Most of us want to keep our natural teeth for life. But sometimes, removing a tooth is the best thing for your overall oral health. At Ifantis Dental Care in Morton Grove, IL, we always try to save your teeth first. However, in certain situations, a tooth extraction is necessary to stop pain, prevent infection, or protect your other teeth.
In this article, we’ll explain when tooth extraction is needed, what signs to look for, and how we help our patients stay comfortable throughout the process.
What Is a Tooth Extraction?
A tooth extraction is when a dentist removes a tooth from its socket in the jawbone. This may sound scary, but it’s a common dental procedure and is usually quick and safe.
There are two main types of extractions:
- Simple extraction – for visible teeth that are easy to remove.
- Surgical extraction – for teeth that are broken, under the gum line, or impacted (like wisdom teeth).
When Is Tooth Extraction Necessary?
Let’s go over the main reasons why a dentist might recommend removing a tooth:
1. Severe Tooth Decay: When a cavity gets too deep, the damage can reach the pulp (the inside of the tooth with nerves and blood vessels). If left untreated, it can lead to infection and serious pain.
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If a root canal can’t save the tooth, extraction may be the only option.
2. Gum Disease (Periodontitis): Gum disease can weaken the bones and tissues that hold your teeth in place.
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If a tooth becomes loose, and gum treatments don’t help, removing it may prevent more damage to nearby teeth.
3. Impacted Wisdom Teeth: Wisdom teeth are the last to come in—usually in your late teens or early twenties.
- Sometimes, they don’t grow in properly and get stuck (impacted) under the gums or press against other teeth.
- Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, swelling, and infection, so they often need to be removed.
4. Overcrowded Teeth: Some people have too many teeth in their mouth or not enough space for them all to grow in straight.
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In these cases, a dentist or orthodontist might suggest pulling a tooth to make space for braces or aligners.
5. Broken or Cracked Teeth: Teeth can break from accidents, grinding, or biting something hard.
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If the break goes down to the root, the tooth might be too damaged to fix—and an extraction may be needed.
6. Infection or Abscess: An abscess is a painful pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection.
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If antibiotics and root canal therapy don’t work, the best way to stop the infection from spreading is to remove the tooth.
7. Baby Teeth That Won’t Fall Out: Sometimes, baby teeth don’t fall out on their own, even when permanent teeth are trying to come in.
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Dentists may recommend extracting these stubborn teeth to help the adult teeth grow in properly.
Key Signs You Might Need a Tooth Extraction
If you have any of the following symptoms, you should see a dentist right away:
- Constant or severe tooth pain
- Swollen gums around one tooth
- Pus or bad taste in your mouth
- Loose teeth
- Jaw pain or swelling
- Difficulty opening your mouth (especially with wisdom teeth)
- Crowded teeth or changes in your bite
These signs don’t always mean a tooth must be pulled—but they do mean you should get checked by your dentist.
What Happens During a Tooth Extraction?
At Ifantis Dental Care in Morton Grove, we make sure every patient feels safe and calm.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Exam and X-ray – We’ll look at your tooth and take images to understand what’s going on.
- Numbing the area – You won’t feel pain during the procedure because we use a local anesthetic.
- Tooth removal – The dentist gently removes the tooth. If it’s a surgical case, we may make a small cut in your gum.
- Aftercare instructions – We’ll tell you how to take care of your mouth as it heals.
How to Take Care of Your Mouth After an Extraction
Good aftercare helps you heal faster. Here are some simple tips:
- Rest and take it easy for 24–48 hours.
- Bite on a gauze pad to stop bleeding.
- Avoid smoking, drinking through straws, or spitting for a few days.
- Eat soft foods like yogurt, soup, and mashed potatoes.
- Rinse gently with warm salt water after the first day.
- Take any medications as prescribed.
Call us if you feel extreme pain, have a fever, or notice unusual swelling.
Final Thoughts
Tooth extractions aren’t fun—but they can protect your health, stop pain, and make room for a better smile. If you’re feeling tooth pain or noticing any signs we mentioned, don’t wait.
At Ifantis Dental Care in Morton Grove, IL, we offer caring, professional dental services to help you feel better quickly. Whether it’s a simple removal or a more complex case, we’re here to help every step of the way.