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Tooth Extractions at Kitto Family Dental

When a tooth can’t be saved, we take it out gently, explain every step, and help you plan what comes next. No rushing, no surprises.

Schedule OnlineCall (805) 922-4109
Smiling older man relaxing in a dental chair
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Ashley Kitto Channer, DDS·Last updated
4.9 out of 5 from 473 Google reviews (as of October 2026). Read them on GoogleCaring for Santa Maria families for more than 40 yearsThree dentists accepting new patients

Tooth extractions, calm and careful.

A tooth extraction removes a tooth that can’t be saved, most often because of deep decay, a crack below the gumline, advanced gum disease, or crowding. At Kitto Family Dental in Santa Maria, our dentists handle many simple extractions in the office with local numbing. For complex cases, such as many impacted wisdom teeth, we refer you to a trusted oral surgeon and coordinate your care.

What are the benefits of tooth extractions?

Ends pain from a failing tooth

Removing a tooth that can’t be saved can stop the ache.

Stops infection spreading

Taking out an infected tooth protects nearby teeth and bone.

Makes room when needed

Sometimes needed before orthodontic treatment.

Right here on East Main

Many simple extractions are done here with local numbing.

Clear aftercare

You leave with written home-care steps.

Plans for what comes next

We help you decide on an implant, bridge, or nothing at all.

We try to save the tooth first.

Taking a tooth out is a last step, not a first one. Before we recommend an extraction, we look at whether a filling, crown, or root canal could keep it. If saving the tooth is possible, we show you that option and its cost next to the extraction, so you can choose.

When an extraction makes sense

  • The tooth is split or broken below the gumline.
  • Decay or infection has destroyed too much of the tooth to restore it.
  • Advanced gum disease has made the tooth loose.
  • A baby tooth won’t come out and is blocking the adult tooth.
  • Your orthodontist asks for space before braces or aligners.

Simple and surgical extractions.

TypeWhat it meansWhere it happens
Simple extractionThe tooth is above the gum. After numbing, it is loosened and lifted out.Usually in our office
Surgical extractionThe tooth is broken at the gumline or not fully in. A small opening in the gum may be needed.In our office or referred, depending on the case
Impacted wisdom teethThe tooth is trapped in the jawbone or under the gum.Typically referred to an oral surgeon

The Kitto extraction process.

  1. Exam and x-ray

    We confirm the tooth can’t be saved and check the roots. New patient? See your first visit.

  2. Numbing

    We make sure the area is fully numb before we begin. You’ll feel pressure, not sharp pain.

  3. Removal

    A simple extraction often takes well under an hour, numbing included. We tell you what is happening as we go, if you want to know.

  4. Aftercare and next steps

    You leave with gauze, written home-care steps, and a plan for the space if the tooth should be replaced.

Healing at home, made easy.

  • Bite gently on gauze for 30 to 60 minutes to help a clot form.
  • For the first few days, avoid straws, smoking, and spitting hard. These can pull the clot out and cause a painful dry socket.
  • Eat soft foods and chew on the other side.
  • Use a cold pack on the cheek during the first day for swelling.
  • Take pain relievers only as directed.

Call us at (805) 922-4109 if bleeding doesn’t slow after a few hours, swelling gets worse after day three, you get a fever, or strong pain starts a few days later.

Planning for the gap.

When a back tooth comes out, the teeth around it can slowly shift and the bone can shrink. If you might want a dental implant later, tell us before the extraction. Sometimes we plan the extraction to protect the bone for a future implant. Compare every option on our missing teeth page.

Who you’ll see.

Portrait of Dr. Ashley Kitto Channer, DDS

Dr. Ashley Kitto Channer, DDS

Loma Linda University School of Dentistry. Practicing since 2011, in the practice her father, Dr. Robert Kitto, founded. Full-scope family and restorative care.

Every doctor here sees kids and adults, and you can ask for the same doctor each visit. Meet all three dentists.

Insurance, minus the headache.

  • Most PPO plans welcome. We check your benefits before your visit, including deductible and remaining yearly maximum.
  • A written estimate first. For anything beyond a routine preventive visit, you see what insurance is expected to pay and what you owe before we begin.
  • We file the claim. You don’t need to send anything to your carrier yourself.
  • No insurance? No problem. We explain costs up front. Our membership plan covers routine care for one yearly fee, and CareCredit or Cherry financing can help with larger treatment.

Not sure what your plan covers?

Call with your carrier name and member ID. We’ll tell you what to expect before you book. Heads up: we don’t participate in most DHMO or Medi-Cal dental plans.

Check my coverage

Insurance and payment details

Why remove a tooth that can’t be saved?

A tooth that is split below the gumline or badly infected can keep causing pain and spread infection. When repair isn’t possible, a careful extraction protects the rest of your mouth.

Got questions? We’ve got answers

Have questions about tooth extractions?

Does a tooth extraction hurt?
The area is numb, so you should feel pressure but not sharp pain. Some soreness for a few days afterward is normal and usually eases with over-the-counter pain relievers taken as directed.
How long does recovery take?
Most people feel much better within a few days. The gum usually closes over the next one to two weeks, and the bone keeps healing for a few months.
What is a dry socket?
A dry socket happens when the blood clot leaves the socket too early. It causes a deep ache that often starts two to four days later. Call us if this happens. It’s treatable.
Do you remove wisdom teeth?
Some fully grown-in wisdom teeth can be simple extractions in our office. Impacted wisdom teeth are typically referred to an oral surgeon. We check your x-ray and tell you which applies.
Can I drive myself home?
With local numbing only, most patients drive themselves home. If you’re referred to a specialist who uses sedation, you’ll need a driver.
Do I need to replace the tooth?
Not always. Front teeth and most back teeth used for chewing are usually worth replacing. Some teeth, like many wisdom teeth, don’t need replacing. We’ll tell you honestly which applies.
Does insurance cover extractions?
Many dental plans cover part of an extraction. Coverage varies by plan, so we check your benefits and give you an estimate before treatment.
Will I know the cost before treatment, and when do I pay?
Yes. Before any treatment beyond your exam and cleaning, you get a written plan with a cost estimate. If you have insurance, we check your benefits first and file the claim for you. Your portion is due at the time of service. We accept cash, check, major credit cards, and financing through CareCredit or Cherry for larger treatment. See insurance and payment.

Why people love Kitto.

4.9

473 Google reviews as of October 2026.

Hear it from the neighbors

While you’re here.

Swipe for more. It all happens right here on East Main.

Light reading (for your teeth).

Patient guideDental Emergencies: When to Call vs. When to WaitWhich tooth problems need same-day care, and which can wait.Patient guideIt Has Been Years. Where Do I Start?The first step back is smaller than you think. No lectures.Patient guideAn Old Filling Needs Attention. What Should You Ask?Questions that help you understand a filling or crown recommendation.

We accept most PPO plans, CareCredit, Cherry, and offer a membership plan for patients without insurance.

Worried about a tooth?

Call us. We’ll look first, explain your options, and only remove a tooth when it truly can’t be saved.

Book a visitCall (805) 922-4109
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