Tooth Extractions in Encinitas – Safe, Gentle Removal with Long-Term Oral Health in Mind
At Gregory Skeens D.D.S. – Encinitas Family Dentistry, we always strive to preserve your natural teeth—but sometimes, removal is the best way to protect your overall health. Whether due to infection, damage, or crowding, tooth extractions in Encinitas are sometimes necessary to eliminate pain, prevent further complications, and prepare your mouth for long-term success.
With a gentle, personalized approach and options like bone grafting, we ensure that your experience is as smooth, supportive, and stress-free as possible.
When Is Tooth Removal Needed?
There are many situations where tooth removal in Encinitas may be the healthiest and most practical choice. Common reasons for extraction include:
- Severe tooth decay or infection
- Advanced gum disease
- Cracked or broken teeth beyond repair
- Overcrowding before orthodontic treatment
- Impacted or problematic wisdom teeth
- Preparation for full or partial dentures
- Retained baby teeth blocking adult teeth
Dr. Skeens will evaluate your situation thoroughly and only recommend extraction if it’s the best solution for your long-term dental health.
Wisdom Tooth Removal in Encinitas
Wisdom teeth extraction is one of the most common oral surgeries we perform—usually in the late teens or early twenties, when these third molars begin to emerge.
Why are wisdom teeth removed?
- Impaction – They are stuck below the gum or bone
- Infection risk – They’re hard to clean and prone to decay
- Crowding – They push on other teeth, shifting your bite
- Pain or swelling – They cause jaw discomfort or sinus pressure
Whether your wisdom teeth are visible or impacted, we’ll take digital X-rays and walk you through your options for wisdom tooth removal in Encinitas with clarity and compassion.
Bone Grafting in Encinitas – Preserving Your Jaw After Extraction
After a tooth is removed—especially a molar—bone loss in the jaw often follows. If you’re planning a future dental implant or want to preserve the natural contour of your smile, we may recommend bone grafting.
What is bone grafting?
Bone grafting is a procedure in which a special material is placed into the socket after extraction to encourage new bone growth and preserve your jawbone’s structure. Over time, your body replaces the graft material with its own natural bone.
Benefits of Bone Grafting:
- Maintains bone volume for future dental implants
- Preserves facial structure and appearance
- Reduces the risk of bone shrinkage after extraction
- Supports better healing outcomes
We routinely perform bone grafting in Encinitas for patients who want to keep all their future dental options open.
Tooth Replacement Options After Extraction
Once a tooth is removed, it’s important to discuss how (and when) to replace it. Options may include:
- Dental implants – A permanent, natural-feeling solution
- Bridges – A fixed option to replace one or more teeth
- Partial dentures – Removable options for multiple missing teeth
If we perform bone grafting, it may allow you to wait a few months while still preparing the site for a future dental implant.
Dr. Skeens will walk you through your replacement options based on your goals, budget, and overall oral health.
Healing and Aftercare
After your tooth extraction in Encinitas, we’ll provide specific aftercare instructions, including:
- Rest for the remainder of the day
- Avoid using a straw or smoking for 48 hours
- Stick to soft, cool foods for the first 24–48 hours
- Keep the area clean with gentle rinses as directed
- Take any prescribed medication as recommended
Most patients recover within a few days and return to normal activities quickly. We’ll schedule a follow-up visit if necessary and are always here to answer your questions as you heal.
Why Patients Trust Dr. Skeens for Gentle Extractions in Encinitas
At Gregory Skeens D.D.S., we offer a reassuring, judgment-free approach to extractions and oral surgery. Whether you’re dealing with a painful tooth, impacted wisdom teeth, or simply preparing for future treatment, we’re here to guide you through it—step by step.
Patients across Encinitas, Cardiff, Leucadia, and beyond choose us for:
- Compassionate, honest care
- Advanced diagnostic tools and digital X-rays
- In-office bone grafting to preserve future options
- Careful attention to comfort and pain management
- Clear communication before, during, and after treatment
We’ll always recommend the most conservative treatment possible—and when extraction is the best choice, we’ll make sure you feel informed, supported, and cared for.
Schedule a Tooth Extraction Consultation Today
If you’re in pain or dealing with a severely damaged or impacted tooth, don’t wait. Tooth extractions in Encinitas can bring fast relief, protect your health, and give you a strong foundation for future dental solutions.
Call Gregory Skeens D.D.S. – Encinitas Family Dentistry today at 760-944-9288 to schedule your evaluation. Whether it’s a single tooth, wisdom teeth, or a full smile solution with bone grafting, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions – Tooth Extractions & Bone Grafting
Is a tooth extraction painful?
No. We use local anesthesia to ensure you don’t feel pain during the procedure. Afterward, mild soreness is expected and can be managed with over-the-counter medication.
How do I know if I need a tooth removed?
How long does it take to recover?
What is a bone graft and do I really need one?
Are wisdom teeth always removed?
Meet Your Encinitas Family Dentist
Gregory Skeens, D.D.S. – Dr. Skeens graduated from Loma Linda University dental school in 2001 on an academic Navy scholarship. He was the first in his class to finish all clinical requirements 6 months early and became a faculty member at the dental school, where he served for 4 years as a Navy dentist and a naval officer. After completing an advanced education in general dentistry (AEGD) residency, he deployed on the USS Peleliu in 2003, caring for 2500 marines, as well as providing humanitarian dental care to the Indigenous people of Iraq and Africa.
Dr. Skeens belongs to the American Dental Association (ADA), California Dental Association (CDA), and San Diego County Dental Society (SDCDS). He also attends Patriot and IADI Study Clubs.
Our Encinitas Dental Services
Tooth Extractions
Safely remove broken, cracked, or decayed teeth, including wisdom tooth removal.
CEREC Same-Day Crowns
Designed specifically for your smile and custom made in one visit.
Veneers
Conceal cosmetic flaws, improve the appearance of your smile, and protect your tooth's surface.
Dental Bonding
Repair chipped, cracked, or discolored teeth or close gaps between teeth.
Dental Implants
The gold standard for replacing missing teeth that lasts for decades and restores your ability to chew food.
In-House Membership
Annual dental exams, bitewing x-rays, and discounts on dental services.
Visit Gregory Skeens D.D.S.
519 Encinitas Blvd (# 108)
Encinitas, CA 92024
We are located in the North Coast Business Park off Encinitas Blvd.
Patient Video Testimonials and 5-Star Google Reviews
Exceptional Patient-Focused Dental Care
During your visit, you’ll get to know Dr. Skeens—he is down-to-earth and known for his professionalism and sense of humor. As an innovative dentist in Encinitas, he always seeks continuing education courses to expand his professional knowledge and offers the latest dental advancements. He and his team make you feel right at home and offer exceptional patient-focused dental care in a comfortable and modern setting. We’ll look at your overall oral health and suggest essential treatments.
At Gregory Skeens D.D.S. – Encinitas Family Dentistry, relationships matter. Supporting growing families and strengthening the oral health of patients at every stage of life provides the ultimate reward to our team. We understand dental anxiety and pride ourselves on compassion and kindness. Our state-of-the-art technology allows us to serve everyone with first-class dental treatments for a legacy of Encinitas smiles
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Insurance / Financing / In-House Membership
Insurance
Insurance
We are in-network/contracted with the Delta Dental Premier Plan. We accept all PPO plans under ALL insurance umbrellas; however, we are considered out-of-network. As a courtesy, we will submit all claims to your insurance company and collect your estimated amount as treatment is rendered.
Financing
Financing
We’ll discuss the cost and payment options with you before we begin, and the choice for treatment is always yours. We accept major credit cards and CareCredit for extended payment options.
In-house Membership
In-house Membership
Our in-house membership program offers yearly savings and 20% off most dental services when you prepay for your hygiene visits, exams, and x-rays
Our guiding principles ensure your comprehensive dental treatments include the highest standards of care by dental professionals with ongoing training and expertise. We maintain strict infection control guidelines to protect you for uncompromising safety, patient education, and prevention. You can expect thorough dental exams that factor in your medical history, current illnesses, and current medications. The overall health of your teeth and gums is foundational to your general health. At Encinitas Family Dentistry, you can rest easy in our dental chairs, benefiting from a highly trained, highly motivated team of skilled professionals
✓ The Highest Standards of Care
✓ Uncompromising Safety
✓ Training and Expertise
✓ Education and Prevention
