Tooth Extractions in Chicago, IL
At Wentworth Dental Clinic PC, preserving your oral health is our priority. When a tooth is severely damaged or decayed, an extraction may be necessary. Led by Dr. Helen Chan, D.M.D., M.Sc., we ensure a gentle, comfortable experience.
Comprehensive Care Across Chicago
Located in Chinatown and serving The Loop, River North, Lincoln Park, West Loop, and Wicker Park/Bucktown, we provide compassionate, tailored care to protect your smile.
Why Might You Need a Tooth Extraction?
There are several reasons why tooth extractions might be recommended as part of your dental care:
1. Severe Tooth Decay or Infection
When a tooth is extensively decayed or infected, and other treatments such as a root canal are not viable, extraction may be the best option to protect the surrounding teeth and gums.
2. Damaged or Broken Teeth
Teeth that are broken beyond repair due to trauma, cracks, or fractures may need to be removed, especially if they cannot be restored with fillings, crowns, or other restorative options.
3. Overcrowding
For patients with overcrowded teeth, especially when planning for orthodontic treatment like braces or clear aligners, tooth extraction may be needed to create space for proper alignment.
4. Periodontal (Gum) Disease
Advanced gum disease can cause teeth to become loose and compromise their health. In these cases, extraction might be necessary to prevent further complications.
5. Impacted Teeth
Impacted teeth, such as wisdom teeth, that don’t fully emerge or grow incorrectly can cause pain, infection, or alignment problems. Extracting these teeth can alleviate discomfort and protect surrounding teeth.
What to Expect During a Tooth Extraction
At Wentworth Dental Clinic PC, we aim to make every dental procedure as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Here’s what you can expect during a tooth extraction:
1. Initial Examination
Dr. Chan will begin with a thorough examination, which may include digital X-rays to assess the tooth’s condition and surrounding structures. We will discuss all options with you and determine if extraction is the best course of action.
2. Numbing and Sedation
To ensure your comfort during the extraction, a local anesthetic will be administered to numb the area around the tooth. For patients who experience dental anxiety, we also offer sedation options to help you relax during the procedure.
3. Extraction Procedure
Once the area is fully numb, Dr. Chan will carefully remove the tooth. Depending on the complexity of the case (e.g., if the tooth is impacted), the extraction may be surgical, involving small incisions in the gum to access the tooth. Simple extractions are quicker and involve loosening the tooth before removal.
4. Post-Extraction Care
After the extraction, we will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery. This may include managing any discomfort with prescribed medications, using ice packs to reduce swelling, and tips on diet and oral hygiene during the healing process.
What to Do After a Tooth Extraction
Proper care following a tooth extraction is essential to promote healing and avoid complications. Here are a few key tips:
- Keep the area clean: Gently rinse your mouth with saltwater, starting 24 hours after the extraction, to help keep the area clean.
- Avoid disturbing the extraction site: Don’t chew on the side where the tooth was removed, and avoid using straws, as sucking can dislodge the blood clot and lead to dry socket.
- Eat soft foods: Stick to soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, and smoothies during the first few days to avoid irritating the extraction site.
- Follow up: Dr. Chan will schedule a follow-up appointment to check the healing process and discuss options for tooth replacement, if needed.
Options for Replacing a Missing Tooth
Once a tooth is extracted, it’s important to consider replacing it to avoid shifting teeth, changes in bite alignment, and bone loss in the jaw. At Wentworth Dental Clinic PC, we offer several tooth replacement options, including:
- Dental Implants: A permanent, natural-looking solution for missing teeth that helps maintain jawbone health.
- Dental Bridges: An effective way to replace one or more missing teeth by anchoring to adjacent healthy teeth.
- Full & Partial Dentures: Removable prosthetic options for replacing multiple missing teeth and restoring functionality.
Learn more about these options on our Restorative Dentistry page.
Why Choose Wentworth Dental Clinic PC for Your Tooth Extraction?
At Wentworth Dental Clinic PC, we combine advanced technology with compassionate care to ensure a comfortable and positive experience for every patient. Here’s why patients from Chinatown, The Loop, River North, Lincoln Park, West Loop, and Wicker Park/Bucktown choose us:
- Experienced Care: Dr. Helen Chan has extensive experience in performing both simple and surgical tooth extractions, ensuring you receive the highest quality care.
- Comfort and Safety: We prioritize your comfort and safety by offering sedation options and state-of-the-art tools, including laser dentistry and 3D imaging.
- Comprehensive Treatment: From diagnosis to follow-up care and tooth replacement options, we provide a full range of services to restore your oral health.
Ready to Book an Appointment?
If you think you may need a tooth extraction or want to explore your options, Wentworth Dental Clinic PC is here to help. Call us at (312) 225-5500 or visit our Contact Page to schedule your consultation today.