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Morrison Office

521 W. Wall Street
Morrison, IL 61270
M-Th 7:00 to 3:00

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Davenport Office

2305 Jersey Ridge Rd
Davenport, IA 52803
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Camanche Office

814 7th Avenue
Camanche, IA 52730
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Erie Office

1101 Albany Street
Erie, IL 61250
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Dentist in Camanche, Erie, Davenport, Morrison
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Tooth Extractions Camanche

5 Reasons You May Need a Tooth Extraction at Cornerstone Family Dentistry  

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At Cornerstone Family Dentistry, keeping your smile healthy is our priority. Our experienced team, including Dr. Mindy Hochgesang (Dr. Mindy), Dr. Craig Peterson, Dr. Jacquelyn Murphy (Dr. Jackie), Dr. Miranda Foster, Dr. John Naert, and Dr. Teja Gummadi (Dr. Teja), is dedicated to providing comprehensive dental care tailored to your needs. Sometimes, maintaining excellent oral health requires more than routine cleanings and fillings—like tooth extractions.

While the idea of tooth extraction may feel intimidating, it’s often a crucial step in preserving your overall oral health. At Cornerstone Family Dentistry, we aim to make this process as seamless and comfortable as possible, ensuring long-term benefits for your smile.  

Why is a tooth extraction necessary? Below, we’ve outlined five common reasons that may require tooth extractions and how our team approaches this procedure with your and your family’s comfort in mind.  

What Is a Tooth Extraction and Why Is It Important?  

A tooth extraction is the process of removing a tooth from its socket in the jawbone. Though it might sound daunting, extractions are a standard dental procedure that can prevent complications and pain when a tooth is damaged or poses risks to your oral health.  

Extractions are often necessary due to reasons like severe decay, crowding, or trauma. The procedure not only alleviates discomfort but also helps maintain the structural integrity of your mouth and prevents issues in adjacent teeth.  

At Cornerstone Family Dentistry, we prioritize patient education and comfort. Our compassionate approach ensures that every step, from the consultation to aftercare, is tailored to your needs.  

5 Reasons You May Need a Tooth Extraction  

Here are five common scenarios where a tooth extraction might be recommended to protect your oral health.  

1. Severe Tooth Decay  

When cavities go untreated, decay can spread deep into the tooth, reaching the pulp and even the surrounding bone. While root canal therapy can often save a damaged tooth, extraction might be necessary if the tooth is too weak to support a restoration.  

Severe decay left untreated can lead to infections, abscesses, and increasing pain. By removing the compromised tooth, we can prevent further damage and ensure your oral health stays on track.  

2. Overcrowding  

Some patients may require extractions before getting braces or other orthodontic treatments to make space for proper alignment. Overcrowded teeth can cause misalignment, making it difficult to brush and floss effectively, leading to potential decay or gum disease.  

During consultations, our dentists carefully evaluate your bite to determine whether removing a tooth will create a straighter and healthier smile.  

3. Impacted Wisdom Teeth  

Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last set of teeth to emerge, usually during late teens or early adulthood. For many people, wisdom teeth don’t have enough room to grow properly, causing them to become impacted (trapped below the gumline).  

Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to pain, swelling, infections, or misalignment of nearby teeth. Removing these teeth is often the best solution to preserve your oral health and comfort.  

4. Advanced Gum Disease  

Periodontal disease (gum disease) affects the tissues and bones that support your teeth. When not managed early, it can lead to tooth instability and even tooth loss.  

If a tooth becomes severely loose due to advanced gum disease, extraction is sometimes necessary to avoid further complications and preserve the integrity of the surrounding teeth and gums.  

5. Fractured or Damaged Teeth  

Teeth can break or fracture due to accidents, biting down on something hard, or other trauma. While we can repair some fractures with crowns or other treatments, severe damage may make the tooth unsalvageable.  

In these cases, an extraction prevents prolonged discomfort and allows us to explore replacement options, such as dental implants or bridges, to restore your smile.  

Cornerstone Family Dentistry’s Approach to Tooth Extractions  

At Cornerstone Family Dentistry, your comfort and trust are our top priorities. Whether it’s a routine extraction or a more complex case, here’s how we ensure a positive experience for every patient.  

  • Thorough Consultations: Our process begins with an in-depth consultation, during which we assess your oral health and discuss your treatment options. We’ll explain why an extraction is necessary and outline what to expect so you feel informed and confident moving forward.  
  • Minimizing Pain and Anxiety: We know dental visits can sometimes bring anxiety. Our team takes every measure to ensure your comfort, providing gentle care and offering sedation options when needed to make the procedure as stress-free as possible.  
  • Focus on Long-Term Health: Extracting a tooth isn’t just about solving the problem at hand—it’s about setting you up for long-term oral health. After the extraction, we’ll discuss follow-up care and potential tooth replacement options to maintain the look and function of your smile.  

Regular Check-Ups Can Reduce the Need for Extractions  

While tooth extractions are sometimes unavoidable, regular dental check-ups and early intervention can significantly reduce the likelihood of needing one.  

Our dentists at Cornerstone Family Dentistry are here to help you and your family maintain healthy smiles, from preventive care to advanced treatments. Don’t wait for discomfort to escalate—schedule a routine visit to catch minor issues before they turn into big problems.  

Schedule Your Consultation for Tooth Extractions

If you or a family member might need a tooth extraction or would like to stay ahead in your oral health, Cornerstone Family Dentistry is here to guide you every step of the way. Visit our welcoming offices where trust, compassion, and comprehensive care are at the heart of everything we do. 

Morrison Office

Davenport Office

Camanche Office

Morrison Office

Davenport Office

Camanche Office

Stephanie P.

Registered Dental Hygienist

I grew up in Davenport and graduated from Davenport West High School in 1996. I attended Kirkwood Community College and earned a degree in Dental Hygiene. I’m passionate about dentistry and helping my patients achieve and maintain their best oral health. 

Outside of the office, I enjoy spending time with my husband, our two adult children, and our dogs, Dutch and Dice. We love traveling across the country in our camper, exploring new places and visiting national parks. 

My favorite Cornerstone core value is Family First. I appreciate the way the practice encourages a healthy balance between caring for patients and cherishing time with loved ones. 

 

Alyssa J.

Marketing, BA in Fashion Merchandising

I grew up in a small, rural community in west central Illinois in a little town called Roseville. 
 
I graduated from Roseville High School in 1997. I participated in band, choir, the speech team, and volleyball. My main activity was cheerleading! 
After highschool I went to Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL and obtained a degree in fashion merchandising with a minor in management. 
 
I started working for Dr. Mindy and her family to help her with tasks at home and jumped on an opportunity to also work on some marketing opportunities for Cornerstone.
 
I’ve been married to my husband, Brian, since 2003. We have 5 kids born between 2007 and 2019It’s fun to see the kids in all different seasons and stages of childhood and we’re never, ever bored!

My favorite core value is Family First. I can attest first-hand to their Family First core value. We’ve dealth with family medical issues along with long hospital stays and unanswered issues. Cornerstone has been super supportive and understanding when I need to be away to help advocate.

Heather J.

Area Director, PhD in Health and Human Physiology

I grew up in Erie, IL and attended Erie High School.  I was involved in a variety of academic groups, sports and cheerleading. My love of sport and physical activity translated to my chosen area of study in college.  In addition, immediately following high school I became a personal trainer, group fitness instructor and eventually a Strength and Conditioning Specialist for a variety of recreational, collegiate and Olympic athlete populations. Fitness and training continues to be a big part of my own life, and I still do some consulting work in the fitness/wellness field today!

I attended Illinois State University for my B.S. and M.S. degrees, earning my Masters in Kinesiology/Exercise Physiology.  Following my Master’s degree I did a post-graduate fellowship in a biomechanics lab in Vail, CO and worked for an orthopedic surgeon in Breckenridge, CO.  After moving back to the midwest, I attended the University of Iowa, earning a PhD in Health and Human Physiology (2010) with a research focus on physical activity and bone health. I have spent the last 25 years in education and research, with the majority of my career spent as a professor of exercise science.

I learned about Cornerstone from a friend who felt my background and skills would be a good fit for a new administrative role Cornerstone had developed.  After learning about the values, positive business model and the caring nature of the owners and team, I knew I wanted to be part of the Cornerstone team, joining in 2025. Because of my educational background and passion for helping others achieve positive health and wellness outcomes, taking on a role in a clinical health field has been a natural transition.  While I have a great deal to learn about dentistry specifically, it has been an interesting and fun challenge!

 I live in Illinois with my husband, Brandon, and son, Colton (2016). We enjoy family movie nights, the outdoors, sports/hiking and an occasional Whitey’s ice cream run.  We also love sharing a meal or sitting around a bonfire with friends and family.   

My favorite Cornerstone Core Value is the Golden Rule because it is aligned with my Christian faith and Jesus’ second greatest command – to love your neighbor as yourself!

Dr. Foster

I grew up just outside of Rochelle, IL. I graduated from Rochelle Township High School in 2006. While in highschool I ran cross country and track, sang in choir and vocal jazz and worked. After highschool I completed my Bachelor’s and Masters degrees at Northern Illinois University. I graduated with my doctorate in 2017. 

I wanted to be a dentist from a fairly young age, despite not really knowing any dentists. 

I have one son, Elijah, born in 2009.

My favorite Cornerstone core value is Family First. I like this core value best because it reflects how I was raised and how I have always felt. I think some companies prefer to be the top priority, but that wouldn’t be realistic in my world.

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Michelle R.

Business Assistant Float, BA in Public Relations

I grew up in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago and in Dubuque, Iowa. I attended high school in Dubuque and stayed in town to attend college. I graduated from Loras College in 2011 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Public Relations and a Minor in Psychology. After graduating, I moved to the Quad Cities Area, where I’ve been living since.

My interest in dentistry began in childhood. I always looked forward to visiting the dentist, and sometimes even reminded my Mom it was time to schedule our next appointments. Joining the Cornerstone team in March 2019, with no prior clinical background, I quickly discovered I have a strong interest and enthusiasm for all things Dentistry.  Each day at Cornerstone brings a new opportunity to learn something new and make a positive difference in someone’s life.

My husband, Steve, and I have been married since 2018 and share two sons named Isaac, born in 2017, and Levi, born in 2023. We also have a Yellow Labrador Retriever named Tank.

All of Cornerstone’s Core Value aligns with my ethics and beliefs, but if I had to pick a favorite, it would be Family First. I’ve never been part of a team that shows such genuine support for both myself and my family. This type of unmatched commitment makes a world of difference for me in maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Jordan B.

Registered Dental Hygienist

I was born and raised in Davenport, IA, and come from a family of four. While I don’t have kids of my own yet, my two energetic Boston Terriers keep life very entertaining and busy! Growing up I played basketball and softball and I still enjoy staying active through running, weightlifting, hiking, and playing pickleball.

My interest in dentistry began when I got braces as a kid—I loved seeing the transformation in my smile and the confidence it gave me. That experience stuck with me and inspired me to help others feel the same way. As a hygienist, my goal is to make every patient feel comfortable, heard, and cared for. I strive to create a positive experience where patients not only feel confident in their smile, but also supported in their overall oral health journey.

After earning my Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene in 2025, I joined the Cornerstone team because of their welcoming atmosphere and shared commitment to patient care. My favorite Cornerstone core value is Willing to “Wash the Dishes” because it represents true teamwork – one where no task is beneath anyone and everyone is ready to step in, help out, and support each other no matter what. It creates a very motivating, uplifting, and inspiring team that I am proud to be part of. 

Donna S.

Registered Dental Assistant

I grew up in Rock Falls. I graduated from Rock FaIls High School in 2002. I was on the dance team all four years.
 
I’ve always been fascinated with teeth/smiles and wanted to make a difference in someone’s life. Having that kind of confidence is huge.
 
I used to work with Dr. Monica. She let me know Cornerstone was hiring. I had heard what a great office Cornerstone was to work for so I decided to apply and the rest is history! 
I’ve been married to my husband, Shae, since 2007. We have two boys  (2003 and 2009), and our boxer, Lexi Lou. We love being outdoors, watching football, spending quality time with friends and traveling, 

Family First is my favorite core value. Being able to put your family first is amazing and knowing that I’m able to put them as a priority and be able to partake in school functions or important life opportunities means so much to me!

Megan D.

Registered Dental Hygienist

I grew up on Fenton, IL  and graduated from Erie High School in 2004.  While in high school I was a cheerleader all four years for football and basketball and was part of the competition cheer squad. I also enjoyed being in choir all four years. 
 
After high school I attended Carl Sandburg College in Galesburg IL and graduated in 2006. I knew as a little girl that I wanted to work in a dentist office. I enjoyed going to the dentist and was drawn to a person’s smile.  
 
I was fortunate to join the Cornerstone team when they bought the Erie office Dec. 2024.
 
I married my best friend and high school sweetheart in 2007. We have four children, Sydney born in 2010, Derek 2012, Josh 2013 and Lyla 2015. 
 
The Golden Rule is my favorite Cornerstone core value because it is what Jesus instructed in Matthew 7:12 “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you…”

Ethan R.

Hygientist, RDH

I grew up in Fulton, IL and graduated from Fulton High School in 2021. While in high school I participated in football, wrestling, and track. After graduation I attended Carl Sandburg college and graduated as a Registered Dental Hygienist in 2025. 

I got interested in dentistry because I had a great dentist growing up who was also my neighbor. 
 
I found out about Cornerstone through a coworker. I reached out and got called in for an interview. I really enjoyed meeting everyone and am grateful to have the opportunity to be on the team.  

My dad is a retired electrician, my mom is a nurse, and my brother is pursuing a career is Cyber Security. We love to do everything together, whether that be watching football, going on jeep rides, or visiting places. 

Family first has to be my favorite Cornerstone core value because in my opinion nothing is more important than family.
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Tara R.

Business Assistant

I grew up in East Moline, IL and attended United Township High School and graduated in 2001. 

I had a job opportunity as a dental assistant and wanted to give it a try. After working 10 years as an assistant, I moved up to the front office. In December 2024 Cornerstone bought the office I was currently working for. 

My husband and I were married in 2008. We have a daughter (2003) and son (2011). Our daughter got married fall of 2024. We have a pit bull, Wrigley, that is a big part of our family (since 2018). We enjoy hiking, going on family vacations, and love watching the Chicago Bears play!

Family first is my favorite Cornerstone core value. I feel like it allows me to come to work and perform at my best.

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Leea T.

Treatment Coordinator

I grew up in the Davenport/Bettendorf area. I’ve always loved the sense of community here. It’s been so nice to come full circle and be back in the place that feels most like home.

I graduated from Pleasant Valley High School in 2020. I’m a Covid senior! I definitely learned how to roll with the punches during such a unique senior year experience.
 
After graduation, I went to Scott Community College with the intention of becoming an English professor. Writing has been a consistent passion of mine! But after a few semesters, I felt the urge for adventure and decided to move to Austin, Texas on a whim! It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. 
 
While in Austin, I started working in Oral Surgery. Over time, I realized I wanted a better work/life balance while still being in a profession that helps people feel confident and cared for. When I moved back to the Quad Cities, I was lucky enough to find Cornerstone, where work/life balance is truly valued!
 
When I returned to Iowa, I quickly discovered how tough the job market could be! I spent plenty of time scrolling Indeed, hoping to find something that felt like “the one.” Once I met our COO, Alina, I knew Cornerstone could be that perfect fit. Since joining the team February 2025, I’ve been given the freedom to use my creativity and grow within my role. I love that this position continues to evolve as I do!
 
My husband and I are coming up on two years of marriage, but we just had our official wedding celebration in September of 2025! We had the best time celebrating with our families. We don’t have pets or kids yet, but we both hope for a big family someday. I get to visit my parents often, and my little sister whenever she comes home from college. Family is such a huge part of my life, and being close to them again means so much to me!
 
It’s hard to choose a favorite Cornerstone core value, because each one spoke to me from the start. If I had to pick, I’d say The Golden Rule resonates most. No matter our differences, the Cornerstone team shows up every day with compassion and understanding. It’s comforting to know I’m surrounded by people who treat both their teammates and patients with genuine kindness and respect.