Searching for a dentist in San Francisco usually starts with one question: Can this practice handle everything we need, from routine cleanings to more complex procedures, without sending us across town for every referral? At Embarcadero Dentistry, we built our practice around that exact concern. Our team covers general dentistry alongside periodontics, endodontics, oral surgery, orthodontics, and implants, so your care stays connected from one visit to the next.

What Makes Our Practice Different

We treat dentistry as a team effort, not a series of isolated appointments. Our general dentists work alongside specialists in periodontics, endodontics, oral surgery, and orthodontics, so your records, X-rays, and treatment history are kept in one place rather than scattered across multiple offices. When a case calls for more than one type of care, our clinicians talk directly with each other about your treatment, rather than leaving you to coordinate the details yourself.

Our general dentistry team includes Dr. Curt Facchino, Dr. Russell S. Harris, Dr. Shweta Prabhakar, Dr. Pil Han, Dr. Michael Hwang, Dr. Alisha Matreja, and Dr. Francis Delos Reyes. Several of these same doctors also handle cosmetic dentistry and teeth whitening, so the dentist you see for a checkup can often address cosmetic concerns in the same conversation. You can read more about our approach and team on our about us page.

Specialty Care Under One Roof

A dentist in San Francisco who only offers general cleanings can only take you so far. Our specialists fill in the gaps so you are not stuck searching for outside referrals when something more involved comes up. Here is how our specialty services break down:

• Periodontics, led by Dr. H. Kashani, addresses gum health and the structures that support your teeth. You can explore our periodontics services for more details on what this care involves.
• Endodontics, handled by Dr. Elham Shadmehr, focuses on root canal therapy and saving teeth that might otherwise need extraction. Our endodontics page walks through what these procedures look like.
• Oral surgery, provided by Dr. Darin T. Johnston, covers extractions, wisdom teeth, and surgical procedures that go beyond general dentistry.
• Orthodontics, led by Dr. Albert Lam, offers both traditional braces and Invisalign for patients seeking straighter teeth without a one-size-fits-all approach.
• Dental implants, coordinated by Dr. H. Kashani and Dr. Darin T. Johnston, replace missing teeth with a permanent, stable solution anchored to the jawbone.

We also treat sleep apnea and TMJ/TMD concerns with Dr. Shweta Prabhakar, and Dr. Darin T. Johnston manages additional TMJ cases.

How Specialists and General Dentists Work Together

The benefit of having these specialties in-house is most evident in complex cases. Dr. H. Kashani and Dr. Darin T. Johnston, for instance, coordinate directly on implant cases so that the surgical and prosthetic aspects of treatment align without delay. If you are weighing implants against other restoration options, our dental implants page covers the process in more detail, and our oral surgery page explains what to expect from extractions and surgical procedures.

Orthodontic patients benefit from similar coordination. If gum health needs attention before braces or Invisalign can proceed, our periodontics and orthodontics teams coordinate on timing so treatment proceeds efficiently rather than stalling between departments. Details on aligners and braces are available on our orthodontics page.

What Your First Visit Looks Like

Your first appointment starts with an exam and a real conversation about your goals and any concerns you bring in. We perform a visual exam, a periodontal assessment, and X-rays when needed, then walk through what we found using photos so you can see exactly what we see. From there, we lay out your options clearly, including what each path involves and roughly how long it might take.

If dental anxiety is part of your history, let us know before your appointment. We can plan extra time and a calmer pace so the visit does not feel rushed. Plan for your first comprehensive visit to last about 60 to 90 minutes, so we have enough time to build a plan that reflects your needs rather than rushing through a checklist.

To prepare, bring a photo ID, your insurance information, and a list of any current medications. If you have prior X-rays or treatment records, bringing them along helps us avoid unnecessary repeat tests. You can fill out new-patient paperwork ahead of time and request an appointment online to save a few minutes when you arrive.

Getting Here and Getting Started

Our office is easy to reach by transit or car. Use our map and directions link to plan your route, and if you are coming in during peak commute hours, give yourself a little extra time. Patients who want a closer look at how our care plays out over time can read patient reviews directly from people we have treated.

If you have questions before booking, our contact us page connects you with our office staff, who can walk you through what to expect at your first visit. When you are ready, send us a message and tell us a bit about what brought you in. We will follow uWhen a tooth is badly damaged, infected, or no longer a good candidate for restoration, removing it may be the best way to protect your oral health. At Embarcadero Dentistry, we take a conservative approach to tooth extraction in San Francisco, considering options to preserve the tooth first and recommending removal only when it supports a healthier, more predictable long-term outcome.

How We Coordinate Your Care

A tooth extraction is often one part of a larger treatment plan. Embarcadero Dentistry brings Periodontics, Endodontics, Oral Surgery, Orthodontics, and implant care together in one practice, making it easier to coordinate treatment when more than one type of dental care is involved.

For example, Dr. Darin T. Johnston leads oral surgery cases, while Dr. H. Kashani oversees periodontal planning involving gum and bone support. This coordinated approach can be especially helpful when an extraction is connected to bone grafting, orthodontic treatment, or future dental implant placement.

When possible, our specialists can review complex cases together and plan follow-up care with healing, function, and future restorations in mind.

What Happens During a Tooth Extraction?

Before removing a tooth, your dentist reviews your X-rays, medical history, and treatment plan. The area is then numbed to keep you comfortable during the procedure.

After the tooth is removed, gauze is placed to help control bleeding. Depending on your needs, your dentist may also discuss sutures, bone grafting, or future tooth replacement options.

You will leave with instructions for managing discomfort, caring for the extraction site, and choosing foods during recovery. Patients who need more involved treatment can also learn more about our oral surgery services and how specialty care may fit into their treatment plan.

When Is a Tooth Extraction Recommended?

A tooth extraction may be recommended when keeping the tooth is no longer the most reliable option for your health, comfort, or long-term dental function.

Common reasons for removing a tooth include:

• Severe tooth decay
• Broken or fractured roots
• A tooth that cannot be predictably restored
• Failed previous root canal treatment
• Wisdom teeth causing pain, infection, or other problems

Whenever appropriate, we consider options for preserving the tooth first. These may include fillings, crowns, root canal treatment, or periodontal therapy.

Your dentist will also consider your medical history, bite, surrounding teeth, bone health, and long-term treatment goals before recommending an extraction.

What Is Recovery Like After a Tooth Extraction?

Recovery depends on the tooth being removed, the complexity of the procedure, and your overall health. Tenderness and swelling are common during the first few days and should gradually improve as the area heals.

During the first 24 hours, follow your dentist’s instructions carefully, rest, and avoid vigorous rinsing. Ice packs may help manage swelling. As healing progresses, your dentist may recommend gentle saltwater rinses and a gradual return to your normal diet.

It can also help to have a few basics ready at home, including:

• Gauze
• Soft foods such as yogurt or soup
• An ice pack
• Any recommended pain medication

Call our office if you experience symptoms that concern you, including persistent heavy bleeding, fever, severe swelling, or numbness that does not improve.

You can also review our patient education resources for additional information about dental treatment and recovery.

What Are the Risks and Alternatives?

Like any dental procedure, tooth extraction carries potential risks. These may include infection, dry socket, nerve irritation, or delayed healing.

Careful planning helps reduce these risks. When needed, our dentists can also coordinate with specialists in Endodontics, Periodontics, or Oral Surgery before deciding on treatment.

Alternatives depend on the condition of the tooth. In some cases, root canal treatment, re-treatment, crowns, or periodontal therapy may allow the tooth to be preserved.

If removal is the better option, your dentist can also discuss ways to replace the missing tooth. Depending on your needs, that may include a bridge or a dental implant.

Your dentist will explain the benefits, limitations, and potential risks of the appropriate options so you can make an informed decision about your care.

Common Questions About Tooth Extraction

Will removing a tooth change my bite?

It can. When a tooth is removed, nearby teeth may shift over time. We evaluate your bite and discuss whether an implant, bridge, orthodontic treatment, or another option may help maintain proper function and alignment.

Can I get a dental implant right after an extraction?

In some cases, yes. Immediate implant placement depends on factors such as bone health, the condition of the extraction site, and your overall treatment plan.

If an immediate implant is not appropriate, your dentist may recommend bone grafting or a staged approach before implant placement. Our dental implant services are coordinated with the rest of your treatment when tooth replacement is part of the plan.

How long until I can eat normally?

Most patients begin with soft foods and gradually return to their usual diet as the extraction site heals. The exact timeline depends on the complexity of the procedure and how comfortable you feel chewing.

Your dentist will give you instructions based on your specific treatment.

Do you offer sedation for tooth extractions?

Yes. Sedation options can be matched to the procedure and your comfort needs. Oral Surgery specialists can also provide additional sedation support when appropriate.

How do I schedule a consultation?

You can request an appointment online or call Embarcadero Dentistry to discuss your needs and schedule a visit.

What Happens After a Tooth Is Removed?

For some patients, an extraction completes treatment. For others, it is the first step toward restoring function or preparing the mouth for future care.

Depending on the location of the missing tooth and your long-term goals, your dentist may recommend a dental implant, bridge, orthodontic treatment, bone grafting, or another type of follow-up care.

Because Embarcadero Dentistry offers multiple dental specialties in one practice, these next steps can be coordinated as part of a broader treatment plan rather than handled separately.

If you are preparing for treatment, our patient education materials can help you learn more about dental procedures and what to expect before and after your visit.

Ready to Discuss Your Options?

If a tooth is causing pain, has been badly damaged, or has been recommended for removal, Embarcadero Dentistry can help you understand the next step. Dr. Steven K. Olsen and our team of specialists focus on clear explanations, coordinated care, and treatment planning that support your long-term oral health.

You can request an appointment, reach our San Francisco office, or get directions to Embarcadero Dentistry.p with a few questions of our own, so your first appointment is built around the care you actually need, not a generic checklist.