What Is a Tooth Extraction?
A tooth extraction, or dental extraction, is the removal of a tooth from its socket in the jawbone. Dentists recommend it when a tooth cannot be restored. Deep decay, a severe crack, or advanced gum disease can cause that. Extraction is almost always a last resort, necessary only after fillings, crowns, and root canal treatment have been weighed. Performed with proper numbing, the extraction procedure is a safe procedure that relieves pain and stops infection. A dentist removes the tooth in one of two ways, simple or surgical.
Removing a tooth also changes the bite and the way you chew. Neighboring teeth can drift into the gap, and the opposing tooth can shift. The jawbone under the empty socket also slowly shrinks. That is why this page also covers replacement and socket preservation.
Common Reasons for a Tooth Extraction
Common reasons for a tooth extraction include decay, gum disease, cracks, infection, and crowding. Teeth that require extraction cannot stay healthy or stable in the mouth. The dentist confirms the cause with an exam and X-rays before recommending removal. According to a 2022 review in the International Dental Journal, caries caused 36.0 to 55.3 percent of extractions. Periodontitis caused 24.8 to 38.1 percent.[1] The review covered 4,396 extractions in 1,896 adults. Those ranges pool international studies, so they describe worldwide patterns.
Decay or Damage Too Deep to Restore
Tooth decay can eat through the enamel and dentin and reach the pulp. Too little structure may remain for a filling or crown. Severe decay also lets infection reach the bone and neighboring teeth. Removal stops that spread. A fracture beyond repair belongs in this group too.
Gum Disease That Has Loosened the Tooth
Untreated gingivitis can progress to advanced periodontal disease. That disease destroys the bone and gum tissue holding a tooth in place. The tooth loosens and can no longer bear chewing forces. Removal then protects the healthier teeth around it.
A Tooth Cracked Below the Gumline
A crack that runs below the gumline cannot be sealed or capped with a crown. An injury or a bite on hard food can cause such a crack. Bacteria enter it and keep the root in a state of inflammation. Such a tooth usually has to come out.
Infection That a Root Canal Did Not Clear
Infection sometimes returns after root canal therapy or lingers around the root tip, even after endodontic retreatment. When retreatment is not possible, extraction removes the source of the infection. The dentist then discusses how to replace the tooth.
Crowding or Space Needed for Orthodontic Treatment
Overcrowding can leave no room for braces or clear aligners to straighten the teeth. Removing one or more teeth can create space for the rest to move into place. The orthodontic plan decides which teeth, if any, need to go.
Can This Tooth Be Saved? How the Decision Gets Made
A tooth can be saved when enough healthy structure and supporting bone remain to hold a repair. The dentist checks this with an exam, digital X-rays, and 3D CBCT imaging. Good dental care saves the tooth first, and extraction follows only when a repair would fail. The patient's medical history and goals also shape the final call.
The table below shows how common problems usually sort into saving or removing the tooth:
| Problem | When the tooth can often be saved | When extraction fits better |
|---|---|---|
| Crack | The crack stays above the gumline and the root is sound | The crack runs below the gumline or splits the root |
| Decay | Enough healthy tooth remains for a filling or crown | Decay has destroyed most of the tooth structure |
| Infection | Root canal therapy can clear the infection | Infection persists or the root is damaged beyond repair |
| Gum disease | Treatment stabilizes the bone and the tooth is firm | Bone loss has left the tooth loose and unable to function |
What Points Toward Saving the Tooth
A solid root, healthy bone, and enough tooth above the gum favor repair. Root canal therapy often saves an infected tooth, and a crown then protects it. Restoring a natural tooth preserves chewing strength and the bone around it. A regular dental checkup catches problems while repair is still possible.
What Points Toward Extraction
A vertical root fracture, severe bone loss, or damage too deep to rebuild points toward removal. Repeated failed repairs point the same way. In those cases extraction is the healthier choice for the rest of the mouth.
What Happens If a Damaged or Infected Tooth Stays
An untreated infection can spread to the jaw and to neighboring teeth. Pain usually grows worse, and the bone around the tooth keeps breaking down. Waiting can turn a simple removal into a harder one.
Who Performs Your Extraction at Pasadena Dental Office and Orthodontics?
Dr. Solomon Heifets, DDS, is the primary dentist at this dental practice, Pasadena Dental Office and Orthodontics. The dental team examines, plans, and cares for each extraction patient. Bianca, a hygienist certified in laser dentistry, is part of that team. The office speaks English and Spanish, so you can ask your questions in either language.
The Dentists and Hygienist You Will See
Dr. Solomon Heifets describes dentistry as a profession that blends precision and artistry with compassionate care. He builds thorough, detailed work around each patient's needs. Bianca holds a bachelor's degree in biology, has practiced since 2022, and focuses on patient education.
Credentials and Professional Memberships
Dr. Heifets earned his DDS at the Moldova University School of Dental Medicine. He is a member of the American Dental Association and the California Dental Association. Bianca is certified in laser dentistry.
What Patients Say
One Google reviewer describes the office's approach to nervous patients.
"The dentist and dental staff took my concerns into consideration and helped ease my nerves."
Simple or Surgical: Which Type of Extraction Do You Need?
A simple extraction removes a tooth that shows above the gumline. A surgical extraction removes a tooth that is broken, impacted, or below the gumline. The dentist loosens and lifts a simple tooth with instruments. A surgical case needs a small incision and sometimes sectioning of the tooth. Your exam and X-rays decide which type applies.
The table below sets the two types side by side:
| Feature | Simple extraction | Surgical extraction |
|---|---|---|
| Tooth position | Fully erupted and visible above the gumline | Broken at the gumline, impacted, or below the gum |
| How the tooth comes out | Loosened and lifted out whole with instruments | Removed through a small gum incision, sometimes in sections |
| Numbing | Local anesthesia, with sedation as an option | Local anesthesia, with sedation often discussed |
| Healing | Typically milder soreness and swelling | Typically more soreness and swelling |
Simple Extraction
In a simple extraction, the dentist numbs the area and loosens the tooth from its ligament. Forceps then lift the tooth out. You feel pressure, not sharp pain. Simple extractions cover many decayed but intact teeth.
Surgical Extraction
A surgical extraction handles a tooth that has broken off at the gumline or never fully emerged. The dentist opens the gum, may divide a molar into sections, and removes each piece. The dentist protects the surrounding bone throughout.
Impacted Teeth and Wisdom Teeth
An impacted tooth is trapped beneath the gum or against a neighboring tooth. Impacted wisdom teeth are the most common example. A lower one sits close to a nerve in the mandible. The dentist treats an impacted tooth as a surgical extraction. Wisdom teeth removal has its own page with full details.
What Happens at Your Extraction Appointment, Step by Step
Your extraction appointment follows four steps: exam and imaging, numbing, removal, and socket protection. Most of the visit goes to preparation and numbing, and the removal itself is brief. You can ask questions at any step. You leave understanding how to care for the extraction site at home.
Before Your Visit: What to Tell Us and How to Prepare
Tell the office about your medical history, your medications, and any allergies. Say which sedation you want, since sedation changes whether you can eat beforehand. Most healthy patients do not need antibiotics before the visit unless the dentist advises them.
These preparations make the visit smoother:
- Write down every medication and supplement you take.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing with short sleeves.
- Arrange a ride home if you plan to have oral or IV sedation.
- Stock soft foods and gauze at home.
Step 1: Exam, Imaging, and Health History
The first step is a review of your health history and an exam of the affected tooth. Taking digital X-rays then shows the roots and nearby bone. The office also offers 3D CBCT imaging, a detailed and precise view of root shape, nerves, and bone. These images guide the extraction process and the choice between a simple and a surgical extraction.
Step 2: Numbing the Area
The dentist applies local anesthetic to numb the area around your tooth and waits until it is fully numb. You feel pressure and movement but not sharp pain. Tell the team right away if you notice any discomfort or sharp sensation.
Step 3: Removing the Tooth
Using specialized instruments, the dentist loosens the tooth from its ligament and lifts it from the socket. A surgical case may need a small incision or sectioning, depending on the tooth. The team keeps the surrounding bone and gum protected while extracting the tooth.
Step 4: Protecting the Socket Before You Go Home
The dentist cleans the socket, leaving it free of debris, and gauze is placed over it. You bite down firmly so a blood clot forms, and that clot is the foundation of healing. The team then reviews your aftercare instructions and any follow-up appointment.
Staying Comfortable: Numbing, Sedation, and Care for Anxious Patients
Staying comfortable during an extraction depends on three tools: local numbing, sedation, and a calm, unhurried visit. Local anesthesia blocks sharp pain in the tooth and gum. Sedation adds relaxation for patients who feel anxious or need a longer procedure. You and your dentist choose the level of comfort before the visit.
Fear of the dentist is common, and the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) tracks it. As reported by the NIDCR, nearly 20 percent of US adults have moderate to high dental fear. Another 5 to 10 percent delay needed care because of fear or anxiety.[2] The same report finds that sedation has not produced long-term reductions in fear, while cognitive-behavioral approaches show promise.
The table below compares the comfort options:
| Option | How it works | What to expect afterward |
|---|---|---|
| Local anesthesia | Numbs the tooth and gum while you stay fully awake | Numbness fades over a few hours |
| Nitrous oxide | A gas breathed through a small mask for quick relaxation | Effects wear off soon after the mask comes off |
| Oral sedation | A pill taken before the visit for deep relaxation | Someone must drive you home |
| IV sedation | Medication through a vein, with monitoring of vital signs | Someone must drive you home, and you may remember little |
Local Anesthesia: Pressure Without Sharp Pain
Local anesthesia numbs the tooth, the gum, and the nearby bone. You feel pressure and tugging but not sharp pain. Once the numbness fades, soreness is usually mild and manageable with recommended medication.
Sedation Options: Oral, Nitrous Oxide, and IV
Oral sedation is a pill, and nitrous oxide is a gas. IV sedation delivers medication through a vein while the team monitors your vital signs for safety. Your dentist matches the option to your health and your anxiety level. You need a ride home after oral or IV sedation.
If Extractions Make You Anxious
A bad past experience is a common reason for fear. Tell the team about your anxiety when you book, so they can plan the right sedation and enough time. The team speaks English and Spanish, so you can describe your worries in the language you prefer. Knowing what comes next lowers fear for many patients.
Same-Day and Emergency Tooth Extractions in Pasadena
Same-day and emergency tooth extractions in Pasadena are available here for severe pain, swelling, or a broken tooth. The dentist examines the tooth, takes an X-ray, and relieves pain first. If the tooth cannot be saved, removal can often happen that day.
Signs a Tooth Cannot Wait
Some symptoms mean you may need tooth extraction or another urgent treatment now, not next week. These signs call for a same-day visit:
- Severe pain that medication does not ease
- Swelling in the face, jaw, or gum
- A pimple-like bump on the gum
- Fever together with tooth pain
- A tooth broken below the gumline or knocked loose
Trouble breathing or swallowing needs a hospital emergency room, not a dental office.
What Happens at an Emergency Visit
The dentist examines the tooth and gums, takes digital X-rays, and eases your pain first. The dentist then explains whether the tooth can be saved. If it cannot, extraction follows, and you leave with a plan for healing.
How to Reach Us Quickly
You can call (626) 219-7180 from Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, to schedule an appointment today. Describe your symptoms when you call. The team schedules urgent tooth pain quickly. For heavy bleeding or trouble breathing outside those hours, go to the nearest emergency room.
Recovery After a Tooth Extraction: What to Do and What to Avoid
Recovery after a tooth extraction centers on protecting the blood clot in the socket. That clot shields the bone and nerves while new tissue forms. Most people feel much better within a few days. The gum keeps healing over the next couple of weeks. Following post-operative care closely helps promote healing. The aftercare instructions you receive provide the details.
The First 24 Hours
During the first day, these steps protect the clot:
- Bite on the gauze with steady pressure and change it when it becomes soaked.
- Rest with your head raised on pillows.
- Hold a cold pack against your cheek in short intervals.
- Skip straws, smoking, spitting, and rinsing.
- Avoid hot drinks and alcohol.
Days Two Through Seven
After the first day, mild salt-water rinses keep the area clean. Swelling usually peaks within the first couple of days and then eases. Soreness should improve each day, and pain that grows worse instead of better needs a call to the office.
Eating, Drinking, and Brushing While You Heal
You can eat soft, lukewarm foods such as yogurt, mashed potatoes, and scrambled eggs. Chew on the opposite side of your mouth. Hard, crunchy, and sticky foods wait until the site heals. Brush your other teeth as usual, and keep oral hygiene light near the extraction site.
When to Call Us
Some symptoms mean the socket is not healing well. These signs of infection or dislodged clots deserve a call:
- Pain that grows worse after the second or third day
- Fever or chills
- Bleeding that does not stop with firm gauze pressure
- Swelling that spreads or keeps growing
- Pus or a foul taste that does not clear
Trouble breathing or swallowing means you should seek emergency care immediately. You can reach the office at (626) 219-7180.
What Are the Risks of a Tooth Extraction, and How Do You Lower Them?
The risks associated with a tooth extraction include dry socket, infection, slow healing, heavier bleeding, and swelling. Most complications are uncommon and manageable. You lower them by following aftercare closely and sharing your full health history beforehand. The dentist reviews that history first, so the plan fits your health.
Dry Socket
Dry socket happens when the blood clot leaves the socket early and exposes the bone. It causes deep, throbbing pain that often begins a few days after the extraction. As stated by StatPearls, an NIH resource, dry socket follows about 0.5 to 5 percent of routine extractions.[3] Avoiding straws, smoking, and spitting protects the clot. Dry socket can be treated, so call the office if the pain worsens.
Infection and Slow Healing
Bacteria can infect the socket, causing swelling and pain, especially after poor cleaning or when infection was already present. Fever and growing pain are warning signs. Smoking, diabetes, and weak immunity slow healing. Mild rinses after the first day and steady oral hygiene lower the risk.
Heavier Bleeding or Swelling Than Expected
Some oozing and swelling are normal for a day or two. Firm pressure on damp gauze usually controls bleeding, and cold packs ease swelling. No further treatment is required in most cases. Bleeding that continues, or swelling that spreads, deserves a call.
Health Conditions and Medications That Change the Plan
Certain health conditions and medications change how the dentist plans an extraction. Tell the dentist if any of these apply to you:
- Blood thinners or a bleeding disorder
- Diabetes that is not well controlled
- A heart condition or an artificial joint
- Osteoporosis medication, including infusions
- Radiation treatment to the head or neck
- A weakened immune system
The dentist may adjust the timing, prescribe an antibiotic, or coordinate with your physician and other health care providers.
Replacing the Tooth: Protecting Your Bone and Your Bite
Replacing an extracted tooth protects the jawbone and the bite. Neighboring teeth drift into the gap, and the opposing tooth can grow out of position. Bone tissue also shrinks where the root used to be. Implants, bridges, and dentures each work by restoring chewing and your smile. The right choice depends on your health, your bone, and your goals.
What Happens to the Jawbone After a Tooth Comes Out
Bone stays strong when a tooth root stimulates it. Once the root is gone, the ridge shrinks. Clinical reviews find that the ridge loses more width than height. Most of that change happens in the first months.
Socket Preservation (Bone Grafting) at the Time of Extraction
Socket preservation places bone graft material in the empty socket right after extraction. It reduces the amount of bone lost while the socket heals. Evidence that it improves long-term implant results remains limited, so the dentist discusses whether it fits your case.
Implants, Bridges, and Dentures Compared
The three main options differ in how they attach and what they need from your mouth:
| Option | How it works | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Dental implant | A titanium post in the jawbone holds a crown | Stands on its own and needs enough bone and healing time |
| Fixed dental bridge | Crowns on neighboring teeth hold a false tooth | Requires reshaping the healthy teeth on each side |
| Denture or partial | Prosthetic teeth sit on a gum-colored base | Removable, and it does not stop the ridge from shrinking |
The office offers single-tooth dental implants, dental bridges, complete dentures, and partial dentures. Your dentist explains the treatment options and which one suits the gap and the surrounding teeth.
When a Missing Tooth Does Not Need Replacing
Some teeth leave no functional gap. A wisdom tooth or a crowded tooth removed for orthodontic treatment often falls in this group. You can ask at your exam whether replacement makes sense for you.
Insurance and Financing for Tooth Extractions
Pasadena Dental Office and Orthodontics accepts most major PPO dental insurance plans and offers financing for tooth extractions. Insurance reduces what you owe out of pocket, and financing partners spread the rest into payments. You can call (626) 219-7180 to ask how your plan applies to an extraction.
Insurance Plans We Accept
The office accepts most major PPO plans. Examples include Delta Dental, MetLife, Guardian, Aetna, Cigna, Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield, and United Healthcare. Coverage for extractions varies by plan. Confirm your own benefits before the visit.
Financing Options
The office works with financing partners including CareCredit, Cherry, LendingClub, and Sunbit. These partners let you pay for treatment over time instead of all at once. The team can explain how each one works.
Where to Find Full Pricing Details
Pricing depends on the tooth's position, the type of extraction, and the anesthesia used. The practice's tooth extraction cost page breaks down these factors in full. You can also ask the team for details when you book.
Tooth Extraction Near Me in Pasadena, CA
Patients looking for tooth extraction near me in Pasadena, CA can visit a full-service office on N Hill Avenue. The office handles exams, imaging, extractions, sedation, and tooth replacement under one roof. It also provides cosmetic dentistry, including teeth whitening and porcelain veneers, and pediatric care. Same-day emergency visits are available on weekdays.
Our Office and Hours
This list gives everything you need to plan your visit:
- Address: 181 N Hill Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91106
- Phone: (626) 219-7180
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Parking: a free parking lot and free street parking
- Accessibility: a wheelchair-accessible entrance, parking lot, and restroom
- Languages: English and Spanish
You can also request an appointment online to get started.
Neighborhoods and Nearby Cities We Serve
The office serves patients across Pasadena, including Oak Knoll, Madison Heights, and North Arroyo. Patients driving in from the I-210 and CA-134 freeways reach the office easily. Visiting patients from surrounding communities are welcome too.
Questions Patients Ask Before and After a Tooth Extraction
These frequently asked questions come up most often.
Is tooth extraction painful?
Extraction happens under local anesthesia, so you feel pressure instead of sharp pain. Sedation can add relaxation if you are anxious before the procedure. Once the numbness fades, soreness is usually mild and manageable with the medication your dentist recommends.
How long does a tooth extraction take?
A simple extraction is usually a short visit. A surgical extraction takes longer because the dentist opens the gum or sections the tooth. Numbing and sedation add time before the removal itself. The dentist gives you a realistic estimate after your exam and X-rays.
How long does it take to recover after a tooth extraction?
Most people feel much better within a few days, and early swelling and bleeding settle quickly. The gum keeps healing for the next couple of weeks. Surgical extractions and some health conditions can lengthen recovery.
When can I eat normally after a tooth extraction?
Start with liquids and soft, lukewarm foods on the first day. Add firmer foods as comfort allows, and chew on the opposite side. Hard, crunchy, and sticky foods should wait until the site has healed.
When can I brush my teeth normally again?
You can brush your other teeth the same day. Keep the brush away from the extraction site for the first 24 hours. After that, brush softly near the area with a soft toothbrush. Normal brushing returns as the site becomes comfortable.
Should I take antibiotics before my appointment?
Most healthy patients do not need antibiotics before an extraction. You take them only when your dentist or doctor says so. An active infection or certain health conditions can be reasons. Your dentist reviews your history and advises you.
Can I eat or drink before my tooth extraction?
It depends on your anesthesia. With IV sedation you usually need an empty stomach, and your dentist gives you exact instructions. With local anesthesia alone, a light meal beforehand is usually fine.
Can a general dentist pull a broken or rotten tooth?
Yes, a general dentist can remove a broken or badly decayed tooth. The dentist takes an X-ray first to see how much tooth and root remain. That image shows whether the removal is simple or surgical.
What is socket preservation, and do I need it?
Socket preservation places bone graft material in the socket right after extraction to limit bone loss. It matters most when you plan to replace the tooth with an implant. Not every extraction needs it, and your dentist advises you case by case.
How long should I wait to get a dental implant after an extraction?
Sometimes an implant goes in right after extraction, but many cases need a few months of healing first. The wait lets the socket fill with bone. Your dentist sets the timing from your X-rays, your bone, and your health.
Can I get a tooth pulled without insurance?
Yes, getting a tooth pulled does not require insurance. Financing through CareCredit, Cherry, LendingClub, or Sunbit spreads the cost into payments. The practice's cost page explains what affects the price.
Where can I get a tooth extraction near me in Pasadena?
Pasadena Dental Office and Orthodontics offers tooth extractions on N Hill Avenue, near the I-210 and CA-134 freeways. The address, hours, and parking details appear in the office section above. You can call (626) 219-7180 to book an exam.
A tooth that hurts, cracks, or needs replacing has a clear path at Pasadena Dental Office and Orthodontics. Dr. Solomon Heifets and the team look for ways to save the tooth first. They explain simple and surgical options and match numbing or sedation to your comfort. Same-day visits are available for urgent pain. Patients from Oak Knoll, Madison Heights, North Arroyo, and across Pasadena can reach the office easily. Booking takes one call to (626) 219-7180 or a request through the online form. The team will plan your extraction around your health.
Insurance coverage varies by plan and can change, so confirm your own benefits for tooth extractions directly with your insurance provider.