Dr. Nechama Brand and her team offer simple and surgical tooth extractions for patients in Chicago, IL. Patients may require general dental treatment with extractions to remove extra teeth, impacted wisdom teeth, damaged teeth, and to prevent overcrowding. We may also recommend extraction as a last resort to remove infected teeth.
Removing one or more teeth because of damage or infection can leave gaps. After your extraction, we can provide dental implants and implant-secured restorations to restore your teeth. At Premier Dentistry at Millennium Park, our goal is to provide gentle tooth extractions and replacements so you can eat, speak, and smile again.
Removing Wisdom Teeth
Most patients develop their wisdom teeth or third molars when they are in their late teens or early twenties. It has become common practice to remove wisdom teeth because of the many problems they can cause.
If a wisdom tooth develops incorrectly, we will need to remove it to prevent crooked and overcrowded teeth. We will also surgically remove impacted wisdom teeth. Sometimes they will harm the adjacent teeth. Wisdom teeth are also difficult to keep clean since they are far in the back of the mouth.
Many people simply skip flossing around them or don’t take the time to brush them. This will lead to tooth decay. Sometimes, if a patient elects to keep their wisdom tooth, they will feel tooth and gum pain, swelling gums, and other dental health issues.
In the end, simply extracting the wisdom tooth helps treat these symptoms and prevents further oral health problems. However, if they have come in straight and you have enough room for them, you do not have to remove them. As long as they are not causing problems and you can properly clean them, you can live your entire life with your wisdom teeth.
Types of Dental Extractions
Before your tooth extraction, Dr. Nechama Brand will take x-rays of your teeth and jaw to determine a treatment plan. Patients who require wisdom teeth removal will need a panoramic x-ray so that we can see a complete image of all their teeth. X-rays allow us to assess the condition of your teeth to determine which ones are causing problems.
We can complete two main types of tooth extraction treatment: simple and surgical.
Simple Extraction
If the tooth is visible from the gum line and in one piece, we can typically perform a simple extraction. The procedure is usually as simple as loosening the tooth and pulling it out. The dentist will use a dental tool called an elevator to loosen the tooth. Then, they will slowly and gently remove the tooth with forceps. This procedure usually only requires local anesthetic.
Surgical Extraction
A surgical tooth extraction is a more invasive procedure for more complex cases. If a tooth has not fully erupted through the gums or is broken, a person will require surgery to remove it. The dentist will make an incision in the gums to expose the tooth.
Our dentist may need to cut the tooth into multiple pieces so they can remove it quickly. In some cases, we may need to cut the bone surrounding the tooth for access. Depending on the case’s complexity, a surgical extraction will require local anesthesia and dental sedation or general anesthesia.
Recovery from a surgical extraction differs from recovery from a simple extraction. After the procedure, surgical extraction involves more discomfort and swelling. Both types will require caring for the open socket.
Tooth Replacement Options After Tooth Extraction
After an extraction, replacing the tooth or teeth is sometimes necessary. Our dentists will present each patient with the available options to replace their teeth. We offer several options, including dental implants, dental bridges, and dentures.
Dental Implants
Teeth implants are undoubtedly the best way to replace extracted teeth. They are the only solution that replaces the tooth at the root and helps prevent bone loss. The implant process involves placing a titanium post in the jawbone where it will fuse to the bone. This creates a durable foundation to secure a dental crown, dental bridge, or dentures. To learn more about the many benefits of dental implants, see Dental Implants.
Dental Bridge
A dental bridge is a standard treatment for placing a single tooth. However, we can also use it to replace several teeth in a row. This type of dental restoration bridges the gap created by missing teeth.
The bridgework comprises a dental crown, prosthetic teeth, and another dental crown linked together. The crowns are cemented to abutment teeth on each side of the gap. This option does not replace the tooth roots. To learn more about the dental bridge process, see Dental Bridge.
Dentures
We offer partial dentures and full dentures. Partials can replace one missing tooth or several teeth. Complete dentures replace a whole arch of teeth. Patients often require teeth extractions before getting complete dentures and can also recieve implants to secure dentures. To learn more about the pros and cons dentures, see Partials and Dentures.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Read answers to common questions about tooth extraction treatment near Millennium Park and the Loop.
What signs of infection should I watch for after an extraction?
Signs of infection after a tooth extraction include:
- Severe, worsening pain after the third day
- Fever above 100°F
- Foul-smelling discharge from the extraction site
- Increased swelling after 48 hours
- Bad breath that doesn’t improve with gentle rinsing
Call our office immediately if you develop these symptoms. Early treatment prevents serious complications.
Can I drive myself home after a simple tooth extraction?
With local anesthesia only, yes, you can drive yourself home. You’ll be numb but fully alert and safe to drive. If you received sedation or general anesthesia, you absolutely need someone else to drive you. The numbness itself won’t impair your ability to drive.
How do I care for the extraction site to avoid dry socket?
Don’t smoke, drink through a straw, or rinse forcefully for at least 48 hours to avoid dry socket. Avoid dislodging the blood clot by eating soft foods and keeping your mouth clean. Gently rinse with warm saltwater starting the day after surgery. Follow Dr. Brand’s instructions closely for the best healing outcome.
When can I return to work or school after getting a tooth removed?
Most people can return the next day after a simple extraction. If you had a surgical or wisdom tooth extraction, you might need 2 to 3 days of rest. We will let you know how long to take off based on the procedure and how you’re feeling. Avoid strenuous activity until you’re fully comfortable.
Will I need antibiotics after a tooth extraction?
Not always. Antibiotics are only prescribed if there’s an active infection or a higher risk of complications, such as in patients with certain medical conditions. Dr. Brand will decide if they’re necessary based on your case. In most routine extractions, good hygiene and proper care are enough to prevent infection.
How do I clean the area after a wisdom tooth is removed?
Gently rinse with warm saltwater starting 24 hours after surgery to keep the area clean. Do not brush directly over the extraction site, but continue brushing the rest of your teeth. Use a soft-bristled brush and avoid mouthwashes that contain alcohol. If prescribed, use any special rinses exactly as instructed by Dr. Brand.
Schedule a Gentle Extraction Today
Are you experiencing tooth pain or need a tooth extracted? Call Premier Dentistry at Millennium Park at (708) 729-9498 or request an appointment online. We see dental emergencies on the same day and are here to help you find relief.
We proudly serve patients from the Loop, Millennium Park, River North, South Loop, West Loop, and all of downtown Chicago. Let us help you restore your comfort and confidence.