You may need a tooth extraction if you have crowded and infected teeth or an impacted wisdom tooth. Tooth extractions are standard general dental services that remove teeth that are overcrowded, infected, impacted, or decaying. A tooth extraction in our Hoffman Estates, IL office will help remove dental problems and improve the oral health of patients who undergo the procedure.
Reasons for Tooth Extraction in Hoffman Estates, IL
Dentists extract teeth in cases where the teeth or gums have negatively impacted a patient’s oral health. Some common reasons for extraction include:
Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, quickly impacts the health of gums and teeth. Patients with excessive damage due to gum disease may need a tooth extraction. Gum recession and severely inflamed gums can loosen the teeth. If we cannot save teeth with periodontal therapy, they will need to be removed.
Extensive Tooth Decay
A simple tooth extraction may be the only option in advanced cases of tooth decay. Sometimes, we cannot save a tooth using conservative measures. Before recommending an extraction, we may recommend a dental filling or root canal to preserve your tooth. In severe cases, you may need a dental extraction to prevent decay from spreading and causing more damage.
Impacted Wisdom Tooth
Impacted wisdom teeth need extraction in most cases. They cause tooth or gum infection, tooth pain, or severe damage to neighboring teeth. Patients in their late teens or early 20s are likely candidates for wisdom teeth removal. Dr. Patel will monitor the development of wisdom teeth in our young patients. He can offer wisdom tooth extraction for all ages in most situations.
Overcrowding
Overcrowded teeth can lead to many problems, including:
- Complex bite disorders
- Crooked teeth
- Excessive enamel wear
- Jaw pain
Overcrowding can also increase the risk of tooth decay. This is because it can be difficult to clean between crooked teeth. Removing overcrowded teeth can help alleviate painful symptoms and prevent gum disease.
The Tooth Extraction Procedure in Hoffman Estates, IL
To begin dental extraction, we numb the treatment area with a local anesthetic. This local anesthetic will minimize tooth sensitivity and pain.
There are two types of dental extractions: simple and complex extractions. During a simple extraction, we remove a tooth above the gum line. A complex extraction often requires more time, as we remove teeth at or below the gum line during this extraction. Complex extractions often require dental sedation in addition to local anesthesia. We may refer you to an oral surgeon for a complex tooth extraction.
After we extract the tooth or teeth, we rinse and clean the tooth socket. Then, we pack the socket with gauze. The gauze will help protect the extraction site as it heals.
Replacing Extracted Teeth
You will need a replacement if you receive an extraction for a severely damaged or infected tooth. Dr. Dhara Patel may recommend dental implants, bridges, dentures, and partials to replace missing teeth.
A dental implant can replace a single tooth or secure bridges and dentures. If you need to restore a single tooth, we recommend a dental implant that connects a dental crown. A dental bridge can restore multiple consecutive missing teeth. If you have teeth missing in different areas of your smile or full arches of teeth missing, we recommend dentures. Restorative options can help prevent further gum and tooth problems by replacing missing teeth.
Post Tooth Extraction Tips
After your extraction, you want to care for your tooth sockets correctly. You can follow these tips to ensure that your extraction sites heal properly:
- Keep gauze over your extraction sites and replace the gauze as needed until the bleeding stops.
- Eat soft foods for the first 48 hours after your extraction.
- Take pain medication as prescribed.
- Apply ice to your cheek and jaw to minimize swelling.
- Contact us if blood clots do not form at the extraction sites or are dislodged. We will prescribe you medication to treat dry socket.
- Do not brush your teeth or rinse your mouth until 24 hours after tooth extraction.
- Once your extraction sites stop bleeding, we will provide a syringe to clean them. Fill the syringe with water to gently rinse your tooth sockets.
Please contact our office if you have any questions during the healing process. We want to ensure that healing goes as smoothly and comfortably as possible.
Tooth Extraction FAQs
Do you have additional questions about extractions? Discover more about dental extractions with answers to these common questions:
Is tooth extraction painful?
Your dentist will numb the area with local anesthesia during the procedure, so you shouldn’t feel pain. You might feel pressure or movement, but not sharp pain. After the extraction, some soreness and swelling are normal, but your dentist will provide pain relief instructions or medication. Most people recover without severe discomfort if they follow the aftercare directions.
How long does it take to heal after a tooth extraction?
Healing time can vary depending on the extraction type and overall health. The gum tissue will usually close within one to two weeks. However, full healing of the bone underneath may take several weeks to a few months. Following your aftercare instructions helps speed up healing and avoid complications.
What can I eat after a tooth extraction?
For the first few days after a tooth extraction, you should eat soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, applesauce, and soup. Avoid hot, spicy, crunchy, or hard foods that could irritate the area or dislodge the blood clot. Cold foods like smoothies or ice cream can help soothe the area, but avoid using straws. As your mouth heals, you can slowly return to a normal diet.
What is a dry socket, and how can I avoid it?
A dry socket happens when the blood clot in the socket is dislodged or dissolves too soon, exposing the bone and nerves. This can cause severe pain and delay healing. To prevent it, avoid smoking, drinking through a straw, and vigorous rinsing for a few days after your extraction. Follow your care instructions closely to reduce your risk.
Can I brush my teeth after a tooth extraction?
For the first 24 hours, avoid brushing near the extraction site. After that, you can gently brush your other teeth, but be careful around the area. Avoid commercial mouthwashes and rinse with warm salt water instead. Keeping your mouth clean helps prevent infection and promotes faster healing.
What should I do if I have bleeding after the extraction?
Some bleeding is normal for the first few hours. You can control it by gently biting down on clean gauze for 30 to 45 minutes. If bleeding continues, try using a damp tea bag—the tannic acid can help form a clot. Call us immediately if the bleeding doesn’t stop after several hours.
Request a Dental Exam Today
If you need one or more teeth extracted, call Best Dental Spa at 847.660.6603. You can also schedule an appointment with us online at your convenience, and we will get back to you promptly.
IF YOU HAVE MORE QUESTIONS, CONTACT US
(224)293-6282
