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Tooth Extractions and Wisdom Teeth in Walnut Creek, CA
When a tooth cannot be saved, or a wisdom tooth is causing problems, Dr. Julie Kwon and Dr. Hani Jabbour explain your options at Kwon & Jabbour Dental in Walnut Creek, remove the tooth gently, and plan how to replace it so your bite stays healthy.
At a glance
Who it is for: a badly broken or infected tooth, gum disease damage, or wisdom teeth that are impacted or causing pain
First step: an exam and X-rays; we look at saving the tooth before recommending removal
Wisdom teeth: removed in our office or by an oral surgeon we work with, depending on how they sit
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, or a wisdom tooth is causing problems, 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
- A wisdom tooth is impacted, partly erupted or causing pain, swelling or decay
- 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 and tell you whether they need to come out now, can be watched, or are fine to keep. Depending on how they sit in the jaw, removal is done in our office or by an oral surgeon we work with, and we explain which applies to you before anything is scheduled.
Have a question about your own situation? Dr. Kwon or Dr. Jabbour will explain your options in plain language, with no pressure.
Book a visitWhat 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. You will feel pressure but should not feel sharp pain. The tooth is gently loosened and removed, 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 0% financing through CareCredit on qualifying care.
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 my wisdom teeth need to come out?
Not always. We check them with X-rays. Wisdom teeth that are healthy, fully erupted and easy to clean can often stay. Teeth that are impacted, partly erupted or causing problems usually should come out.
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, unless it was a wisdom tooth. 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, or your wisdom teeth are bothering you, call Kwon & Jabbour Dental at (925) 930-8465 or book online. We will examine the tooth, explain your options and plan the next step with you.