Simple Extractions
When a tooth is fully visible above the gumline, it can often be loosened and removed in a single visit using local anesthetic to keep the area comfortable.
FONTANA DENTAL GROUP • ORAL SURGERY
Tooth Extractions & Oral Surgery in Fontana, California
Gentle Care When a Tooth Needs to Be Removed
When a tooth is badly damaged, infected or causing problems for nearby teeth, removing it can relieve pain and protect your oral health. Fontana Dental Group evaluates each tooth carefully, explains your options and helps you plan what comes next.
Dental Care Since 1965
Gentle Extraction Care
Wisdom Tooth Evaluations
Convenient Fontana Location
WHEN IS AN EXTRACTION NEEDED?
Saving Your Tooth Comes First
Our goal is always to keep your natural teeth whenever possible. A filling, crown or root canal treatment can often save a damaged tooth. When a tooth cannot be predictably restored, removing it may be the healthiest choice.
An extraction may be recommended when a tooth is:
- Severely decayed or broken beyond repair
- Infected and unlikely to respond to other treatment
- Loose because of advanced gum disease
- An impacted or problematic wisdom tooth
- Crowding or damaging nearby teeth
EXTRACTION & ORAL SURGERY CARE
Types of Tooth Extractions
Every extraction begins with an exam and X-rays so we can understand the tooth, its roots and the surrounding bone before recommending treatment.
Surgical Extractions
A tooth that is broken at the gumline, has curved roots or has not fully come in may need a surgical approach. Complex cases may be referred to a specialist when appropriate.
Wisdom Teeth
We evaluate wisdom teeth with an exam and X-rays and discuss whether removal is recommended. Depending on the position of the tooth, some cases may be referred to an oral surgery specialist.
YOUR EXTRACTION VISIT
What to Expect
We explain each step before we begin and answer your questions so you know exactly what is happening.
View Patient Forms → 01
Exam & X-Rays
We evaluate the tooth, roots and surrounding bone and review your health history.
02
Numbing the Area
Local anesthetic is used so you feel pressure but not sharp pain during treatment.
03
Removing the Tooth
The tooth is carefully loosened and removed, and gauze is placed to help a protective clot form.
04
Recovery Instructions
You leave with clear aftercare instructions and know when to call us if you have questions.
HEALING WELL
Caring for Yourself After an Extraction
Always follow the specific instructions your dental team provides. These general tips help protect the healing area during the first few days.
Helpful
- Bite gently on gauze as directed
- Rest and keep your head slightly elevated
- Use a cold compress on the outside of your cheek
- Eat soft foods and drink plenty of water
- Brush carefully around the area
Avoid at First
- Drinking through a straw
- Smoking or vaping
- Vigorous rinsing or spitting
- Hard, crunchy or very hot foods
- Strenuous activity right after treatment
Call our office if pain gets worse after the first few days, bleeding does not slow down, or you notice increasing swelling or fever: (909) 822-2226. For urgent concerns, visit our Emergency Dentistry page.
AFTER YOUR EXTRACTION
Options for Replacing a Missing Tooth
Replacing a missing tooth can help you chew comfortably, protect your bite and keep nearby teeth from shifting. We can discuss which option fits your needs.
REPLACE ONE OR MORE TEETH
Dental Implants
A long-lasting, natural-looking option for replacing missing teeth.
Explore Cosmetic Dentistry → FILL THE GAPDental Bridges
A fixed restoration that replaces a missing tooth using neighboring teeth for support.
Explore Cosmetic Dentistry → REMOVABLE OPTIONDentures
Full or partial dentures, plus adjustments, repairs and relines.
Explore General Dentistry →INSURANCE & PATIENT SUPPORT
Dental Insurance Options
Fontana Dental Group accepts many dental insurance plans, including the VA Dental Insurance Program (VADIP), Delta Dental, DentaQuest, TriWest and TRICARE. Coverage varies by plan, so please call our office to confirm your benefits.
PATIENT INFORMATION
Tooth Extraction Frequently Asked Questions
Does a tooth extraction hurt?
Local anesthetic is used to numb the area before the tooth is removed. You may feel pressure, but you should not feel sharp pain. Some soreness afterward is normal and usually improves over the next few days.
How long does recovery take after an extraction?
Many patients feel better within a few days, although the area continues to heal for several weeks. Recovery depends on the tooth, the type of extraction and your overall health. Follow the instructions your dental team provides.
Do wisdom teeth always need to be removed?
No. Wisdom teeth that are healthy, fully erupted and easy to clean may not need removal. Removal may be recommended when a wisdom tooth is impacted, causing pain or infection, damaging nearby teeth or difficult to keep clean.
What is dry socket?
Dry socket can occur when the blood clot that forms in the extraction site is dislodged or dissolves too early. It can cause increasing pain a few days after an extraction. Avoiding straws, smoking and vigorous rinsing during early healing may help protect the clot. Call our office if pain gets worse instead of better.
Can a damaged tooth be saved instead of extracted?
Often, yes. Depending on the damage, a filling, crown or root canal treatment may allow the tooth to be kept. Extraction is generally considered when a tooth cannot be predictably restored.
What are my options for replacing an extracted tooth?
Options may include a dental implant, a bridge or a denture, depending on the location of the tooth, your oral health and your goals. Our team can explain which options may be appropriate.
Will my insurance cover a tooth extraction?
Many dental insurance plans include benefits for extractions. Coverage varies by plan, so call (909) 822-2226 and our team can help you confirm your benefits.
HAVING TOOTH PAIN OR A PROBLEM TOOTH?
Schedule a Tooth Evaluation in Fontana
Contact Fontana Dental Group to have the tooth examined and learn whether it can be saved or should be removed.