A Closer Look at Extractions
Often, maintaining good dental health involves the removal of a tooth. Misalignment, gum disease, tooth decay, and trauma issues all may require the extraction of a tooth. In addition, a dentist may choose to extract a tooth prior to orthodontic therapy to make room for the movement of the remaining teeth.
The most common reason for a dental extraction is simple tooth decay. When a patient develops a cavity, bacteria cause the decay to spread. Once the bacteria reach the pulp, the tooth may become infected. The pulp acts as the nerve center of the tooth, supervising the flow of blood and nutrients to and from the tooth. Once the pulp becomes infected, the tooth may die. In addition, the infection may spread to the surrounding the teeth, threatening the stability of your smile.
Symptoms of Dental Infection
How do you know if you are experiencing a dental infection? Common symptoms of an abscessed tooth include:
- Toothaches
- Tooth sensitivity to hot or cold temperature
- Swelling around the tooth
- Foul tasting discharge
- Bad breath
- Difficulty biting down or chewing
If you experience any of these symptoms, talk to your Park Ridge dentists right away. Dr. Maria or Thanasi Loukas may perform an endodontic procedure known as root canal therapy. The infected tissue will be removed and the tooth capped with a crown, often preventing the need for extraction.
Preventive Dental Services in Park Ridge
To help our patients enjoy an optimal level of oral health, free of disease and discomfort, the team at Loukas Dentistry of Park Ridge offers the following preventive services:
- Checkups & Cleanings
- At-Home Dental Care
- TMJ & Bruxism Treatment
- Gum Disease Treatment
Extracting a Tooth
Unfortunately, in some cases, root canal therapy may be unable to save your tooth. When this occurs, you may need to undergo minor oral surgery to safely extract the tooth. The comfort and wellbeing of our patients is paramount. As a result, your Park Ridge dentists follow strict safety protocols.
Restoring Your Smile
Just because your tooth has been extracted, doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a whole smile again. At Loukas Dentistry of Park Ridge, we provide an array of innovative procedures for replacing missing teeth, including: