Reviewed By Dr. Tyler N Davis, DMD
Reading Time: 4 minutes
A throbbing toothache in the middle of the night. A sudden crack while biting down on lunch. Dental emergencies rarely strike at convenient times. In this blog, Dr. Tyler N Davis, DMD, explains how to handle dental emergencies and identify when an emergency tooth extraction is required.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaway
Signs you need an emergency tooth extraction include severe tooth pain, infection, and significant damage or decay that cannot be repaired. Don’t ignore these symptoms as they can lead to more serious health issues, thus making prompt dental attention a priority.
What is Considered a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency is a situation involving the teeth, gums, or other parts of the mouth that requires immediate attention from a dental professional to relieve severe pain, stop ongoing tissue bleeding, or save a tooth.
Common Dental Emergencies
- Severe toothache: Persistent and intense tooth pain can indicate a serious issue like an infection or a damaged nerve.
- Knocked-out tooth: This dental injury requires prompt care to increase the chances of saving the tooth.
- Loose tooth (in adults): If a tooth suddenly becomes loose, it could signal gum disease or other underlying issues.
- Broken or chipped tooth: While not always an emergency, severe breaks exposing the tooth’s inner layers require urgent attention.
- Objects stuck between teeth: If you can’t remove it with floss, you may need professional help to avoid gum damage.
Emergency Tooth Extraction: When It’s Needed
After an examination by a dentist, they may determine that an emergency tooth extraction is necessary. The following situations may lead to emergency tooth extraction:
1. Severe Infections
An infected tooth can cause significant complications if left untreated. Severe infections can spread to other parts of the body, leading to serious health issues. If antibiotics and root canal procedures fail, extracting the tooth may be the only solution.
2. Extreme Pain and Damage
If you experience severe pain that over-the-counter pain medications cannot alleviate, and it’s accompanied by a broken, decayed tooth an emergency extraction might be required. This could also include extreme pain from wisdom teeth.
3. Severe Gum Disease
Gum disease, particularly advanced periodontal disease, can cause serious damage to the supporting structures of your teeth. When a tooth becomes loose due to severe gum disease, extraction may be necessary to prevent further oral health issues.
4. Decayed Tooth
A tooth that is extensively decayed and cannot be saved through dental treatment like fillings or crowns will need to be extracted to prevent further decay and infection.
Preventing Dental Emergencies
Though not all dental emergencies can be prevented, many can be avoided with proper dental care. Here are some tips to prevent emergencies:
- Regular dental check-ups: Visit your dentist twice a year for regular oral health check-ups and cleanings.
- Good oral hygiene: Brush and floss regularly to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
- Protective gear: Use a mouthguard during sports activities to prevent dental injuries.
- Diet control: Limit sugary foods and drinks which can lead to tooth decay.
FAQs About Emergency Tooth Extraction
How do I know if a tooth is infected?
Signs of an infected tooth may include severe, persistent pain, sensitivity to hot or cold, swelling in your face or cheek, fever, foul taste in your mouth, and swollen, tender lymph nodes under your jaw or in your neck.
IWill pulling an infected tooth stop the pain?
Pulling an infected tooth can stop the pain by removing the source of infection and pressure. However, it may not fully address the infection, especially if it has spread. Antibiotics may be needed to remove the infection completely.
What happens if you pull a tooth while infected?
Pulling an infected tooth can relieve pain, but it may risk spreading the infection. If a tooth is infected, and CANNOT be saved with a root canal (bad nerve that needs to be treated), or CANNOT be saved due to bone loss (periodontal disease), then it must come out ASAP! If by chance there is a secondary infection due to the stirring up of bacteria, then we deal with the subsequent infection, i.e. system antibiotics either orally or via I.V. or intramuscularly. The source of the infection must be eliminated, and that is the bad, infected tooth. You have to assume the risks with taking a badly infected tooth out, and oftentimes the risks of leaving the source of the infection alone, the tooth there, is worse than treating and extraction.
Your Emergency Dentist in Mesa, AZ
If you’re experiencing severe pain, a persistent toothache, or any of the conditions mentioned, you should seek immediate attention from a dental professional.
We offer emergency dental services at our office in Mesa, AZ. Our experienced team at Power Road Dental Care is equipped to handle your urgent dental needs with care.
If you are in the East Valley and searching for an emergency dentist in Mesa or an ’emergency dentist near me’ we can help. Call (480) 664-1438 to book an appointment or complete the online inquiry form.