Teeth Extractions

Teeth are extracted for a variety of reasons, including decay, infection and impaction. If decay reaches too deeply into the tooth or if an infection has damaged too much of the supporting bone or tissue, teeth may need to be removed. Teeth are also extracted if there is not enough room in the mouth. When teeth are impacted, it can cause damage to the roots of nearby teeth, so they are removed before damage is done. At our office, Dr. Chris Meyer can help you with tooth extractions in Fullerton, CA.

Before the procedure is performed, a local anesthetic is used to numb the area around the extraction site. During a simple extraction, the tooth is loosened with an elevator and then extracted with forceps. Once removed, the dentist may choose to smooth and contour the underlying bone. Then the gums are sutured.

After the extraction, it is critical to keep the area clean to prevent infection. A dry, sterile gauze will be placed over the gums to limit bleeding. You must make sure to keep it in place for 30 to 45 minutes while the blood clots. During the 24 hours after the procedure, you should not smoke, rinse your mouth vigorously or clean the teeth immediately adjacent to the extraction site. Strenuous activity, hot liquids and straw drinking should also be avoided. A certain amount of pain and discomfort accompanies an extraction, and a painkiller may be prescribed.

If you are suffering pain from decay, infection or impaction, Dr. Chris Meyer can determine if a tooth extraction is required to save your smile. Schedule an appointment by calling 714.879.7943. For more information, visit www.FullertonDental.com.

Wisdom Teeth Extractions

Dr. Eric Meyer in Fullerton commonly performs wisdom teeth extractions in Fullerton, CA. Wisdom teeth are your last set of molars to come in and usually emerge when you are between 17 and 21 years old. Since wisdom teeth can often become impacted, which means they come in at an angle rather than straight through the gums, it is often necessary to remove them before they cause pain or begin to push on your other teeth.


If a wisdom tooth is impacted and can only emerge partially, it is possible for an operculum to form over the tooth. If this flap of skin forms, the tooth will be hard to clean and can be infected. This infection is called pericoronitis.


When a wisdom tooth is in danger of causing such problems, Dr. Meyer will extract the tooth. Many times all four are removed at once. This is done either by using a local anesthetic to numb the area or a general anesthetic to sedate the patient. It depends on the preference of the doctor and patient, as well as how far the wisdom tooth has emerged. After an anesthetic is applied, the gum tissue around the wisdom tooth is cut and the tooth is loosened and pulled out. If necessary, the gums will be sutured.


After the surgery, rest is required, and you will need to change the gauze applied to the incision. To see if your wisdom teeth may need to be removed, schedule an appointment with us by calling 714-879-7943. For more information, visit www.FullertonDental.com.