12565 Hesperia Rd, Suite 2, Victorville, CA 92395Monday – Friday, 8am to 5pm760-952-1900
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Tooth Extractions

Tooth Extraction in Victorville, CA

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You may have been referred to our office for a tooth extraction. Dr. Chu regularly performs simple and complex surgical extractions for impacted, broken, and deeply rooted teeth. Whenever a tooth can't be saved, he plans its removal with the replacement in mind, whether that is a dental implant, a bridge, or a denture.

Why Dentists Refer Patients to Us

General dentists refer patients to an oral surgeon when an extraction calls for surgical expertise, 3D imaging, or sedation. Common reasons include:

  • Impacted teeth, including wisdom teeth, trapped beneath the gum or bone
  • Teeth fractured at or below the gumline
  • Teeth with long, curved, or fused roots, or roots close to the nerve in the lower jaw or the sinus above the upper teeth
  • Extractions needed before orthodontic treatment
  • Extractions in preparation for dental implants or dentures
  • Multiple or full-mouth extractions
  • Patients with medical conditions that require careful anesthesia planning
  • Patients who prefer IV sedation or general anesthesia

Specialist Surgical Training

As an oral surgeon, Dr. Chu has undergone advanced surgical and anesthesia training that general dentists don't receive. He's highly skilled at removing teeth that are impacted, broken, or close to nerves and the sinus, and he can safely provide IV sedation and general anesthesia right here in our office. For you, that means a safer procedure, a more comfortable experience, and a smoother recovery.

Anesthesia and Comfort

Every extraction begins with local anesthetic. For anxious patients, or for longer and more involved procedures, we offer nitrous oxide, IV sedation, and general anesthesia in our office. Dr. Chu will help you choose the option that fits your procedure.

Simple and Surgical Extractions

A simple extraction removes a tooth that is fully erupted and intact above the gumline. Once the area is numb, the tooth is gently loosened and removed. A surgical extraction is needed when a tooth is impacted, broken, or firmly anchored by its roots. Dr. Chu makes a small opening in the gum and, when necessary, removes a minimal amount of bone or sections the tooth so it can be taken out in pieces with less pressure on the surrounding bone.

Precise Planning With 3D Imaging

For complex extractions, Dr. Chu uses our in-office cone beam CT scanner to see the full shape of the roots and how close they sit to the nerve in the lower jaw and the sinus above the upper teeth. This lets him plan the safest approach before surgery begins.

Multiple and Full-Mouth Extractions

When advanced gum disease or decay has left several teeth, or all of them, beyond repair, Dr. Chu can remove them in a single appointment under IV sedation or general anesthesia. He coordinates with your dentist so the move to dentures or implants is planned from the start.

Preserving Bone for a Future Implant

When a tooth will be replaced with an implant, Dr. Chu can place a bone graft in the socket at the time of the extraction. This procedure, called socket preservation, helps maintain the bone as the site heals and gives the implant a stronger foundation. Learn more about bone grafting.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When do we recommend tooth extraction?

We always want to do everything we can to save a tooth, but sometimes the damage is too much, or the tooth is contributing to other dental concerns. Tooth extractions are recommended when a tooth is beyond repair, is impacted or unable to erupt, or is causing overcrowding and damage to the surrounding teeth.

What can you expect after the procedure?

After the tooth is removed, the surgeon applies gauze to the site. This gauze helps to control the bleeding and promote clot formation. The clot helps to keep bacteria from entering the open socket and exposing nerve and bone. During the first 24 hours, it is essential to avoid rinsing, brushing the area around the extraction, smoking, or drinking through a straw in order to help ensure the clot remains in place. If it becomes dislodged, you run the risk of dry socket. This painful condition occurs when the nerves and bone are exposed. You can expect some swelling and discomfort but applying ice can help relieve this. The recovery period can take a few days and it could take a couple weeks before the extraction site fully heals.

What does the procedure involve?

A tooth extraction procedure will vary depending on the condition of the tooth and whether a simple extraction or a surgical extraction is required. For a simple extraction, the area is numbed, and, with special tools, the tooth is removed. For more complex extractions, such as wisdom teeth, surgical removal to expose the tooth is necessary. For this, you may require general anesthesia before the surgeon cuts the gum to expose the tooth for removal.

What can I do to promote gum healing and speed up healing time?

After your tooth extraction, it is important to follow all your after-care instructions. Keep the gauze in place for a minimum of 1-2 hours in order to allow time for a clot to form. Make sure you take a day or two to rest and allow your body time to heal. Applying ice can help reduce swelling and discomfort as needed. Ice should be applied in the first 48 hours.