Emergency Tooth Extractions

Whether it is due to an accident or an uncared for tooth, you may find that your tooth is no longer functional. Once it gets to this point, it’s very likely that you will be feeling quite a bit of pain and—as you allow the tooth to deteriorate—the pain will increase. In addition, a damaged tooth can lead to problems with other teeth, your gums and your mouth overall. That is why you’ll want to visit your dentist is there has been any damage to your tooth, or if you feel any pain. It may be the case that a tooth is beyond repair, and is in need of an emergency extraction.

What is an Emergency Tooth Extraction?

Once a tooth undergoes a certain amount of damage, or if it is actively damaging other teeth around it, extraction may be the only option. An emergency tooth extraction is a procedure that involves a dentist removing a tooth that is beyond repair. Teeth are generally only extracted if they can not be saved, and if a dentist sees no other option.

Reasons for Extractions

There are a few different reasons why a patient may need a tooth extracted, and some of these may become emergency situations if they aren’t taken care of in a timely fashion. Some of the different reasons for a tooth extraction include:

Infection

Often times infections in a tooth or teeth can be repaired with various procedures. There is a point, though, that the infection has grown to the point where the tooth is damaged beyond repair. This sort of decay and infection can spread beyond the tooth, and can actually cause infection to spread throughout the body!

When this is the case, a dentist will remove the tooth to save the rest of the mouth and the body overall from infection.

Breakage

Accidents happen. A patient may trip, fall down, bump into something, bite down too hard on a tough piece of food or have a tooth damaged while playing a sport. If the damage is minimal, bonding may be an option to save and repair the tooth. At a certain point, though, the tooth may be broken beyond repair. If this is the case, then an extraction will be required.

Crowding

There are certain occasions where a tooth may come in incorrectly, and cause crowding of healthy teeth. The most common example of this happening is with wisdom teeth. If the wisdom teeth come in improperly, they need to be removed to avoid displacement of the healthy, surrounding teeth.

The Emergency Tooth Extraction Process

Tooth extractions are generally a simple and fast procedure. The area where the tooth is being removed will be numbed, and then the tooth will be extracted. Pay attention to the after-care information provided by your dentist. This will help to reduce pain, and avoid damage to the area.

If you find that a tooth is causing pain, crowding the surrounding teeth or has been damaged, make sure to schedule an appointment with your dentist today.