Advance Family Dental Care

Northbrook Tooth Extractions

Think you may be in need of a tooth extraction? Thinking of pulling it on your own? May want to re-evaluate tying the string to the door knob; ouch! Pulling your own tooth can lead to infection, broken teeth, more pain and cost more money than seeing a dentist in the first place. If you are in or near Northbrook, IL and think you may need a tooth extraction, come see us at Advance Family Dental Care so we can properly evaluate the situation. In some cases, a crown or filling will do the job before an extraction is even necessary.

About Extractions

A tooth extraction also known as tooth pulling or dental extraction is the removal of a tooth from the socket of the bone. The process of extracting, pulling or removing a tooth can be performed for multiple reasons. Typical reasons for tooth extractions are as follows:

  • Tooth decay
  • Broken beyond repair
  • Make room for orthodontic work
  • Poorly positioned teeth (i.e. impacted teeth)
  • Infection and/or Risk of Infection
  • Periodontal (Gum) Disease

Tooth Extraction Procedure

Once a tooth extraction has been deemed the best course of action for you, your Northbrook dentist will set up a date and time for your tooth extraction procedure. An antibiotic may be prescribed before or after the procedure varying on a case by case basis.

At the beginning of your procedure, your dentist will numb the area with a local anesthesia. Once the extraction begins you will likely feel pressure but this should not result in pain. If you do feel pain please let your dentist know right away. Once the tooth extraction is complete a blood clot where the extraction took place should start to form and your dentist will pack the site with gauze to help stop bleeding. In some cases they may place a few stitches, many times self-dissolving, to close the area.

Caring for Your Extracted Tooth

Our doctor will give you detailed instructions on what you should expect after your tooth extraction procedure. Please remember even for the “simplest” of extractions bleeding will occur and there will be some degree of pain. It is important to take any medications as prescribed and give yourself ample time to recover. Additional advice for pain management after tooth removal:

  • Avoid forcefully spitting or drinking from a straw for at least 24 hours (can lead to dry socket)
  • Avoid smoking, drinking alcohol
  • Place ice packet on face where swelling may occur
  • Eat soft, cool foods
  • Rinse with warm salt water 24 hours after procedure to keep the site clean (1/2 tsp salt in 1 cup warm water)

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