A tooth extraction can sound scary or intimidating. Patients may see this as a painful or extreme process. However, a tooth extraction is a routine procedure that can improve oral health and even alleviate discomfort. As part of our general dentistry services, extractions are performed with care and precision to support your overall oral health. If you are facing the prospect of a tooth extraction, rest assured that our team at Dazzling Dentistry is committed to your comfort and well-being.
Even with assurance, a tooth extraction can still seem daunting. But we’re here to make the process as smooth and comfortable as possible.
When Do You Need a Tooth Extraction?
Tooth removal is typically the last option when it comes to your dental care. But, it may be necessary in some situations. There are several scenarios when we might recommend a tooth extraction in Chicago:
Impacted Wisdom Teeth: Wisdom teeth, or third molars, often lack enough space to emerge correctly. This can lead them to impaction. Tooth impaction occurs when a tooth doesn’t completely erupt from the gums. This can cause pain, swelling, and potential damage to nearby teeth. As a result, an extraction is a viable solution.
Overcrowding: You need proper spacing between your teeth for more than just cosmetic reasons. In cases of crowded teeth, we may recommend an extraction to create enough space for proper alignment. Then, you can get treatments like braces for a more balanced bite.
Periodontal Disease: Advanced gum disease can weaken the supporting structures of your teeth. As a result, your teeth might shift or fall out. Furthermore, it can cause pain or discomfort. Extracting affected teeth can help preserve your overall oral health. For more information on how we treat periodontal disease, please visit Periodontal disease treatment.
What Happens During a Tooth Extraction?
If you’re scheduled for a tooth extraction, it can be helpful to know what to expect. This can make the process easier and less stressful for you.
Evaluation and X-rays
Before any extraction, your dentist will examine your mouth thoroughly. This allows them to look at the tooth condition and the surrounding teeth and gums. Often, X-rays will be taken to get a better view of the tooth’s roots and the bone structure. The X-rays help ensure the extraction goes smoothly and prevent any surprises.
Anesthesia
The dentist will numb the area around your tooth with a local anesthetic to ensure you don’t feel any pain during the procedure. This is the most common option and works well for most extractions. In some cases, if the extraction is more complex (like a tooth with multiple roots or a wisdom tooth), the dentist may recommend general anesthesia, making you completely asleep during the procedure.
Tooth Extraction
Once you’re numb, the dentist will use specialized instruments to loosen your tooth from its socket. This might take a few moments depending on how tightly the tooth is held in place. As the tooth becomes loosened, your dentist will carefully remove it from your mouth. Most patients will feel some pressure, but not pain, during this part of the procedure.
Post Extraction Care
After your tooth is removed, your dentist will give you clear instructions on how to care for the extraction site. This may include advice on how to keep the area clean and free from infection. You’ll likely need to avoid certain hard, chewy, or hot foods for a while to avoid irritation. Your dentist may also give you medication to manage discomfort or prevent infection. Follow the aftercare instructions carefully to promote healing and avoid complications.
How to Heal After a Tooth Extraction
Follow these tips to care for your extraction sites after treatment:
Use Gauze
Immediately after your tooth extraction, our dentist will place gauze over the extraction site to help stop bleeding. Bite down gently on the gauze to apply pressure, which will help the blood clot form.
Change the gauze as directed by your dentist, but don’t remove it too early. If bleeding continues after you’ve changed the gauze, you can gently bite down on a clean piece for another 30 minutes.
Gently Clean Your Mouth
Good oral hygiene is important to avoid infection, but you’ll need to be gentle near the extraction site. For the first 24 hours, avoid brushing near the extraction site, but keep brushing the rest of your teeth as usual. After the first day, gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water to help reduce swelling and keep the area clean. Avoid spitting forcefully, as it can dislodge the blood clot and interfere with the healing process.
Eat Liquids and Soft Foods
In the first few days after removing your tooth, stick to soft foods that are easy to chew, like mashed potatoes, yogurt, or scrambled eggs. Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods because they irritate the extraction site and make healing harder. It’s also a good idea to avoid hot or spicy foods that might cause pain. Drink plenty of water, but try to avoid using straws for the first few days, as sucking can disturb the blood clot that forms in the socket and delay healing.
Do Tooth Extractions Hurt?
Tooth extractions don’t usually hurt because we will numb the area with a local anesthetic before the procedure. This means you won’t feel pain during the extraction, but you might feel pressure or discomfort. The numbing medication ensures the area stays numb while the tooth is removed.
After the extraction, it’s normal to feel soreness or discomfort as the anesthesia wears off. Your dentist might recommend over-the-counter pain relievers to help manage any pain.
What is Dry Socket?
Dry socket is a painful condition after a tooth is extracted, especially if the blood clot that forms in the empty tooth socket is dislodged or doesn’t form properly. Normally, when a tooth is pulled, a blood clot forms in the socket to help protect the bone and nerves while the area heals. The clot also helps prevent infection.
The bone and nerves are exposed if the blood clot is lost too early or does not form. This can lead to severe pain, called dry socket. The pain usually starts about 2 to 4 days after the extraction.
Signs of dry socket include severe pain that doesn’t go away, a bad taste or odor in your mouth, and an empty-looking socket where the tooth was removed. To prevent this problem, follow our dentist’s instructions carefully. Avoid straws, smoking, or touching the extraction site.
If you think you have dry socket, contact us right away. We can clean the socket and place a special dressing to protect the area and relieve the pain.
Improve Your Oral Health
Get tooth extraction treatment in Chicago and Arlington Heights, IL. Call (872) 276-8546 or schedule an appointment with us online. If you have questions about treatment, please let us know. We will be glad to help.