Tooth Extraction Novato CA

At San Marin Dental Care, our first goal is always to save your natural teeth. When a tooth is too damaged or infected to repair, a gentle tooth extraction can be the safest way to stop pain, protect your health and get you back to comfort.

Our experienced dentists provide comfortable, modern extractions using advanced techniques and proven pain control. Whether you need a badly decayed tooth removed, a wisdom tooth evaluated or urgent help for a dental emergency, you are in skilled and caring hands.

We are proud to care for patients from Novato and throughout Marin County, and we offer same day emergency appointments whenever possible.

When Is a Tooth Extraction Necessary?

Tooth extraction is never the first choice. Most of the time, teeth can be saved with fillings, crowns or root canal treatment. In some situations, however, removing a tooth is the healthiest option for your mouth and your overall wellbeing.

You may need an extraction if:

• Decay is too deep to fix
  A very large cavity can destroy so much tooth structure that a filling, crown or root canal will not last.
• A tooth is cracked or broken beyond repair
  Trauma, large fillings or biting on something hard can cause fractures that extend below the gum line. Some of these cannot be rebuilt safely.
• Advanced gum disease has loosened the tooth
  Severe periodontitis can damage the bone and ligaments that hold your teeth in place, which may require removal of unstable teeth.
• A wisdom tooth is impacted or causing problems
  Wisdom teeth that are trapped under the gums, come in at an angle or repeatedly get infected often need to be removed to prevent ongoing pain and damage.
• Teeth are overcrowded before orthodontic treatment
  In some orthodontic cases, one or more teeth are removed to create space for proper alignment.
• A long-standing infection will not clear
  If an infection does not respond to other treatment, extraction can be the safest way to stop it from spreading.

During your visit, your dentist will explain why extraction is recommended and talk through any alternatives that might be available in your specific case.

Types of Tooth Extractions We Offer

Every mouth is different, so we tailor your treatment plan to your needs.

Simple Extractions

Simple extractions are used for teeth that are visible above the gum line. After numbing the area completely, your dentist gently loosens the tooth and removes it from the socket. This type of procedure is often used for badly decayed teeth, severely broken teeth or teeth that have already loosened due to gum disease.

Surgical Extractions

Surgical extractions are used when a tooth is broken at the gum line, has curved roots or is otherwise difficult to access. Your dentist may need to make a small incision in the gum or section the tooth into smaller pieces to remove it safely. Care is taken to protect the surrounding bone and tissues and to keep you comfortable throughout.

Wisdom Tooth Removal

Wisdom teeth are a common source of pain, infection and crowding. We evaluate your wisdom teeth with a clinical exam and X-rays, then recommend the best approach. Some wisdom teeth can be removed with a simple extraction. Others, especially impacted teeth, require a surgical approach.

Emergency Tooth Removal

When you are in severe pain, have a large fracture or a tooth that cannot be saved, our team offers same day emergency appointments whenever possible. We focus on getting you out of pain fast and planning the next steps to restore your smile.