No one likes to think about dental emergencies, but they can and do happen. Whether you’re enjoying a delicious meal, playing your favorite sport, or just going about your daily life, a sudden dental problem can strike when you least expect it. When you’re in excruciating pain or dealing with a seriously damaged tooth, knowing your options and acting quickly can prevent further damage and get relief.
In some cases, an emergency dental extraction might be the best course of action. Now, you’re probably thinking that is not something you want to go through! But sometimes, removing a problematic tooth is the fastest and most effective way to relieve the pain and recover as quickly as possible. Plus, with modern dental techniques and anesthesia, the process is often much more comfortable and straightforward than you might imagine.
Is It REALLY an Emergency?
First things first, let’s define what we mean by a dental emergency. Some common situations that require immediate trips to the family dentist include:
- Intense toothache that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter pain relief medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen
- Broken, chipped, or fractured teeth
- Knocked-out teeth
- Abscesses or infections
- Excessive bleeding or swelling in the mouth
Any of these issues constitutes an emergency, and you should be on the phone with a dentist ASAP to prevent further damage and relieve the pain. Don’t sit around trying to be a hero.
When is Extraction the Best Option?
Sometimes, pulling the offending tooth in question IS the best answer. Know that your dentist is always going to do their best to save your natural tooth when possible. But, sometimes, an extraction is just the most effective answer. The following scenarios could indicate pulling out a tooth is necessary.
Severe Decay or Damage
If a tooth is badly decayed or damaged beyond repair, extraction might be the only option. This can happen when decay reaches the tooth’s pulp (the inner layer containing nerves and blood vessels) or when a tooth is fractured or broken in a way that can’t be fixed with a filling or crown.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, often cause problems when they try to emerge. If there’s not enough room in your jaw for these teeth, they can become impacted, meaning they get stuck under the gum or only partially erupt. Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to pain, infection, and damage to neighboring teeth. In many cases, extracting these troublemakers is the best solution.
Advanced Gum Disease
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a serious infection that affects the gums and bone supporting your teeth. If left untreated, advanced gum disease can cause teeth to loosen and eventually fall out. In severe cases, extraction may be necessary to prevent the spread of infection and promote healing.
Orthodontic Treatment
Sometimes, teeth need to be removed to create space for proper alignment during orthodontic treatment. If your mouth is overcrowded or certain teeth are preventing others from moving into their correct positions, extraction could be part of your orthodontic plan.
The bottom line is, if you have intense, persistent pain, swelling in your face or neck, difficulty breathing or swallowing, uncontrollable bleeding, or trauma to the face or jaw, see a dentist ASAP. Other issues like a knocked-out tooth, cracked or fractured tooth, lost filling or crown, or mild to moderate pain should be addressed promptly by contacting your dentist for guidance on managing symptoms and scheduling an appointment for evaluation and treatment.
