At Palos Heights Family Dental, we look to all other restorative dental treatments first before recommending a tooth extraction. That being said, sometimes it’s the only course of action to take to make sure your mouth stays healthy and more damage doesn’t occur.

We understand it can seem a little nerve-wracking at first to learn you may need a tooth extraction. The Palos Heights Family Dental team is here to answer any and all of your questions and to ensure your complete comfort throughout the entire procedure. We don’t want anything to get in the way of your health, so please let us know if you have any concerns so we can ease your worries!

General Tooth Extractions

You may need a general tooth extraction if you have a severely damaged or infected tooth, whether from trauma or extensive decay. Another reason for a tooth extraction is when there is crowding, which means there is not enough room in a patient’s mouth for proper teeth alignment.

After your tooth extraction, our team is happy to go over your options for tooth replacement including dental bridges, dentures, and dental implants. Rest assured knowing that even if you have a tooth pulled, you can still have an attractive, full smile!

Wisdom Tooth Removal

One of the most well-known types of tooth extractions is wisdom tooth removal. Not everyone gets their wisdom teeth and some people have them come in without any trouble, but oftentimes, they can either get stuck, become tilted, or cause crowding when erupting. If this is the case for you, we may recommend wisdom tooth removal. If you don’t get problematic wisdom teeth removed, it may increase the likelihood of infection or the chance that your nearby teeth will be pushed out of place and change your bite. At your intial consultation, we’ll go over each step of your wisdom teeth surgery so you know exactly what to expect.

How Much Does a Tooth Extraction Cost?

The cost of a tooth extraction depends on if it’s a “simple” extraction or a “surgical” extraction. A simple tooth extraction is when the tooth is above the gumline, and a surgical tooth extraction is when the tooth is below the gumline. Many dental insurance plans cover at least some portion of tooth extractions. Even if yours doesn’t, we have other flexible financial options to help you better afford the treatment, including the CareCredit^® financing.

Is a Tooth Extraction Painful?

Our dentists at Palo Heights Family Dental do everything we can to make you as comfortable as possible, so it’s unlikely you will feel significant pain during the surgery. The extraction site can be tender afterwards but the discomfort is temporary. It’s much more painful to ignore a tooth that needs to come out.

What Is the Aftercare for Tooth Extractions?

• Immediately after the tooth extraction procedure, you’ll be asked to bite gently on gauze pads so that a blood clot can form inside the tooth socket. They should be left in place for three to four hours and changed as needed.
• Use an ice pack right after the procedure to reduce swelling. Hold it on the outside of your cheek close to the extraction site for ten minutes at a time. Repeat as necessary.
• It’s important to rest for the first 24 hours and then to take it easy for the next few days so your body can heal.
• DO NOT DRINK FROM A STRAW! The suction can dislodge the blood clot and cause dry socket. This is a painful condition that requires additional treatment and can delay healing.
• For the first 24 hours, do not rinse your mouth or spit. After the first 24 hours, make a saltwater rinse using 8 oz. of warm water and ½ t. salt. Gently swish it around in your mouth and carefully spit. This also protects the blood clot.
• Eat soft foods for the first few days. Add solid foods as the extraction area heals.
• Brush and floss your other teeth but avoid the extraction site. Brush your tongue too. Keeping your mouth clean helps prevent infection.
• Do not smoke or vape. This inhibits healing.
• Take painkillers as prescribed by our tooth extraction dentists.

Will My Tooth Extraction be Covered by Dental Insurance?

Most dental insurance plans cover a percentage of the cost of tooth extractions. Our office can help determine your coverage. We try to make tooth extractions as affordable as possible. We offer flexible payment options so don’t let financial worries keep you from moving forward with a necessary tooth extraction.

Do I Need an Emergency Tooth Extraction?

With regular preventive care, hopefully, we can avoid emergency tooth extractions by staying on top of your oral care needs. If something unexpected occurs, like a trauma to the tooth, we are available for same-day appointments.

Emergency Tooth Extractions

Are you in need of an emergency tooth extraction? If so, please contact our office at 708-448-7588, and we will do everything we can to see you as soon as possible. We don’t ever want patients to have to wait in pain so we provide same-day emergency dental care.