Gentle Tooth Extraction in Encino
A tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth that is too damaged, decayed, or infected to be saved. At the Dental Practice of Dr. Irena Starchenko in Encino, extractions are always the last resort. We first evaluate whether the tooth can be preserved with a filling, crown, or root canal therapy, and recommend removal only when it protects your overall oral health. When an extraction is necessary, Dr. Starchenko uses modern anesthetic techniques and a gentle, unhurried approach so the procedure is comfortable and recovery is smooth. Same-day appointments are available for painful or emergency extractions, and we serve patients from Encino, Sherman Oaks, Tarzana, and across the San Fernando Valley.
Сomprehensive evaluation and full mouth radiographs for $129. Offer valid through 05/31/26.
When a Tooth Extraction Is Necessary
Dr. Starchenko recommends extraction only after confirming the tooth cannot be saved. The most common situations where removal becomes the right choice include:
- Severe decay that has destroyed too much of the tooth structure for a filling or crown to restore it
- Infection that has reached the pulp and cannot be resolved with root canal therapy
- A tooth cracked or fractured below the gumline, where no restoration can create a stable seal
- Advanced gum disease that has loosened the tooth by destroying the supporting bone
- Crowding, when a tooth needs to be removed to create space before orthodontic treatment with braces or clear aligners
- Impacted or problematic wisdom teeth causing pain, infection, or pressure on neighboring teeth
If you are in pain right now, do not wait. We treat painful and infected teeth as a priority through our emergency dentistry service, and same-day appointments are usually available.
Simple vs. Surgical Extractions
Not every extraction is the same, and knowing which type you need helps you understand the procedure, the recovery time, and the cost.
Simple extraction. Used when the tooth is fully visible above the gumline and can be loosened and removed with standard instruments. The area is numbed with local anesthetic, and the procedure typically takes only a few minutes per tooth. Most patients feel pressure but no pain.
Surgical extraction. Needed when a tooth is broken at the gumline, impacted, or has curved or fused roots. A small incision in the gum gives access to the tooth, which may be sectioned into pieces for easier removal. Surgical extractions take longer and involve a slightly longer recovery, but modern anesthetic techniques keep the procedure comfortable throughout.
During your exam, Dr. Starchenko uses digital X-rays and 3D dental scans to see the full root structure and surrounding bone before deciding which approach is safest for you.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction in Encino
Wisdom teeth, the third molars that appear in the late teens or early twenties, often lack the space to erupt properly. When they come in at an angle, remain trapped in the jaw, or are difficult to clean, they can cause recurring infections, decay in neighboring molars, and persistent jaw pain.
Not every wisdom tooth needs to come out. Dr. Starchenko evaluates each case individually with imaging and recommends removal only when the tooth poses a real risk to your oral health. When extraction is the right call, most wisdom teeth can be removed here in our Encino office under local anesthetic, and patients who feel anxious can read about our comfort and safety options before their visit.
Dr. Irena Starchenko, DDS
Dr. Irena Starchenko provides cosmetic dentistry in Tarzana using conservative, precise techniques. She focuses on improving shape, shade, and tooth alignment with long-lasting, safe treatments.
Patients choose her for restorative and cosmetic care because of her deep understanding of smile harmony. She provides individualized recommendations to help patients reach their dental goals without over-treatment.
