Tooth Extractions
In some cases, it is in your best interest to have a tooth removed. We work to make tooth extractions as easy as possible so you can focus on recovering quickly.
Tooth Extractions near Palos Heights, IL
At Palos Heights Family Dental, preserving your natural teeth is always our priority. However, when a tooth cannot be saved, a tooth extraction may be the healthiest long-term solution. We provide both routine and emergency tooth extractions using a careful, efficient approach focused on your comfort. After a thorough exam, the area is numbed with local anesthesia, and the tooth is gently removed. In more complex situations, a surgical extraction may be required.
Proper recovery is essential for healing. After extraction, you’ll bite on gauze to control bleeding and allow a blood clot to form. Avoid disturbing the area for 24 hours. Ice packs can help reduce swelling, followed by warm compresses as needed. Saltwater rinses and detailed aftercare instructions will support healing and minimize discomfort.
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How do I prevent dry socket after a tooth extraction?
When you have a tooth extracted, a blood clot develops shortly after the surgery, which is your body beginning the healing process. If this blood clot becomes dislodged before your mouth has fully healed it can cause pain, this is called dry socket.
Six tips for avoiding dry socket are:
- Avoid straws or anything that creates a suction or large movement of air.
- Don’t consume any tobacco products as the fast inhalation can dislodge your blood clot and the chemicals may prevent healing or cause an infection.
- Eat soft foods only like applesauce, yogurt and mashed potatoes for the first one or two days.
- Inquire about any medicines you’re taking to ensure they don’t interact with the healing process.
- Use proper oral hygiene to keep your mouth clean and consider an antibacterial mouthwash.
- Follow your doctor’s instructions on proper oral care to improve recovery time.
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What can I eat after tooth extraction?
It’s important to stick to soft foods for the first couple of days following your tooth extraction. You don’t want to disturb the blood clot that has formed, so some foods you can eat are:
- Applesauce
- Yogurt
- Mashed potatoes
- Jello
- Pudding
- Ice cream
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What causes the need for a tooth extraction?
Tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth from its socket in the bone. Tooth extraction usually occurs when a tooth has been broken or damaged by decay and there is too much damage for the tooth to be repaired by a filling or crown.
However, there are other reasons for tooth extraction including extra teeth growing in that are blocking others, baby teeth that haven’t fallen out in time for the permanent teeth to come in, braces, wisdom teeth that are commonly removed, or medical reasons.
More Questions?
If you have more questions about tooth extractions, please contact our office and we will be happy to discuss further.
