Tooth Extraction in Naperville

Sherman Oaks in Naperville will do everything we can to protect and preserve the health of your teeth and the natural structure that they provide for your mouth. However, if a tooth has been broken or severely damaged by decay, it may need to be removed from the socket in the bone. This is known as tooth extraction and, in some instances, may be necessary to restore your smile.

We’re going to explore tooth extraction, why it may be necessary, and how we carry out the procedure.

When Is Tooth Extraction Necessary?

Tooth extraction is considered the last option Dr. Weyneth will take when confronting a broken tooth or a tooth that has been damaged by decay. In some cases, we may be able to remove the decay and fill the cavity left with resin that resembles the natural tooth. In other cases, Dr. Weyneth can safely remove enough of the tooth enamel to fit a crown without having to remove the tooth entirely.

However, during your initial appointemnt Dr. Weyneth may discover that there is nothing else that can be done except for a tooth extraction. This is often the case when the damage is too extensive for the tooth to be able to heal or for it to be able to support a crown. The tooth extraction involves the complete removal of the tooth, but there are still options to help restore both the aesthetic and the structure of your smile following the procedure, including dental implants, dentures, and fixed bridges.

Other Reasons You May Need A Tooth Extraction

A broken tooth, or one heavily damaged by decay, is the most common cause of an extraction. However, there are other reasons it may be deemed medically necessary:

• An extra tooth is blocking others from coming in naturally.
• A baby tooth that isn’t falling out in time to make way for permanent teeth.
• Some people getting braces may need to have a tooth removed to ensure all the others can fit into place.
• Wisdom teeth may need to be extracted if they are causing significant pain, risk of infection, or are impacting the other teeth.
• Cancer drugs, radiation treatment, and organ transplants may require the removal of teeth that could be affected by radiation or may otherwise be an infection risk.

Before The Procedure

Regardless of the cause, any tooth extraction process will begin with a consultation and preparatory phase to ensure the safest and most comfortable procedure possible, and to ensure that it is necessary. This will include a review of your medical and dental records, an X-ray of your teeth, and a prescription of antibiotics if you have an infection. A weakened immune system, or other medical conditions are very important to consider.

The Tooth Extraction Process

To ensure minimal discomfort, an injection of local anesthetic is regularly used to numb the area where the tooth is to be removed. However, in some cases, such as for patients with severe dental anxiety, sedation dentistry may be used.

For impacted teeth, Dr. Weyneth will remove the gum and bone tissue covering the tooth before loosening the tooth by moving it back and forth gently. This will loosen most teeth enough to remove them completely, but other teeth must be removed in pieces.

Following the removal, Dr. Weyneth will apply a gauze pad into the socket where the tooth once was and will ask you to bite down on it to ensure that it stops any bleeding. Self-dissolving stitches may also be used to close the gum around the socket.

After The Tooth Extraction

Following a tooth extraction, you can recover at home, but it will be highly recommended you prepare transport ahead of time, with someone to ensure you get home safely. Some discomfort is to be expected, but the recovery can be as short as a few days.

To minimize discomfort and speed the recovery process, it may be recommended that you take prescribed painkillers. You may also receive instruction to bite down on the gauze pad put in place, and to change it when necessary, as they can become soaked with blood. Limited physical activity, avoiding rinsing or spitting forcefully, and applying an ice pack for 24 hours after the procedure are all recommended as well.

Following the procedure, it’s recommended you avoid solid foods, smoking, and drinking from a straw for at least 24 hours. You will still be able to brush and floss your teeth, but it’s recommended that you avoid the area where the tooth was extracted from.

When You Should Call Sherman Oaks After An Extraction

Some discomfort, swelling, and residual bleeding are all expected for the first 24 hours and even into the next day. If the bleeding or pain is still very severe after four hours, however, you should call Sherman Oaks Dental immediately. Signs of infection, like fever and chills, nausea or vomiting, excessive redness, swelling, or discharge, and chest pain or shortness of breath are also symptoms that you should call Dr. Weyneth to ask about.

What Can Be Done Following The Tooth Extraction?

Because your tooth has been removed entirely, some of the restorative treatments once available may no longer be an option. However, there are still ways that you can restore your smile. These can include dental implants (if there is enough jaw bone to support them), bridges, and dental implants that can both improve the structure, practical use, and appearance of your teeth.

Schedule An Appointment Today

If you believe that your tooth is suffering from severe damage or decay, don’t hesitate to make an appointment. Tooth extraction is the last option we will consider at Sherman Oaks in Naperville. However, even when it is necessary, we will do what we can to ensure a safe, healthy treatment and help you explore the options following the procedure that can restore your smile.