In 2018, there were 2 million dental-related emergency department visits in the United States.
Your teeth have a significant role in your life. They help you chew, speak, and are the first wall of defense for your general health and wellbeing.
And while we wish our teeth were indispensable, they’re not. Severe tooth decay, gum disease, trauma, or tooth overcrowding are common oral health problems that may require an emergency tooth extraction.
Think you need an emergency tooth extraction?
Learn everything you need to know about emergency dentistry and where you can find the best dentist for the job.
What Is an Emergency Tooth Extraction?
As the name suggests, an emergency tooth extraction is an immediate need for a tooth removal. This must be done within a 24 to 48-hour period. Most emergency tooth extractions involve pulling out the affected tooth causing oral health issues.
There are many times a patient needs a tooth out. In most cases, patients can simply schedule an appointment as soon as the dentist is available.
However, there are other times a patient cannot wait for the next available time slot. This is when an emergency extraction is required.
Signs You Might Need Emergency Dentistry
There are many reasons a patient requires an emergency dentist, from an accident to a severe oral health issue. It’s essential to understand the signs that you may need an emergency tooth extraction. The sooner you address major dental issues, the better.
Pus Formation
Bacterial infection results in pus formation in the gum, at the end of the tooth root, or in the bone that holds the teeth in place. A build-up of pus typically points to a dental abscess. For some, a dental abscess is excruciating and requires emergency dentistry.
Even if you do not feel any pain, a dental abscess infection will not go away on its own. It will move to other parts of your body through the bloodstream. Left untreated, you may develop sepsis, a life-threatening condition that can lead to organ failure and death.
Swelling
Swelling on either side of the face is a common symptom of a tooth infection and requires a professional diagnosis. If the infection isn’t treated, more severe infections may spread to your face and cause it to swell further.
Aside from the physical signs, you can also experience a throbbing toothache, sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, and swollen lymph nodes under your jaw or neck.
Loose Tooth
In children, a loose tooth is natural. However, if you get a loose adult tooth, it is a sign that something is going on.
Anyone who notices that one of their teeth is loose should immediately contact their emergency dentist. The longer you wait, the more likely the tooth will fall out.
Remember, a loose tooth should not be taken lightly. Maximize your chances of saving your tooth and seek dental treatment immediately.
Bleeding Gums
If you notice your gums are bleeding, it can signify gingivitis or oral trauma. Either way, it’s important to consult an emergency dentist for treatment. Gum disease, also called periodontitis, begins with bacterial growth in your mouth, leading to sore, bleeding gums, and even tooth loss.
Left untreated, gum disease can also destroy the bone that supports your teeth.
Dental Trauma
Dental traumas are categorized as accidents that have badly damaged the health of teeth. They can cause teeth to become cracked, chipped, loose, or knocked out entirely.
The most common cause of dental injuries is falling. However, car accidents and sporting incidences are not uncommon.
Intense Tooth Pain
A toothache can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication while waiting for an appointment. However, intense tooth pain should not be put off, especially if it increases severity. This may be the result of gum disease or an abscessed tooth.
At this point, emergency tooth extraction is your best option.
What to Expect During a Tooth Extraction
An emergency tooth extraction sounds scary, but it’s a simple and painless procedure when done right. Most extractions follow the same three-stage procedure, as you can see below.
1. Initial Consultation
For an emergency tooth extraction, an initial consultation will typically occur on the same day of the procedure. During the consultation, your dentist will discuss your medical history and any medications you are currently taking. They will also take X-rays to evaluate your oral health.
2. Extraction Procedure
Tooth extraction is a relatively quick and easy process. First, your dentist will give you a local anesthetic to numb your mouth. This will ensure you do not feel any pain or discomfort during the procedure.
Depending on the severity of the dental trauma, you may also receive a general anesthetic to make you fall asleep during the procedure.
Once you’re anesthetized, the extraction begins. Your dentist will use tools to loosen the tooth, extract it, and place a few dissolvable stitches over the extraction site. If the tooth is concealed beneath the gum, your dentist may need to cut away some of your gum.
3. Aftercare
The local anesthetic will only last for a few hours following the extraction. However, general anesthesia will take a little longer to wear off completely – up to 24 to 48 hours.
Aftercare may differ based on the type of extraction and location of the tooth. But you can expect most extractions to heal within 7 to 10 days. Take over-the-counter painkillers as prescribed and limit your activity for the next couple of days.
It’s also important not to rinse, spit, or use a straw 24 hours after the procedure to avoid dislodging the blood clot. Your dentist will advise you on additional aftercare instructions based on your situation.
Do You Need an Emergency Tooth Extraction?
If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms, you might need an emergency tooth extraction. It can be scary when you require immediate dental assistance, especially if you don’t have dental insurance or can’t find an emergency dentist.
Fortunately, The Dental Lounge in South Florida is here for you!
We are your one-stop shop for all of your dental needs. Our same services and availability will ensure you receive the emergency care you deserve.
We have great no-credit-check financing options, same-day new patient consultation with the dentist, and same-day cleaning with the hygienist. Our services also include implant dentistry and cosmetic dentistry.
If you know you need an emergency tooth extraction, call us right away.
