teeth: When third molars do not have enough room to emerge, causing pain, cysts, or damage to adjacent teeth.
• Orthodontic Necessity: To resolve extreme crowding and create space for teeth to align properly during braces or Invisalign.
• Vertical Bone Fractures: When a tooth cracks below the gumline or into the root, making it impossible to restore with a crown.

Types of Extractions We Perform

At Fairview Dental, we categorize extractions based on the complexity of the tooth’s position:

1. Simple Extractions

These are performed on teeth that are visible above the gumline. Dr. Luu uses specialized instruments to gently loosen the tooth and remove it. This is a common procedure for severely decayed teeth or for making room for orthodontics.

2. Surgical Extractions

If a tooth has broken off at the gumline or has not yet erupted (like an impacted wisdom tooth), a surgical extraction is required. This involves a small incision in the gum to access the tooth. We may also need to remove a small amount of surrounding bone to safely extract the tooth without damaging neighboring structures.

The Extraction Process: Your Comfort is Our Priority

We understand that “pulling a tooth” can cause anxiety. We have refined our process to prioritize your peace of mind:

1. Detailed Diagnostics: We use Digital X-rays or 3D CBCT Imaging to map the tooth’s root structure and its proximity to nerves and sinuses.
2. Profound Anesthesia: We use advanced local anesthetics to ensure the area is completely numb. You will feel pressure, but you should not feel any sharp sensation.
3. Sedation Options: For patients with higher anxiety, we offer sedation to help you remain calm and relaxed throughout the visit.
4. Atraumatic Technique: Dr. Luu uses specialized “atraumatic” techniques to preserve as much of the surrounding bone as possible, which is critical if you plan to get a dental implant later.

Post-Extraction Care: Protecting the Blood Clot

The most important part of recovery is the formation and preservation of a blood clot in the extraction site. If this clot is dislodged, it can lead to a painful condition known as Dry Socket.

• The First 24 Hours: Bite firmly on gauze for 30–45 minutes to stop bleeding. Avoid smoking, using straws, or spitting forcefully, as the suction can pull the clot out of the socket.
• Managing Comfort: Use over-the-counter anti-inflammatories as directed. Applying an ice pack to your cheek for 20 minutes “on” and 20 minutes “off” during the first day will significantly reduce swelling.
• Dietary Adjustments: Stick to soft foods like yogurt, lukewarm soup, and smoothies. Avoid crunchy, spicy, or very hot foods that can irritate the surgical site.
• Trusted Resource: Review the American Dental Association’s guide to surgical aftercare for a safe recovery timeline.

Replacing the Missing Tooth

Unless we are extracting a wisdom tooth, it is vital to replace the missing tooth to prevent your remaining teeth from shifting. At Fairview Dental Brentwood, we offer several permanent solutions:

• Dental Implants: The gold standard for tooth replacement, as they preserve jawbone health.
• Fixed Bridges: A non-surgical option that uses the adjacent teeth as anchors.
• Partial Dentures: A removable solution for replacing multiple teeth in one area.

Why Choose Fairview Dental Brentwood for Your Extraction?

Dr. Thuc Luu combines over 20 years of clinical experience with a compassionate, patient-centered approach. When you visit our Brentwood office, you aren’t just a “procedure”—you are a neighbor who deserves the highest quality of care.

• Emergency Services: If you are in severe pain, we offer emergency evaluations to address the problem immediately.
• Site Preservation: We offer “Socket Preservation” (bone grafting) at the time of extraction to ensure your jaw stays strong for a future implant.
• Trusted Technology: Our use of 3D imaging allows for safer, more predictable outcomes for complex extractions.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

If you have a tooth that is aching, broken, or causing you concern, don’t wait for the infection to spread. At Fairview Dental Brentwood, we provide the professional, gentle care you need to restore your health and get back to your life.

Call us today at (925) 240-7253 or visit our office in the Shops at Fairview to schedule your appointment.