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 are beyond saving. Our dentists in Skokie, IL, provide this common general dental service for our 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 procedures are available at The Stein Center for Advanced Dentistry. A tooth extraction can be divided into two categories: simple extraction and surgical extraction. In many cases, we preform both types of extraction under local anesthesia and 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.
Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth removal is an important dental procedure that many individuals undergo. The wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that typically emerge in the late teens or early twenties. While some people may not experience any issues with their wisdom teeth, others may face various complications that necessitate a removal procedure.
Some of the primary reasons why we provide wisdom teeth removal are as follows:
- Lack of space in your mouth to accommodate these additional molars. Some individuals have jaws that are too small to properly accommodate these new teeth, leading to overcrowding and misalignment. This can cause pain, discomfort, and even damage to adjacent teeth.
- Impaction. Impacted wisdom teeth occur when they do not fully emerge from the gums or grow at an angle. This can result in pain, swelling, infection, and even cyst formation. Removing impacted wisdom teeth can help prevent these issues.
- Gum problems. Partially erupted wisdom teeth can create flaps of gum tissue that can trap food particles and bacteria. This can result in gum inflammation, infection (pericoronitis), and even the formation of cysts or tumors around the impacted teeth.
Furthermore, maintaining good oral hygiene becomes more challenging with the presence of wisdom teeth. Their positioning at the back of the mouth makes it difficult to clean them properly, increasing the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and infection.
We can alleviate pain and discomfort while preventing potential dental problems in the future for our patients using a wisdom tooth removal procedure.
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. To learn more about our dental implant services, visit Dental implants.
Tooth Extraction FAQs
What should I NOT do after I get a tooth pulled?
You should avoid touching the impacted area for at least 24 hours after tooth removal. 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. The soft tissue will heal over a 3-4 week period.
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. We also recommend 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?
We advise our patients to rest for at least 24 hours after an extraction. However, the exact duration of rest may vary depending on the complexity of the extraction, and individual healing abilities. This rest period allows the blood clot that forms in the socket to stabilize and promotes healing. Try to avoid strenuous activities that can put stress on your muscles as well.
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, 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, as this can negate all healing effects.
Schedule an Exam and Extraction Consultation Today
If you would like to learn more about tooth extraction procedures and wisdom teeth removal 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.