Oral Surgeon in Carlsbad, CA

Oral Surgery

You and our doctors may determine that you need a tooth extraction for any number of reasons. Some teeth are extracted because they are severely decayed; others may have advanced periodontal disease, or have broken in a way that cannot be repaired. Other teeth may need removal because they are poorly positioned in the mouth (such as impacted teeth), or in preparation for orthodontic treatment. Teeth can be removed with local anesthetic, or you may choose to go to sleep for the procedure. In either case, tooth removal should not be a traumatic experience, and we will do our best to ensure that you are comfortable during the entire procedure.

During the extraction process you will feel a lot of pressure. This is from the process of firmly rocking the tooth in order to widen the socket for removal. You feel the pressure without pain as the anesthetic has numbed the nerves that transfer pain, yet the nerves that transmit pressure are not profoundly affected. If you do feel pain at any time during the extraction please let us know right away.

Many teeth are simply extracted with elevators and forceps. Some teeth, however, may be broken off below the gumline or too big to remove in one piece. When this occurs incisions may be made in the gums in order to expose the tooth to be extracted. It may also require the removal of some of the surrounding bone or sectioning the tooth into several pieces. This is a very common procedure that is performed when a tooth is firmly anchored in its socket or the root is curved and the socket can’t expand enough to remove it. The doctor uses a surgical handpiece to remove bone and cut the tooth into smaller sections. He then removes each section one at a time.

The removal of a single tooth can lead to problems related to your chewing ability, problems with your jaw joint, and shifting teeth, which can have a major impact on your dental health. To avoid these complications, in most cases, our doctors will discuss alternatives to extractions as well replacement of the extracted tooth.

Brian D. Mudd, DDS (Diplomat, American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery)

Dr. Mudd is a graduate of University California Los Angeles (UCLA) School of Dentistry, he served as a resident for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. In 1982 Dr. Mudd received his Diplomat of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. After serving in the Air Force practicing dentistry he retired as a Colonel USAF Reserve. Dr. Mudd has been in private practice in the North San Diego County for over 35 years.

Dr. Mudd holds many professional affiliations: American Academy of Dental Radiology, Diplomat, American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, Fellow of the American College of Oral Maxillofacial Surgeons, Fellow of International Association for Maxillofacial Surgery, Member of American Military Surgeons of the United States (AMSUS) and Charter Member of International TMJ Arthoscopy Study Group.

Dr. Mudd enjoys Fishing, ocean swimming and cooking on his free time.