Safe and Gentle Tooth Extractions at Valley Oral Surgery in Livermore and Dublin, CA

Understanding Tooth Extractions

A tooth extraction is the complete removal of a tooth from its socket in the jawbone. While permanent teeth are intended to last a lifetime, there are situations when removing a tooth becomes necessary to protect your overall oral health.

Extractions may be recommended due to:

• Advanced decay or infection
• Gum disease affecting supporting bone
• Orthodontic needs (to create space)
• Tooth fracture beyond repair
• Impacted or non-erupted teeth
• Preparation for dentures or implant placement

At Valley Oral Surgery, we approach extractions with clinical accuracy, digital planning, and patient comfort as priorities.

Why a Tooth Might Need to Be Removed

Removing a tooth is usually a last resort — but in many cases, it’s the most appropriate choice to avoid further pain, infection, or damage to surrounding teeth.

Some common clinical reasons include:

• Severe decay extending below the gumline
• Non-restorable fractures, including vertical root cracks
• Advanced periodontal (gum) disease with bone loss
• Overcrowding or preparation for orthodontic treatment
• Teeth interfering with prosthetic solutions like implants or dentures
• Impacted teeth, including wisdom teeth or canines

If you’re unsure whether a tooth needs to be removed, our surgeons will review diagnostic scans and explain all alternatives clearly. For more complex extractions such as impacted canines or wisdom teeth removal, we offer specialized surgical techniques.

Who Performs the Extraction?

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons like Anna Lu, DMD and Jimmy Tung Nguyen, DDS, MD are specially trained in surgical extractions and facial anatomy. At Valley Oral Surgery, your procedure will be performed by a board-certified oral surgeon in a licensed surgical setting.

This ensures:

• Advanced imaging and planning
• Anesthesia or sedation options
• Safe removal with minimal tissue trauma
• Expertise in managing complex cases or complications

How the Procedure Works

Your treatment is carefully planned to ensure safety and minimize discomfort. Here’s what to expect:

Benefits of Surgical Tooth Extraction

• Eliminates infection or pain at the source
• Prevents damage to adjacent teeth and bone
• Creates space for implants or orthodontic movement
• Reduces risk of complications from untreated disease
• Supports long-term oral health

If you’re preparing for a dental implant, timely extraction is often the first step in your treatment plan.

Recovery and Healing

Most patients recover from a routine tooth extraction within 3 to 7 days.

Here’s what to expect:

• Mild swelling or tenderness
• Bleeding controlled within a few hours
• Soft diet for 1–2 days
• Avoid smoking, straws, and vigorous rinsing during the first 48 hours
• Follow-up as needed to monitor healing

Our team is available for any concerns during your recovery. We encourage patients to contact us if pain, swelling, or bleeding persists beyond expectations.