What Is an Emergency Tooth Extraction?
An emergency tooth extraction is a process of permanently removing a tooth from the socket as soon as possible.
Reasons for Emergency Tooth Extractions and Removals
A tooth extraction should always be a last resort. However, a tooth may need to be extracted if a patient experiences the following:
- Trauma
A tooth may become injured due to trauma, damaging the soft tissue within the tooth or damaging the structural integrity of the tooth. Dental work often cannot repair this type of damage, and extraction may be the best option for preserving the remaining teeth.
- Sports-Related Injuries
Unfortunately, sports-related accidents are not uncommon, and many people sustain injuries to the teeth. Even a seemingly minor injury, like a blow to the mouth, can cause a tooth to become dislodged. Other injuries, like broken or fractured teeth, may result in extraction to protect the health of other teeth.
- Gum Disease
Periodontal disease is a chronic infection of the gums and other tissues that support your teeth. Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss, and in its more advanced stages, the infection may spread to the jawbone. Over time, this can cause the tooth to become loose, and extraction may be the only treatment option.
- Tooth Decay
Tooth decay, also known as cavities, can cause a tooth to become extremely damaged. If a tooth is severely decayed and can't be saved with a root canal treatment, extraction may be the only treatment option.
- Infection
Tooth extractions and removals are necessary for patients who have a cavity, severe tooth decay, or an infection that has spread to the gums. When infections strike, they will cause swelling and pain. They also have the ability to cause bone deterioration. In such cases, the infected teeth may need removal to preserve the health of the other teeth.
- Impacted Teeth
Impacted teeth are teeth that are prevented from erupting normally through the gums due to being blocked or stuck by other teeth. An impacted tooth can be painful and may cause swelling and infection. Impacted teeth may need extraction to stop the pain.
Tooth Extraction Process
Before the procedure, your dentist will give you an injection of anesthesia to numb your mouth. You may also opt to have oral and IV sedation. During the procedure, your dentist will remove your affected teeth. A post-extraction procedure may be necessary if your gum line is uneven or you have an infection.
What Are The After-care Instructions For Teeth Extraction?
- Rinse your mouth with warm salt water every 1-2 hours for two days following the extraction.
- Brush and floss your teeth gently and thoroughly twice a day.
- Avoid any hard, crunchy, or sticky foods for the first 24 hours. After that, foods should be soft and easy to chew, such as mashed potatoes, yogurt, etc.
- A liquid diet is recommended for the first 24 hours. After that, you can gradually add solid foods to your diet.
- Do not smoke.
- Take any prescribed medications.
- Schedule a follow-up appointment with your dentist to have the stitches removed.
To avail of emergency services, visit our office, Doctor Wisdom Teeth, at 287 E. Hunt Hwy #101, San Tan Valley, AZ 85143. You can also reach the dentist in San Tan Valley, AZ, at (833) 394-7366.
