Tooth Extractions in Chicago
Safe & Painless Tooth Removal
Tooth extractions are sometimes the best and only way to get your oral health back on track. While many patients avoid having their tooth removed for fear of pain, extracting severely damaged or infected teeth can help alleviate painful symptoms while also preventing further issues down the line.
At Contos Smile Center, Dr. Peter Contos provides compassionate dental care to patients in Oak Park, West Town, Bucktown, and surrounding areas. Discover why our Chicago, IL dentist is the best choice for all your oral health needs.
When Is Tooth Extraction Necessary?
Tooth extractions are treatments Dr. Contos performs as a last resort to resolve several dental health issues that may be in your way of achieving a healthy smile. Our dentist may recommend extracting teeth that are:
- Overcrowded
- Impacted
- Infected
- Severely damaged or decayed
- Affected by periodontal (gum) disease
Regardless of the reason, your tooth removal procedure at Contos Smile Center will be performed with the utmost care and precision thanks to our state-of-the-art dental technology.
Types of Tooth Extraction
Simple Extraction
A simple tooth extraction is reserved for teeth above the gumline that are typically overcrowded, infected, or severely damaged. Simple extractions don’t require any incisions, and patients can recover in as few as 48 to 72 hours.
Surgical Extraction
Surgical tooth extractions are performed for teeth trapped beneath the gum line, also known as impacted teeth. This procedure requires more invasive methods than simple extractions and typically requires incisions and stitching. Patients may need 72 hours or more of recovery time, depending on the condition of their oral health.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Wisdom tooth extractions function similarly to surgical extractions and focus on removing the third set of molars, known as wisdom teeth. Since most patients don’t have room in their mouth for these teeth to grow properly, they become impacted and cause painful symptoms. Dr. Contos recommends patients in their late teens and early twenties ask their dentist about wisdom tooth removal to avoid serious complications.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
After tooth extraction, it’s essential to follow our Chicago dentist’s care instructions to ensure a successful procedure. Some postoperative tooth removal tips may include:
- Avoiding rinsing your mouth for 24 hours
- Avoiding vigorous exercise for 48 hours
- Refraining from using a straw for 72 hours
- Avoiding alcohol and tobacco products for 24 hours
- Applying ice on any swollen areas of your face for 15 to 20 minutes every hour or as directed
- Avoiding hot, spicy, crunchy, or tough foods for 24 hours
Frequently Asked Questions
▼Does tooth extraction hurt?
Not at all! Tooth extraction is a painless procedure that can help relieve painful symptoms of impacted and infected teeth. Your dentist will administer a local anesthetic beforehand to ensure you don’t feel anything during the process. Whether it’s a simple or surgical tooth removal, rest assured that it’ll be a painless, no-stress procedure.
▼How long does tooth extraction take?
The length of a tooth extraction procedure depends on several factors, such as how many teeth need removal and which method of extraction is most effective. Typically, simple tooth extraction takes between 20 and 40 minutes, while surgical tooth extraction can take at least 45 minutes. Ask your dentist for an estimated treatment timeline at your initial appointment.
▼How long does it take to heal after tooth extraction?
Recovery after a tooth extraction depends on your oral health and the details of your extraction procedure. After simple tooth removal, it’s best to rest for 48 to 72 hours, while surgical removals require at least 72 hours. You should be fully healed about two to three weeks after your procedure. Your dentist will provide care instructions after your procedure to ensure a successful recovery.
▼How much does tooth extraction cost?
The cost of tooth extraction depends on several factors, such as how many teeth were removed and the manner of extraction performed. Your dentist will provide a cost estimate of your extraction procedure at your initial consultation. It’s a good idea to contact your dental insurance provider to discover if your plan covers your treatment cost.
Relieve Tooth Pain & Get Your Oral Health Back on Track
Don’t let tooth pain stand in the way of your healthy smile. If your dentist determines a tooth extraction is necessary for your oral health, you can trust the dental professionals at Contos Smile Center to provide the gentle dental care you need.
Schedule your consultation by calling our Chicago, IL office today at (773) 973-0531. You can also book an appointment online or request more information by filling out our online contact form.
Our Vision
We are dedicated to providing the highest level of service and quality to our patient community by cultivating strong relationships, communicating thoughtful treatment solutions, and providing an enjoyable atmosphere, we can empower our patients to take ownership of their oral health.
We are committed to researching and offering state-of-the-art dental solutions in order to deliver the most advanced treatment options to our patients.
