Emergency Tooth Extraction

Dental emergencies can happen at the most inconvenient times. In some cases, the patient needs to seek immediate attention. It is important to be aware of how to handle a dental emergency such as an emergency tooth extraction. This can help patients avoid long-term complications and pain. Below is a summary of common questions related to emergency tooth extractions.

Emergency Tooth Extraction

When patients have a tooth which has severe damage or infection, it often requires an emergency tooth extraction. A damaged tooth can actually be dangerous to a patient's overall health as well. Below is a summary of common reasons for an emergency tooth extraction:

Trauma: It is common for an accident or injury to cause a break or serious crack in the tooth which requires immediate extraction.
Abscess: It is extremely painful to have a tooth which is abscessed or has a pocket of pus from a bacterial infection. Patients may require immediate tooth extraction to ensure the issue is addressed and to prevent dangerous consequences.
Severe Tooth Decay: If the tooth has decay which reaches the inner pulp and causes an infection, it often requires extraction to prevent spread of infection. When the issue is caught early, a root canal may be possible.
Periodontitis: Patients with advanced gum disease can experience loose teeth from damage to the structures which support the teeth. In order to preserve the remaining natural teeth, the tooth may require extraction.
Wisdom Teeth: When wisdom teeth are impacted or lack adequate room for eruption, it can result in damage to the existing teeth, infection, and pain. This may require an emergency extraction.

Prompt Treatment

When patients have a dental emergency, it is critical to ensure they receive prompt treatment for the following reasons:

Prevent Spread of Infection: When a tooth is infected, the spread of infection can lead to serious health complications. An emergency tooth extraction aids in eliminating the infection source and therefore preventing it from spreading.
Pain: Serious dental pain can be debilitating. Patients may require emergency dental care in order to achieve relief from the discomfort.
Good Oral Health: The removal of a damaged tooth helps preserve the other healthy teeth and prevent additional damage. Sometimes extraction is critical in preserving the patient’s oral health.

Locating Emergency Dental Services

Below are tips on how to find emergency dental services:

Internet: Search online for things such as "Emergency dental services" or "Urgent dental care" in your location. This can also provide visibility to reviews and feedback from other patients.
Availability: Call the provider or check their availability for an appointment to ensure you can be seen in a timely manner. Some dental offices have an emergency line which can also help identify where to obtain care.
Insurance: Check with the provider to ensure they accept your dental insurance. Some insurance providers also have search capabilities based on your location or needs.