Emergency Dental Extractions When Your Tooth Cannot Be Fixed
If you're experiencing severe dental pain, your first instinct is probably to call the dentist in order to secure an appointment as soon as possible. Severe dental pain can be an indicator of other problems that can be very dangerous. If you are undergoing intense dental pain that over the counter remedies cannot fix, you will need to come visit the dentist immediately under emergency care. Sometimes, the dentist may suggest an emergency extraction or removal of the tooth if it appears that it cannot be saved.
Signs Your Tooth Needs To Be Pulled
After your dentist performs an initial assessment of your dental problem, they will look more closely at the problem tooth or teeth to determine whether or not they can fix the issue. In some cases, they may determine that the tooth cannot be saved and will pull it instead. Some common signs that a tooth must be pulled include a severe infection that cannot be cured by medication or a root canal, the tooth is cracked or broken very deeply, or it has broken at the gum line. Severely damaged teeth that are not quickly removed can cause major issues like infections that can spread into the bloodstream or cause an abscessed tooth.
The Extraction Process
If the emergency dentist decides that your tooth must be removed, the process will begin as soon as possible. If there is already significant swelling or signs of an infection starting, you may be prescribed antibiotics first in order to help lessen the swelling and kill off any infections before they can pull your tooth. If the tooth is broken, the dentist will begin the process immediately to help relieve the pain. You will first receive a numbing agent like Novocain and also some kind of sedative such as "laughing gas" or an IV to help calm your nerves. Once you're numb, the dentist will use a pair of forceps and slowly pull the tooth from the root. You shouldn't feel anything, but once the process is complete, the pain should subside in time.
Post Operative Care
After your emergency extraction, the dentist may stitch up the gums and will fill in the area with gauze. This is done to help form a blood clot that will allow the area to heal. Be sure you do not eat solid foods or drink hot beverages for at least a day after the extraction. Be very conscious of the extraction site and avoid drinking with a straw or smoking cigarettes until the area has completely healed or you run the risk of experiencing a painful dry socket. Take any pain medications and antibiotics as prescribed, and you should be able to go back to eating and drinking normally and pain free within a few days.
For more information, contact clinics like Family Dentistry Of Brick, PA.
Share