Tooth Extractions in Chicago IL

Dentist Cleaning Teeth

While most of us will take every precaution to ensure we have strong, healthy teeth, sometimes things happen that cause damage anyway. Neglecting dental hygiene, sporting mishaps, and even faulty genetics can cause issues with your teeth. If your dentist decides a tooth extraction in Chicago IL is the best course of action, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

When Do I Need A Tooth Extracted in Chicago IL?

Sometimes, decay and/or trauma has done so much damage to a tooth that tooth extraction is your only option.

In cases of wisdom teeth, your dentist may even proactively recommend tooth extraction before active damage has been done. Often the shape and size of your jaw, the way the wisdom teeth develop and how they erupt from the gums make it impossible to keep them without increased risk of decay and damage, both to them and your other teeth. There are levels of complexity when it comes to extracting a tooth, but it can be broadly separated into two categories.

Simple Tooth Extractions

At our practice in Chicago, tooth extraction can be performed on teeth that can be seen in the mouth and can be removed using local anesthetic and instruments designed to grab and elevate the visible portion of the tooth.

We’ll then send you home with post-operative instructions for care and prescriptions for any necessary medications – you’ll want to take it easy for about 24 hours after Tooth Extraction.

Complex or Surgical Extractions

When a tooth is impacted (not fully erupted in the mouth) or otherwise compromised, a more complex surgical procedure may be necessary. Some of the procedures are done in-house by our periodontist Dr. Scott Drucker, and some need to be referred to an oral surgeon.

Post-Tooth Extraction Care

After Tooth Extraction Chicago, dental experts at Strobel Dentistry want first and foremost to see the blood clot and the bleeding stop so you can begin to heal.

Biting on the gauze pad that we sent you out with for 30-45 minutes after the tooth extraction helps us accomplish this. If bleeding or oozing continues after you remove the gauze pad, place another gauze pad and bite firmly for another thirty minutes. After the blood clot forms, it is important to protect it, especially for the next 3 days.

So Don't...

  • Smoke
  • Drink through a straw
  • Rinse your mouth vigorously by swishing
  • Expectorate
  • Engage in strenuous physical activity for the first 24 hours.
  • Ignore your dental hygiene

For the first 24 hours after your Tooth Extraction do not brush next to the extraction site, and remember not to expectorate excess toothpaste or swish vigorously. You may gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water to promote healing and resume your normal dental routine after 24 hours.

Eating

  • Drink lots of fluid and eat only soft nutritious foods on the day of the extraction.
  • Don’t use alcoholic beverages and avoid hot and spicy foods.
  • Avoid grainy foods or seeds
  • Eat soft foods for the first 2 days: mashed potatoes, bananas, yogurt, pasta, eggs, etc.

Pain Management

Following your Tooth Extraction procedure, some swelling and soreness are normal. You may use an ice bag to minimize swelling for the first 2 days. Use pain medication only as directed, and call the office if it doesn’t seem to be working. If antibiotics are prescribed, continue to take them for the indicated length of time, even if all symptoms and signs of infection are gone.

Even though it’s not a major medical procedure, you should take care of yourself after tooth extraction. Take it easy to give yourself the best possible chance of healing quickly. Rinse the mouth gently to clean it, and don’t brush the affected area. Our team at Strobel Dentistry is here to help.