Our teeth play essential roles in chewing and digesting food, forming sounds, and speaking clearly. That’s why your dentist makes every effort to preserve them and ensure they stay healthy and problem-free. However, removing a tooth is sometimes the best option for protecting oral health and wellness. Your dentist might recommend a tooth extraction due to severe decay, gum disease, trauma, or wisdom tooth impaction.
Dr. Michael Unti and our team at Palatine Complete Dental offer gentle, pain-free tooth extractions in Palatine, IL.
Before Your Tooth Extraction
Here’s a list of to-dos before your procedure:
- Give your dentist a list of medications, supplements, and vitamins you take.
- Brush up on your options for reducing pain during and after the procedure.
- Stock up on soft, nutritious foods and liquids for after the procedure.
- Arrange to have someone take you to and from your procedure if you’re being sedated.
The Day of Your Dental Extraction
Your comfort and safety are priorities. Before we do anything, we numb the affected tooth area to ensure you don’t experience pain or discomfort. We then gently remove the tooth, seal the gums, and place gauze to help clot the bleeding. Your dentist will also prescribe or recommend medications like antibiotics or pain relievers.
Tooth Extraction Recovery
Our team is here to assist you through the recovery process, so you heal quickly and completely. Slight swelling and bleeding are expected, but if it’s severe or persistent, please let us know immediately.
Here’s what to expect:
- Limit physical activity.
- Get plenty of rest, and be sure to elevate your head.
- Only eat soft or liquidated foods.
- Avoid smoking, using a straw, or doing anything that requires slurping, spitting, or sucking.
- Avoid drinking alcohol and hot liquids.
- Use an ice pack to reduce facial swelling.
- Don’t brush or floss near the extraction site.
- Use lukewarm salt water to keep your mouth clean.
When to Call Your Dentist after an Extraction
If you experience any of the following, please call us immediately:
- Severe pain, swelling, or bleeding
- Pain that continues to worsen
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
Contact Our Palatine Dental Office Today!
At Palatine Complete Dental, we want you to have the best opportunity for a healthy, comfortable smile. Routine exams and cleanings help prevent issues––like tooth decay, gum disease, and infections––that might lead to eventual extraction if left untreated.
We are here to help you before, during, and after your tooth extraction in Palatine. Please call us for more information about our gentle tooth extractions or to schedule an examination with our dental team.