Emergency Tooth Extraction
If you need an emergency tooth extraction, contact Radix Dentistry or walk-in today. Emergency help is available, as are same-day appointments with a doctor who can provide the standard of care you need.
When is tooth extraction an emergency?
Adult teeth are supposed to last for your entire life, but things don't always work out that way. If you have a tooth decayed and damaged beyond repair, you may need an emergency tooth extraction, especially if it's causing you significant pain. In some instances, teeth can be repaired with crowns or fillings, but an emergency tooth extraction might be the best course of action when that isn't an option.
What causes you to need emergency tooth extractions?
There are lots of things that can cause an emergency tooth extraction, including:
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Severe tooth decay, technically known as caries,
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An abscess on your gums or around your teeth
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Impacted wisdom teeth (when the wisdom tooth is unable to break the surface of your gums and gets stuck)
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Crowded teeth (when there are too many teeth to fit in your mouth or your teeth are too large to fit)
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A broken tooth that is impossible to repair
If one of your teeth increases your risk of infection, that tooth may need to be removed, not just because it's a danger itself but because it increases the risk for the teeth around it.
Which symptoms require an emergency tooth extraction?
Numerous symptoms could indicate that an emergency tooth extraction is needed. If you're suffering from any of the following, it may be time to seek out some help:
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Darkening or discoloration in your teeth
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Pain in your gums
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A bad taste in your mouth that you can't make go away
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Swelling, which makes it difficult for you to open your mouth
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White fluid or pus in your mouth
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Wriggling, loose, or unstable teeth
How does an emergency tooth extraction work?
While the procedure will vary depending on the location of the tooth and the severity of the damage, an emergency tooth extraction generally consists of the following steps:
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A local anesthetic will be injected into the area around your teeth.
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A local anesthetic will take a few minutes to numb your mouth.
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During the procedure, your dentist will widen the tooth socket.
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The dentist will rock your tooth from side to side until it is loose enough to pull out.
You may feel slight pressure during the procedure; however, the pain shouldn't be too discomforting. If the procedure hurts, you must tell your dentist immediately to avoid further damage.
What can you expect after the procedure?
After an emergency tooth extraction, your gums may bleed a little, you may experience some swelling, and you might feel a dull pain. Swelling or bleeding is normal. If these symptoms haven't decreased after 24 hours, it may be worth calling your dentist. However, the healing usually takes around one week, so there's no need to be unduly concerned. You can aid your recovery by avoiding hard foods and applying an ice pack to the outside of your mouth.
Ultimately, a dentist is the only person qualified to say whether you need an extraction, so contact Radix Dentistry immediately if you need an emergency tooth extraction.
Medically Review By: Dr. Ebad Habeeb
Radix Dentistry 2024