Emergency Tooth Extraction

A dental emergency is basically any kind of dental problem that would require immediate attention and treatment to avoid bleeding or to alleviate serious pain. Sometimes something like a severe infection or an abscess in your mouth can quickly become life-threatening and needs to be dealt with in an emergent fashion.

Can an Emergency Tooth Extraction be avoided?

In many cases if you continue to visit your dentist twice a year like is advised some of the reasons behind an extraction can be dealt with in a timely fashion to avoid an emergency dental tooth extraction result. One of the most common reason for an extraction now is the third molar or the wisdom tooth. These four come in between the ages of 16 and 25. If there simply is not room in your mouth for these teeth they will require an extraction. These extractions can be scheduled and planned or complications could arise suddenly from crowding and the compromising of the jawbone and nerves and the ensuing pain would make it an emergent situation. An infected tooth can be the next reason to experience a tooth extraction. Again, with regular examinations and proper oral hygiene infections can be avoided. But if decay does work its way to the center of your tooth and gets into the live pulp you again will experience pain and will need an emergency extraction. All of us can experience an accident that might result in a broken or chipped tooth. Whether it is sports related or an unfortunate footing on the steps, it happens and needs to be dealt with. A crack could also be the result of an accident or it may be the result of a bad habit such as grinding your teeth, clenching or chewing hard items like ice. Most often the dentist will do everything in their power to save a tooth. But a broken tooth cannot be saved and will need an extraction.

What can you expect with an Extraction?

An emergency tooth extraction by law needs to be performed by a dentist. It cannot be completed in a hospital emergency room. The dentist will numb the tissue around the tooth to be removed and use a special hand held tool to proceed with the extraction. You will spend some time biting on gauze to stop the bleeding and then you will need to follow the suggested treatment to avoid a painful dry socket.

Healing from a Tooth Extraction

There are some simple but important steps to follow after your tooth extraction. You may want to consider soft food for several days and to avoid any kind of intense physical activity as well for the same period. Do not brush your teeth aggressively around the extraction point and do not suck through a straw. If you feel discomfort you should consult with your dentist to see what method of pain relief would be preferred depending on the level of pain. Emergency extractions are unfortunate but more than manageable with the opportunities that are now available to replace that tooth that was removed.

More About Tooth Extraction : Healing After Tooth Extraction