Tooth Extractions – Chicago, IL

Remove Problematic Teeth for Pain Relief

Do you have a severely damaged or decayed tooth causing persistent discomfort? While our team at United Dental Centers of Chicago typically does everything we can to protect and preserve your teeth, sometimes they’re too injured to be treated effectively. In these cases, we can remove problematic teeth for pain relief and safeguard your smile.

However, many experience anxiety about having a tooth extracted because they’re unfamiliar with the process. Continue reading to learn more about it so you can set your mind at ease, and feel free to contact us for additional information!

Why Choose United Dental Centers of Chicago for Tooth Extractions?

  • Members of the American Dental Association
  • Advanced Technology to Increase Patient Comfort
  • Insurance Accepted & Flexible Financing Available

Reasons Why Tooth Extractions Are Necessary

Usually, it’s in your best interests to address cavities, chips, cracks, or other injuries to your teeth to prevent bacteria from causing an infection and avoid further breakage. That said, there are some circumstances when extraction is better for your overall oral health, such as:

  • Your tooth is gravely damaged and cannot be repaired with other methods.
  • You need to make space for orthodontics or a restoration, like dentures.
  • To allow a child’s permanent tooth to grow properly.
  • You have an impacted or infected tooth.

Unfortunately, dental problems like tooth decay and gum disease are contagious and we sometimes must recommend removal to keep an already established issue from spreading.

The Process of Removing a Tooth

Although it might vary slightly based on your unique situation, you can typically expect the following from your tooth extraction.

First, one of our dentists will examine your mouth to determine what type of extraction is required. Easily accessible teeth that have fully cleared your gums can often be handled with a simple extraction, whereas impacted or infected teeth may include surgery. The former involves numbing the area with a local anesthetic then gently lifting the tooth from its socket with a device called an elevator. Then, one of our experts will grasp the problematic tooth with forceps to gently wiggle it free.

Surgical extractions involve numbing or sedating you and then creating a small incision in your gums to access your problematic tooth, which may need to be broken into smaller pieces to be pulled safely out of your jawbone without causing additional harm.

Tooth Extraction Aftercare

It’s imperative that you follow any post-op orders our team provides so that you can heal as quickly as possible and without complications. Your mouth must form a blood clot over the extraction site to shield the recently exposed nerves and bone tissue, or you could develop a painful condition known as dry socket.

Some helpful recovery tips include:

  • Take any pain medications or antibiotics exactly as ordered.
  • Gently cleanse your mouth in the first 24 hours by rinsing with warm salt water. After that, it’s usually safe to resume brushing and flossing more normally, as long as you are cautious around the extraction site.
  • Drink plenty of water directly from a glass. Sucking from a straw can dislodge your blood clot.
  • Get lots of rest and avoid strenuous activities that elevate your heartrate or blood pressure.
  • Elevate your head to sleep at night to avoid discomfort.
  • Don’t smoke. Tobacco products contain nicotine which restricts blood flow and oxygen levels, suppressing your immune system so you’re less able to fight infection.