We often perform tooth extractions as a last result for a badly damaged, decayed, or impacted tooth. At The Stein Center for Advanced Dentistry, we offer tooth extraction services for patients with damaged teeth that can not be saved. Our dentists in Skokie, IL, provide this common dental service for qualifying patients of all ages.
Reasons for a Tooth Extraction
Tooth pain, untreated cavities, and gum disease can all be the cause for a tooth extraction. Sometimes we can save a tooth with a procedure like a root canal, but the damage may be too extensive. The most common reasons patients need a tooth extraction can include the following:
- Impacted tooth
- Overcrowded teeth
- Deep tooth decay
- Extensive tooth damage
- Periodontal disease
- To make room for orthodontic treatment
Tooth Extraction Procedure at Stein Center for Advanced Dentistry
Tooth extraction can be divided into two categories: simple extraction and surgical extraction. In many cases, both types of extraction are performed under dental sedation.
- Simple Tooth Extraction: We recommend this type of extraction when the tooth fully erupts from the gum line. Our team will administer a local anesthetic to alleviate any pain or discomfort you may feel during the procedure. During a simple extraction, we will carefully remove the ligaments surrounding the tooth and rock it back and forth until it is free.
- Surgical Tooth Extraction: When the tooth is not visible from the gum line, it may require surgical extraction. During a surgical extraction, we remove pieces of the bone and the affected tooth little by little in fragments.
Replacing Extracted Teeth
We offer full-service dental implants at The Stein Center for Advanced Dentistry. As an esteemed member of many prestigious dental organizations, such as the Academy of Osseointegration and the American College of Prosthodontists, Dr. Stein loves providing personalized solutions for lost teeth. During the treatment planning stage, our team will determine if replacing your extracted teeth is necessary.
Tooth Extraction FAQs
What should I NOT do after I get a tooth pulled?
After teeth are pulled, you should avoid touching the impacted area for at least 24 hours. After 24 hours, patients may rinse their mouths with a saltwater solution. Patients should refrain from drinking through a straw or any sucking motion for at least a week to prevent the clot in the socket from falling out.
How long does it take to feel normal after a tooth extraction?
After a tooth extraction, most patients report it taking about 1-2 weeks for the area to feel normal. The area should clot after 2-3 days, beginning the healing process. After about 3-4 weeks, the soft tissue should be healed.
How soon after a tooth extraction can I eat?
You will need to stick to a soft-food diet for the first 24-72 hours after a tooth extraction. Patients should wait 2 weeks to eat chewy, sticky, or hard foods. It is also recommended to avoid drinking through a straw for 1-2 weeks. After 3 days, you should be able to eat regular foods as long as they are not especially chewy or sticky.
How long should I rest after tooth extraction?
After a tooth extraction, it is advised that patients rest for 2-3 days. It is very common to feel drowsy after anesthetic, so having a few days to rest is preferred so that patients give themselves ample time to rest.
How can I make my tooth extraction heal faster?
Patients can help speed up their recovery time after a tooth extraction by rinsing with salt water frequently, avoiding contact with the wound, keeping gauze secured and in place, and taking medication when needed or as advised by their dentist.
How long should I use salt water after tooth extraction?
A teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water gently rinsed around the socket twice a day can help to clean and heal the area. Keep this up for at least a week or for as long as your dentist tells you. Patients should also avoid smoking.
Schedule A Dental Visit
If you would like to learn more about tooth extraction in Skokie, IL, visit your trusted team of dentists at The Stein Center for Advanced Dentistry. To schedule an appointment, call 847.750.3125 or request an appointment online.