Tooth extractions are sometimes needed to keep your mouth healthy. At Tidy Smiles in Palatine, IL, our skilled dental team makes sure the process is as comfortable and stress-free as possible. We’ll explain what to expect and can offer options like dental bridges to replace the missing tooth or teeth.
Why Tooth Extractions are Necessary
Sometimes, tooth decay is so bad that fillings or crowns can't fix it. If the decay is causing a lot of pain or could harm nearby teeth, removing the tooth might be the best choice. A thorough dental exam will help us decide if extraction is the right solution.
Patients with periodontitis might also need an extraction. Advanced gum disease, can weaken the tissues and bone around your teeth. This can cause teeth to become loose, and in some cases, they may need to be removed to prevent more oral health problems.
Impacted wisdom teeth are also an issue that may need extraction. Wisdom teeth can get stuck, or impacted, when there isn’t enough space for them to grow in properly. This can lead to pain, infections, and damage to nearby teeth. In these cases, removing the wisdom teeth can help prevent further issues.
The Tooth Extraction Procedure
The first step in the extraction process is a thorough exam and X-rays to check the condition of the tooth and the surrounding area. At Tidy Smiles, we use digital imaging to make sure we get a complete picture of your oral health before moving forward.
There are two main types of tooth extractions: simple and surgical. Simple extractions are for teeth that are easy to see in your mouth. The dentist loosens the tooth and removes it using forceps.
Surgical extractions are needed when a tooth hasn’t fully come in or has broken off at the gum line. This process might require a small cut in the gum. We’ll work with a local specialist to handle your surgical extraction.
Aftercare and Post-Extraction Instructions
After a tooth is removed, we give you clear instructions to help you heal and avoid problems. These include tips on how to manage bleeding, keep your mouth clean, and what activities to avoid. Following these steps closely will help you recover quickly.
The most discomfort and swelling usually happen within the first 48 hours after the extraction. We’ll suggest ways to manage the pain, like using over-the-counter pain relievers and ice packs to reduce swelling.
After the extraction, we recommend eating soft foods and drinking liquids to avoid dislodging the blood clot that forms in the empty socket. Stay away from crunchy, spicy, or hot foods, as they might irritate the area or cause an infection. Following our advice will help you heal faster.
Complications and Risks
One possible issue after a tooth extraction is a dry socket. This happens when the blood clot doesn’t form or gets dislodged, leading to severe pain and a bad taste in your mouth. If you notice these symptoms, contact our Palatine office right away so we can help.
Infections are rare but can happen if bacteria get into the extraction site. Signs of infection include fever, increased pain, and swelling. We provide clear steps to prevent infections and are ready to assist with any concerns you may have.