Tooth Extraction
Chicago, IL
Teeth can be extracted for a number of different reasons. Oftentimes when a tooth has either died or has become too damaged to be restored, it will need to be pulled and usually replaced with a false or a prosthetic tooth if the patient wishes it to keep their smile. At East Village Dental Centre we believe that there is nothing better than having your original teeth, but sometimes it is best for the patient to remove a bad tooth.
Tooth Extractions are Not as Scary As They Sound
Getting a tooth pulled can make someone very nervous, but fortunately, you won’t feel any pain during the procedure. The area is numbed using local anesthetic and then the tooth is rocked back in forth to loosen it - there will be some pressure felt, but no pain. Once the tooth is loosened, it will be removed, and you’ll be instructed to bite down on a piece of gauze placed on the procedure site.
Learn more about tooth extractions.
Impacted Teeth
Sometimes, a tooth will need to be extracted if it has been impacted. An impacted tooth means that it has not erupted properly - it either only partially erupted or not at all. In this case, the extraction becomes more complex and oftentimes results in moving gum tissue out of the way to remove the tooth either in pieces or all at once. To reiterate - there will be no pain during the procedure. Many patients prefer additional sedation during these types of extractions, however, as this can take longer than a standard tooth removal and more precision is required.
Recovering After A Tooth Extraction
After the tooth has been extracted, a blood clot will have formed once bleeding has stopped. This fresh clot can be dislodged quite easily. Something as mundane as spitting forcefully can compromise it. For the first 24 hours, it is advised to avoid rinsing and brushing. You may experience swelling and some discomfort on the side where the tooth has been extracted. Apply ice to the area for no more than 10 minutes at a time and take painkillers as instructed to ease the pain.
It will be a few days until you have recovered to the point you can resume strenuous activities without fear of dislodging the blood clot. The more rest you get, the easier the healing process will be.
If you have had a tooth extracted that was not a wisdom tooth, you might be interested in getting a replacement for the now empty spot to restore your smile and chewing ability. At East Village Dental Centre we would be happy to talk to you about what tooth restoration options would work best for you. It is generally recommended to replace missing teeth to keep your jaws strong all around as missing teeth can decrease bone quality due to a lack of stimulation from chewing food.
If you are around Chicago, IL and have a tooth that has been bothering you or any other suspected oral health problems, we would be happy to help you at our dental clinic. If you would like to contact us to schedule an appointment, you can call us at 773-341-9325 anytime. |
