Dental Extractions Specialist Serving Bay Area, San Jose, CA
Dental extractions are sometimes necessary to maintain your oral health, whether due to decay, infection, or overcrowding. Dr. Victoria Vuong DDS and Dr. Henry Chang DDS at Selective Dental ensure a safe, comfortable procedure tailored to your needs. We offer expert care to guide you through every step of the extraction process. Contact us today or schedule an appointment online! We are conveniently located at 3151 South White Road, Suite 203 San Jose, CA 95148.


Table of Contents:
Why would a dentist recommend a tooth extraction?
How long does it take to recover from a dental extraction?
Are there any risks associated with dental extractions?
Will I need a dental implant or bridge after the extraction?
At Selective Dental, our priority is to preserve your natural teeth and enhance your oral health. However, there are situations where a tooth extraction is necessary to ensure your overall well-being.
• Dental Decay and Infection: When tooth decay is severe and cannot be restored with fillings or crowns, extraction may be needed to remove the source of infection. This helps prevent the spread of infection to surrounding teeth and gums, protecting your overall oral health.
• Gum Disease: In cases of advanced periodontal disease, teeth may become loose or severely affected. If these teeth cannot be saved, extraction may be necessary to prevent further damage to your gums and jawbone. This ensures the long-term health of your mouth.
• Wisdom Teeth Impaction: If wisdom teeth are impacted or misaligned, they can cause pain, infection, and damage to surrounding teeth. Removing impacted wisdom teeth can alleviate discomfort and prevent future oral health problems.
• Orthodontic Treatment: For some orthodontic treatments, tooth extraction may be recommended to create space for proper tooth alignment. This helps achieve better results and improves your smile’s function and appearance.
• Trauma or Injury: In cases of severe tooth damage due to trauma or injury, extraction may be the best option to prevent infection and support the healing process.
At our practice, every recommendation for tooth extraction is made after a comprehensive evaluation of your dental health and personal circumstances. We ensure that any decision prioritizes your comfort, health, and long-term oral well-being, providing you with the highest standard of dental care.
Recovery from a dental extraction varies for each patient. Factors such as the complexity of the procedure, overall health, and adherence to aftercare instructions all play a role in the healing process. We are committed to guiding you through your recovery journey to ensure optimal healing and comfort.
Immediate Post-Extraction Phase
In the first 24 to 48 hours, some swelling and discomfort are normal. We provide personalized pain management options, including prescribed medications or over-the-counter recommendations. Ice packs can help reduce swelling. Formation of a blood clot at the extraction site is vital, as it protects exposed bone and nerves, promoting healing. Rest and avoid strenuous activities during this time are essential for proper recovery.
Initial Healing Phase (Days 2 to 5)
You should notice a gradual reduction in pain and swelling. We recommend soft foods and plenty of fluids to avoid irritation at the extraction site. Follow our dietary guidelines closely to support healing.
Intermediate Healing Phase (Days 6 and Beyond)
By day 6, swelling and pain will continue to reduce. Mild tenderness and swelling may persist, but our oral hygiene tips, such as gentle saltwater rinses, will assist your recovery. Avoid using straws, smoking, or vigorous rinsing to prevent complications like dry sockets.
Long-Term Healing Phase (2 Weeks and Beyond)
Around two weeks post-extraction, most healing will have occurred. Complete healing, including the regeneration of bone and gum tissue, can take several weeks to months. If stitches are placed, we will advise on whether they will dissolve naturally or require removal.
Factors Affecting Recovery Time
• Type of Extraction: Simple extractions heal more quickly than complex ones, such as impacted wisdom teeth removal.
• Location of Extraction: Extractions in the back of the mouth, like wisdom teeth, may take longer to heal.
• Patient’s Health: Recovery may take longer for individuals with underlying health conditions or compromised immune systems.
• Post-Operative Care: Following aftercare instructions provided by Selective Dental can positively impact recovery time.
Follow-up appointments are essential to ensure proper healing. If you experience unusual symptoms like excessive bleeding, severe pain, or signs of infection, contact us immediately.
At Selective Dental, we prioritize patient safety and ensure that each dental extraction is performed with care. While dental extractions are generally safe, it’s important to understand the potential risks to ensure a smooth experience and recovery.
Immediate Risks
• Pain Management: Our team is dedicated to minimizing discomfort during and after the procedure with effective pain management.
• Bleeding: We assess medical histories, particularly for patients on blood thinners, to manage and monitor bleeding. We provide instructions on handling normal bleeding and signs of complications.
• Infection Prevention: Proper post-extraction care, including saltwater rinses and dietary recommendations, helps reduce infection risks.
• Damage to Adjacent Structures: Advanced imaging and techniques minimize the risk of damaging surrounding teeth and tissues.
Post-Operative Risks
• Dry Socket: We provide detailed aftercare instructions, such as avoiding smoking or using straws, to prevent dry sockets.
• Alveolar Osteitis: If inflammation occurs, we treat it promptly with appropriate medication.
• Nerve Injury: Extra precautions are taken when extracting impacted wisdom teeth to protect nerve structures.
• Sinus Communication: For extractions near the sinus cavity, we use specialized techniques to minimize risks.
Deciding between a dental implant or a bridge after a tooth extraction is a significant decision. Our personalized approach ensures that you receive the most appropriate treatment based on your specific needs, preferences, and oral health.
Dental Implants:
Dental implants provide a long-lasting solution for tooth replacement. Acting as artificial tooth roots, implants are embedded in the jawbone and offer several benefits:
• Exceptional Longevity: With proper care and regular check-ups at Selective Dental, implants can last a lifetime.
• Integrity of Natural Teeth: Unlike bridges, implants do not require modification of adjacent teeth, preserving your natural tooth structure.
• Enhanced Jawbone Health: Implants stimulate natural bone growth, helping reduce the risk of bone loss after tooth extraction.
Implants are ideal for patients with healthy gums and adequate bone density. Our advanced imaging technology allows us to assess whether implants are the right choice for you.
Dental Bridges
If you are considering a dental bridge, we offer expertly crafted solutions to replace missing teeth:
• Aesthetic Restoration: Custom-designed bridges match the natural appearance of your smile.
• Enhanced Chewing Comfort: Bridges are designed to fit comfortably and securely, restoring normal eating functions.
• Cost-Effective Solutions: Bridges are a more affordable alternative to implants without compromising quality.
Bridges are typically recommended for patients with adjacent teeth that can act as anchors or when bone density is a concern.
Personalized Consultation and Decision-Making
We prioritize your needs by offering a personalized consultation. Our experienced team will:
• Evaluate Jawbone Health: Using advanced imaging, we assess your bone density and structure.
• Discuss Location and Number of Missing Teeth: We tailor recommendations based on where and how many teeth are missing.
• Review Oral Health and Financial Considerations: We discuss your overall oral health and work with you to fit a treatment plan into your budget.
Our goal is to help you restore both the function and aesthetics of your smile while ensuring the best solution for your lifestyle and expectations.
Visit Selective Dental to explore your options and make an informed decision with the guidance of our dedicated team. Let us help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile that lasts a lifetime. Contact us today or schedule an appointment online! We are conveniently located at 3151 South White Road, Suite 203 San Jose, CA 95148. We serve patients from all over Santa Clara County CA: San Jose, Milpitas, Santa Clara, Campbell, Sunnyvale, Cupertino, Saratoga, Los Gatos, and beyond!

Additional Services You May Need
- Dental Implants
- Dental Bridges
- Dental Crowns
- Gum Disease Treatment
- Smile Makeover
- Root Canal Therapy
- Teeth Whitening
- Dental Cleanings
- Veneers
- Cracked Tooth Treatment
- Emergency/Same-Day Services
- General Dentistry
- Cosmetic Dentistry
- Family Dentistry
- Children Dentistry
- Aesthetic Dentistry
- TMJ Treatment
- Extractions
- Emergency Dental Appointments
- Mouth Guards and Night Guards
- Ortho Retainers

Additional Services You May Need
- Dental Implants
- Dental Bridges
- Dental Crowns
- Gum Disease Treatment
- Smile Makeover
- Root Canal Therapy
- Teeth Whitening
- Dental Cleanings
- Veneers
- Cracked Tooth Treatment
- Emergency/Same-Day Services
- General Dentistry
- Cosmetic Dentistry
- Family Dentistry
- Children Dentistry
- Aesthetic Dentistry
- TMJ Treatment
- Extractions
- Emergency Dental Appointments
- Mouth Guards and Night Guards
- Ortho Retainers