EMERGENCY TOOTH EXTRACTION DETAILS

Tooth extractions are generally a “last case scenario.” Unless your wisdom teeth are starting to emerge, your dentist will do whatever they can to save your teeth. Still, there will be times in which a tooth extraction is the only recommended solution.

What Is a Tooth Extraction?

A tooth extraction is when a dentist removes a tooth or a set of teeth. This may be done proactively (in the case of wisdom teeth eruption, for instance) or reactively (when a tooth has been damaged). While your dentist will try to treat your tooth and gums before extracting a tooth, an extraction may be the best and most predictable option for your oral health.

Why a Tooth Extraction?

There are a variety of different reasons why you may need an extraction. Some of these reasons include:

Infection

If a tooth becomes infected and a patient does not have that infection treated in a timely fashion, the infection can spread. At a certain point, the root becomes infected, and the tooth is damaged to the point where it can no longer be repaired. If this is the case, your dentist will extract the tooth. This situation is generally easily avoidable. With proper oral care and regular trips to the dentist for cleanings and checkups, you should be able to treat any tooth decay in its early stages—before the tooth requires extraction.

Damage/Trauma

Accidents happen. You may be playing a game of basketball and collide with another player, or you may simply trip and fall down face-first. Whatever the situation may be, you may accidentally damage a tooth or teeth. While your dentist may use dental veneers or crowns to repair the damaged tooth or teeth, these options may not be available if the trauma is too significant. If this is the case, your dentist may need to extract the tooth or teeth and discuss replacement options with you.

Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth removal is one of the few occasions in which a dentist will proactively remove teeth. This is because wisdom teeth are generally difficult to keep clean and can cause damage to adjacent teeth/gums. Wisdom teeth can lead to crowding, migration and damage to other teeth. They can also make oral healthcare more difficult—leading to infections and disease.

Visit your dentist if you see your wisdom teeth emerging. They will then decide on the best course of treatment (which will likely be removal).

Emergency Tooth Extractions

There may be a situation in which your tooth or teeth are damaged to a point where it is causing an extreme amount of pain and discomfort. If you experience trauma with your teeth and you can’t wait for a regularly scheduled appointment, consider visiting an emergency dentist. Most emergency dentists can see a patient within 24 hours. They can then perform an emergency extraction, and remove the damaged tooth or teeth. From there, you can schedule an appointment for replacement.

Speak with Your Dentist

If your wisdom teeth are emerging, or if you are experiencing pain or discomfort, speak with your dentist. If you have damaged your tooth and it needs emergency care, make sure to visit an emergency dentist as soon as possible.

If you're interested in talking more about tooth extraction in Mobile, Al, please contact West Mobile Dental Care today.

Interested in learning more about tooth extraction in general? Here's some more reading on healing after tooth extractions.