While your Chicago tooth extraction may be unavoidable, that doesn’t mean it should feel like a chore. Learn more about the process and why you’re parting ways with that problem tooth to embrace your oral surgery, and understand all the benefits ahead. At Hinsdale Dentistry, we strive to help every one of our patients feel heard, and their needs to be accommodated. We communicate closely throughout your procedure and healing process to ensure everything is progressing as planned and that you feel comfortable, and prior education is a key component of that goal.
Whether you’re facing your first extraction or you’ve had a tooth pulled before, there’s always something more to learn. Scroll down for a quick tooth extraction primer to access much of the information you’ll need, all in one place. If you’d like to schedule an extraction consultation, find directions from anywhere in Chicagoland to our suburban practice on this map. The following form will put you in touch with our front desk. Consultations are complimentary, and we’re happy to answer any questions you might have before your first visit.
Your Tooth Extraction Primer
Types of Extractions
- Simple – With simple extractions, the tooth can be more easily removed. This usually means that the tooth is visible in the mouth, having erupted at least partially. The root is usually straight, following a clear path. This all allows for less involved extraction and an uncomplicated procedure. You’re less likely to have stitches after your appointment, and no incision in the gums may be necessary.
- Surgical – In surgical cases, the tooth cannot be seen in the mouth. This means it may have broken off, or hasn’t erupted. Wisdom teeth extraction are typically surgical because they are performed when the teeth begin to erupt. An incision will be made in the gums, and they’ll be pulled back to provide access to the tooth. The tooth may need to be removed in pieces. Afterwards, the gums will be stitched back together with sutures that will naturally dissolve in the mouth as you heal.
Reasons for Tooth Extraction
- Preventive – Sometimes, we’re better off without all of our teeth. This is the most common reason for wisdom tooth extractions, but can extend to other teeth that are impacted or otherwise problematic. In these cases, allowing the tooth/teeth in question to remain could open up the mouth to serious dental problems.
- Disease management – Should a cavity progress to the inner pulp, it can lead to an abscess. This may be treatable with a root canal, but sometimes extraction is necessary if the infection is advanced. After extraction, your dentist will rebuild the tooth from the ground up.
- Creating space – If you’re going to receive orthodontic treatment but have a crowded jaw, extraction may be necessary to make enough room for the teeth to be realigned.
Patient Responsibilities Post-Extraction
- Brush and floss thoroughly and keep your mouth clean to prevent complications
- Keep your head elevated to prevent bleeding
- Eat soft foods that won’t disrupt the extraction site
- Keep follow-up appointments so that we can ensure you’re healing properly
- Avoid tobacco, as it slows healing and damages oral tissues
- Don’t use straws, as the sucking pressure can pull out stitches
- Get in touch with your dentist if you ever have any questions! Remember, we’re here to help.