Do You Remove Teeth at D Street Dental Group in San Rafael?
Yes. Dr. Steve Truman, DDS, performs extractions at D Street Dental Group, 1099 D Street, Suite 206, in San Rafael. When a case needs an oral surgeon, he tells you so and arranges the referral.
Pulling a tooth is rarely the first thing we reach for. The visit starts with a conversation about whether the tooth can be saved, what losing it means for your bite, and what you want in its place. The decision is yours, made with the facts in front of you.
When Does a Tooth Need to Come Out?
A tooth needs to come out when it cannot be restored or when keeping it puts your health at risk. Dr. Steve checks whether anything short of removal will work first.
- A tooth too broken or decayed to hold a filling or a crown
- A severe infection that saving the tooth cannot clear
- A tooth removed to make room for orthodontic treatment
If the tooth can be saved, we will say so. A root canal is usually the first choice when the natural tooth has a chance. If the tooth hurts or has broken right now, see our emergency dentist page, because urgent cases are often seen same day.
What Happens During an Extraction?
The tooth and the area around it are numbed, and then Dr. Steve removes the tooth while you stay comfortable. You should feel pressure, not sharp pain.
- Exam and plan Dr. Steve looks at the tooth, explains why it should come out, and goes over your options, including what replaces it.
- Numbing and comfort Local anesthetic numbs the tooth and the tissue around it. If you are anxious, nitrous oxide is on our comfort menu.
- Removal The tooth is loosened and taken out.
- Aftercare Gauze goes in to control bleeding, and you leave knowing exactly what to do and what to avoid.
Who Is a Candidate, and When Do You Need an Oral Surgeon?
An exam decides whether your tooth is a good fit for removal here. When a case needs an oral surgeon, Dr. Steve tells you and arranges the referral.
He puts it this way: "I'm not the end of the road, I'm part of the journey." If he sees something that needs another specialist, he says something and starts the handoff. Tell us about your health conditions and the medicines you take, because a tooth infection affects your overall health, and the plan should fit all of you.
What Is Recovery Like After a Tooth Is Pulled?
The first day is about rest and protecting the blood clot that forms in the socket. The area is sore, and you can take Tylenol or Advil for the pain.
- Keep gentle pressure on the gauze until the bleeding slows
- Skip straws and smoking, and do not spit hard, because suction can pull the clot out (that is dry socket)
- Keep seeds and chips away from the area, since they can slip into the socket
- Stick to soft foods and brush gently near the spot
Call the office if your pain gets worse after it had been getting better. That is not normal healing, and we want to see you.
What Replaces the Tooth Afterward?
That depends on which tooth it was and what you want, and we talk it through before the tooth comes out. The usual options are an implant, a bridge, or a denture.
- Dental implants for replacing a single missing tooth
- Bridges that span the gap using neighboring teeth
- Dentures, to replace several teeth once the area has healed
How Much Does a Tooth Extraction Cost in San Rafael?
The cost depends on the tooth and on how involved the removal is, so we give you a clear, itemized estimate before treatment starts. No surprises.
We are out of network with every PPO and bill your plan directly, and patients often see 50 to 80 percent of covered services reimbursed. Our in-house membership takes 20% off restorative & major work, whitening included, and extractions and bone grafts are part of that work. See membership plans →
Tooth Extraction Questions
Does a tooth extraction hurt?
The tooth and the tissue around it are numbed with local anesthetic first, so you should feel pressure but not sharp pain while the tooth is removed. Afterward the area is sore, and Tylenol or Advil can take the edge off. If nerves are a concern, D Street Dental Group offers nitrous oxide and a full comfort menu. Dr. Steve Truman, DDS, explains each step before he starts.
How much does a tooth extraction cost in San Rafael?
The cost depends on the tooth and on how involved the removal is, so we do not guess before examining you. Dr. Steve Truman, DDS, gives you a clear, itemized estimate before treatment begins. D Street Dental Group is out of network with every PPO and bills your plan directly, and patients often see 50 to 80 percent of covered services reimbursed. Members get 20% off restorative & major work. Call (415) 453-0744.
What should I do after a tooth is pulled?
Keep gentle pressure on the gauze until the bleeding slows, then rest for the first day. Do not use a straw, smoke, or spit hard, because suction can pull out the blood clot that protects the socket, which leads to a painful problem called dry socket. Eat soft foods and brush gently near the area. Dr. Steve Truman, DDS, at D Street Dental Group gives you instructions before you leave.
Will you tell me if I need an oral surgeon?
Yes. Some teeth are better removed by an oral surgeon, and Dr. Steve Truman, DDS, tells you when yours is one of them and arranges the referral himself. At D Street Dental Group the exam comes first: he looks at the tooth, explains what he sees, and goes over your options before anything is decided.
Request Your Appointment
Tell us what you need and we'll reach out within one business day. Prefer to talk now? Call (415) 453-0744.
Tooth Bothering You? Let's Take a Look.
New patients are always welcome. We'll reach out within one business day.