General Extraction

Dr. Reed Rayher at Union Square Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Center in San Francisco, CA, is a specialist in the removal of individual and multiple teeth. As an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Rayher has been highly trained to remove teeth quickly and easily in a manner that minimizes recovery time. Whether you have an extra tooth, a damaged tooth, or a baby tooth that refuses to fall out, Dr. Rayher has an extraction solution for you.

Why does my tooth need to be extracted?

When teeth become damaged by decay or break down due to trauma or wear, they can typically be restored with a filling, root canal, or crown. When the damage is too great, your dentist may decide that the best course of action is to have the tooth removed. If this is the case, your dentist will develop a plan for extraction, taking into consideration your age, health, and the overall condition of your mouth. Most teeth extractions can be performed in one surgical visit.

Some common reasons that a tooth may need to be extracted are

Crowding. There are times when seemingly healthy teeth need to be removed. Occasionally we are born with too many teeth, or our mouth is too small for all the teeth we have. In these instances, your orthodontist or general dentist may recommend that a tooth is removed.

Infection and decay. If a tooth is decaying, it is important to have it treated in the early stages when it can be repaired with a dental filling. If left untreated, decay continues to spread and affect the integrity of your tooth, which may now require root canal therapy, a crown, or extraction.

Loose teeth. Many patients are affected by periodontal or gum disease. Left untreated, periodontal disease may cause teeth to shift, become loose, or lead to serious infection and require the removal of a tooth or multiple teeth.

Trauma. Teeth may be fractured or broken due to an accident. If there isn’t enough structure remaining for a filling or crown, your dentist may recommend that the rest of the tooth be removed.

What can I expect when having a tooth extracted?

When you schedule a consultation with Dr. Rayher to have a tooth removed, you will undergo a thorough oral exam. If necessary, he may take additional X-rays of the tooth to be removed to create an efficient plan for the tooth extraction. Factors including age, the presence of gum disease, and the tooth’s relationship with other areas of the mouth, such as your sinuses, nerves, and other teeth, will be taken into consideration when developing your treatment plan.

Some tooth removals can be completed during a single visit, in which the evaluation and removal are performed at the same time. Most tooth removal procedures are completed using a local anesthetic to mitigate any pain, and our patients can return to work or their daily activities following their extraction. If you prefer to be sedated or go to sleep, it is mandatory that you attend a pre-operative appointment to evaluate your preferences and discuss anesthesia options. This allows us the opportunity to review your medical history, determine which procedures are needed, and otherwise prepare you for your procedure(s) and pre- and post-surgical instructions.

Our services are provided in an environment of optimum safety that utilizes modern monitoring equipment. If you are in need of a tooth extraction, we encourage you to contact our office in San Francisco to schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Rayher. He will present you with your options for removal and restoration, including the placement of dental implants, to ensure that your smile is restored.