Does getting a tooth extracted hurt?

The extraction itself is performed under local anesthesia, so you should not feel pain during the procedure. Some soreness and swelling in the area afterward are normal and typically manageable with over-the-counter pain relief. In certain cases, we can prescribe stronger pain medication to manage post-treatment discomfort. Dr. Bouzoghlanian and the Pasadena dental team will give you clear post-operative instructions to help recovery go smoothly.

When do wisdom teeth need to be removed?

Wisdom teeth should be evaluated when they become symptomatic or when imaging shows they are impacted and likely to cause problems. Common reasons for removal include pain, infection, damage to neighboring teeth, cyst formation, and crowding. Dr. Bouzoghlanian at Prestige Dental in Pasadena will review your X-rays and discuss whether removal is the right recommendation for your situation.

Can I have a tooth extracted and replaced the same day?

In some cases, an implant can be placed at the same appointment as an extraction. Whether this is appropriate depends on the condition of the surrounding bone and tissue, and the size, shape, condition, and position of the tooth being removed. Dr. Bouzoghlanian will evaluate your specific situation and discuss the best timing for implant placement in our Pasadena dental office.

What is a biopsy and should I be worried if one is recommended?

A biopsy is a simple procedure to remove a small sample of tissue for laboratory analysis. Most biopsies of oral tissue turn out to be benign, but a biopsy is the only way to know for certain. Dr. Bouzoghlanian recommends one whenever a tissue change inside the mouth cannot be explained by an obvious benign cause, and he will explain why and what to expect before anything is done.

Does Prestige Dental offer sedation for oral surgery?

Yes. We offer sedation dentistry options for patients who want additional comfort during surgical procedures. Dr. Bouzoghlanian will discuss which option is appropriate for your procedure and your personal preference.

Oral Surgery in Pasadena, CA | Prestige Dental Pasadena

Oral surgery covers a range of procedures to correct diseases, injuries, and defects affecting the teeth, jaws, face, and oral tissues. When surgical treatment is needed, having a dentist with the right training makes a significant difference in how the procedure is handled and how smoothly recovery goes.

Dr. Bouzoghlanian completed an advanced surgical residency at the Department of Veterans Affairs in Long Beach following dental school, where he gained hands-on training in oral surgery, dental implants, and complex reconstruction that most general dentists never receive. At Prestige Dental, we handle a wide range of oral surgery needs in our Pasadena office, and when a case requires specialist-level care, Dr. B coordinates the referral and stays involved in your overall care throughout.

What Conditions Require Oral Surgery?

Oral surgery is appropriate for several types of dental and oral health situations:

Impacted or stuck teeth: Wisdom teeth and other teeth that fail to emerge fully from the gums become trapped under the tissue or bone, which can lead to pain, swelling, infection, damage to neighboring teeth, cysts, crowding, and gum disease. Surgical removal resolves the problem and protects the surrounding teeth.
Tooth loss: When a tooth is lost due to injury, infection, or decay, dental implants can be placed to replace it. The implant is surgically anchored to the jawbone and serves as the foundation for an artificial tooth that looks and functions like the natural one it replaces. Dental implants can also improve the stability, retention, and support of an existing denture or partial denture.
Jaw-related problems: Oral surgery can correct unequal jaw growth, improve the fit and stability of dentures, and address temporomandibular joint disorders when conservative treatment has not provided adequate relief.
Oral pathology: Unusual growths, swellings, or tissue changes inside the mouth may require surgical removal and biopsy. The removed tissue is sent to a specialized laboratory for analysis to identify the exact nature of the condition and guide appropriate follow-up treatment.

Oral Surgery Services in Pasadena at Prestige Dental

Tooth Extractions

Advances in dental technology have made it possible to save many teeth that would once have been lost, and our first priority is always to preserve a natural tooth whenever possible. However, when a tooth has severe decay, infection, gum disease, or fracture that makes restoration impossible or impractical, extraction becomes the right choice. In some cases, a dental implant offers a more durable and predictable long-term outcome than attempting to save a severely compromised tooth, and the treatment cost is often similar.

At Prestige Dental in Pasadena, Dr. Bouzoghlanian and the team always discuss your tooth replacement options before proceeding with any extraction. Those options may include dental implants, fixed bridges, partial dentures, or full dentures depending on your situation. We explain the advantages and disadvantages of each and help you make an informed decision that you feel good about.

In situations involving severe crowding, some teeth may also be removed to create space for proper alignment, typically as part of an orthodontic treatment plan.

Wisdom Teeth Removal

Many people do not have enough room in their jaws for wisdom teeth to erupt correctly. When that happens, these teeth become impacted, meaning they remain trapped below the gums or erupt at an angle toward neighboring teeth. Impacted wisdom teeth are a common source of dental trouble and can cause a significant range of problems if left in place:

Root damage and decay on the neighboring molars
Pressure and crowding of other teeth
Infection or abscess
Development of cysts
Cheek biting and trauma to surrounding gum tissue
Persistent pain, swelling, and discomfort

If you are experiencing symptoms from wisdom teeth or have been told they should be removed, call (626) 577-2017. Our highly experienced Pasadena dentist, Dr. Bouzoghlanian, will evaluate the situation and either perform the extraction in our Pasadena office or refer you to a trusted specialist if the case calls for it.

Biopsy

Unusual sores, lumps, discolorations, or tissue changes inside the mouth should always be evaluated promptly. Most turn out to be benign, but some require a biopsy to make a definitive determination. During a biopsy, a small sample of the suspicious tissue is removed and sent to a laboratory for analysis. The findings guide whether and what type of follow-up treatment is needed.

We include an oral cancer screening as part of every comprehensive exam at Prestige Dental in Pasadena. If anything unusual is found, Dr. B will discuss the findings with you clearly and walk you through the appropriate next steps without delay.

TMJ Disorder

Temporomandibular joint disorders affect the joint where the upper and lower jaw connect, and they can cause jaw pain, clicking, limited jaw movement, headaches, and muscle tension in the face, neck, and shoulders. When conservative treatment, including custom night guards, bite therapy, and relaxation techniques, provides sufficient relief, surgery is not necessary. In severe cases that do not respond to conservative care, surgical options may be considered. Dr. Bouzoghlanian evaluates each TMJ patient individually and recommends the least invasive approach that addresses their symptoms in our Pasadena dental office.

Surgical Care You Can Trust

The surgical training Dr. Bouzoghlanian received during his VA residency goes significantly beyond what most general dentists have. That advanced experience, combined with our practice's minimally invasive philosophy and genuine commitment to patient comfort, means you are in capable hands whether you are coming in for a straightforward extraction or something more complex. Dr. Bouzoghlanian uses advanced techniques and instruments to perform most extractions, dental implant placements, and other surgeries with a minimally invasive, atraumatic technique. His advanced skills will allow the speed and smoothness of your recovery to be optimized.

We take every oral surgery procedure seriously, prepare thoroughly, explain everything in advance, and support you through recovery with clear post-operative instructions and follow-up care.

Call (626) 577-2017 to schedule an appointment or ask about a specific concern.

Schedule an Appointment

Frequently Asked Questions about Oral Surgery in Pasadena

The extraction itself is performed under local anesthesia, so you should not feel pain during the procedure. Some soreness and swelling in the area afterward are normal and typically manageable with over-the-counter pain relief. In certain cases, we can prescribe stronger pain medication to manage post-treatment discomfort. Dr. Bouzoghlanian and the Pasadena dental team will give you clear post-operative instructions to help recovery go smoothly.