Dental emergencies often happen when you least expect them. You might crack a tooth while eating, wake up to a throbbing toothache, or feel sudden gum pain during the workday. Knowing how to respond to these situations can help you protect your smile and avoid further complications, ensuring proper dental care even during an emergency.
Certain dental emergencies can be treated with simple interventions, but other times, dentists need to remove a tooth to prevent infection or stop further damage to oral health. Learn more about dental emergencies and when they require an emergency dental extraction so that you’re prepared to protect your smile during unforeseen circumstances.
What Counts as a Dental Emergency?
Not every dental issue is an emergency. Some problems, though, require immediate attention to prevent infections and long-term damage (as well as ease painful symptoms).
If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact an emergency dentist right away:
- Severe, persistent tooth pain that doesn’t go away
- Swelling in your gums, face, or jaw
- A knock-out or loose tooth that feels like it could fall out
- Uncontrolled bleeding from the mouth
- A cracked, broken, or chipped tooth that causes pain
- Any visible signs of infection in the mouth (such as pus or swelling)
The quicker you act, the better your chances of saving your tooth and preventing more issues from developing.
When Is an Emergency Dental Extraction Needed?
Your dentist wants to save your smile! Their first goal is to save your natural teeth whenever possible.
However, an emergency extraction may be the best choice for your oral health if:
- The tooth is severely broken, cracked, or damaged beyond repair.
- A major infection or abscess around the tooth could spread to other areas.
- Periodontal disease has weakened the socket too much to securely hold the tooth.
- The tooth is causing severe pain, and no other treatment options (such as root canals) are working.
If you do need an extraction, it’s important to call Full Heart Dentistry who will make the process as safe, comfortable, and stress-free as possible.
What to Do If You Need an Emergency Extraction
If you suspect you need an emergency dental extraction, here is what to do:
1. Call the Dentist Immediately
The sooner you can get professional care, the better the outcome will be. Contact an emergency dentist as quickly as possible and let them know your symptoms and when they started. Emergency dentists leave time slots open in their daily schedules for dental crises, so you should be able to get a same-day or next-day appointment.
2. Manage the Pain and Swelling
While waiting for your appointment, try to make yourself as comfortable as possible. To reduce swelling and numb the pain, apply a cold compress to your cheek over the affected area. If it’s safe for you to do so, you can also take over-the-counter pain relievers (just be sure to follow all the directions on the label).
3. Avoid Eating or Chewing Anything
You probably won’t feel like eating much while experiencing a dental emergency, and that’s okay. It’s better to avoid chewing anything with an affected tooth. If you need to eat, stick to soft foods or liquids, but avoid anything very hot or cold as it may trigger a sensitivity reaction.
4. Keep the Area Clean
One of the biggest concerns in a dental emergency is the development of an infection. You can help prevent this by keeping your mouth and the impacted area clean. Rinse gently with warm salt water to help flush bacteria from your mouth, and repeat this process every few hours until your appointment. Avoid touching the area with your tongue or fingers.
5. Stay Calm
Easier said than done, maybe, but an important step! Dental emergencies are stressful, especially if you think the dentist may need to remove your tooth. Rest assured that your dental team will do everything possible to save your tooth and only remove it as a last resort.
If Full Heart Dentistry is your emergency dentist, we will go to great lengths to preserve your beautiful smile. Our team will answer your questions and make you comfortable while we work. We know these situations are difficult, and we’re here to make them as stress-free as possible.
Call Full Heart Dentistry if You Need an Emergency Dental Extraction
If you are experiencing a dental emergency, don’t wait. Whether it’s severe pain, a broken tooth, or an infection, Full Heart Dentistry is here for you with quick, compassionate care.
Contact us today to schedule an emergency appointment.