Introduction
In the throes of a dental emergency, little can compare to the urgency of an unexpected tooth extraction. Be it due to intense unbearable pain or an infection wreaking havoc, immediate relief is what most of us would want. Emergency tooth extraction swoops in as the knight in shining armour, offering both salvation from discomfort and a path to restoring oral health. Let’s dive into the world of tooth extraction, where significant action meets the quest for dental comfort.
Need for Emergency Tooth Extraction
This tooth extraction is typically performed due to a serious issue like a severe infection, intense pain, or significant damage that cannot be repaired. Even after trying fillings, crowns, or root canals multiple times, sometimes the tooth cannot be saved, and an emergency extraction becomes the only option. Undoubtedly the practical process is highly unpleasant; however, there is no reason to leave the problems unattended till they get worse. It is a frequently carried out option to eliminate pain, mitigate future difficulties, and promote oral health care.
Reasons a Dentist Needs to Perform Emergency Dental Extractions
Here are some of the common reasons why a dentist may recommend tooth extraction to you:
- Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth are the final molars situated at the back of the mouth. When there is insufficient space for them to develop properly, they may become impacted or trapped beneath the gums. This can lead to discomfort, inflammation, and potential infection, often requiring emergency molar extraction as the only solution.
- Tooth Decay
As a tooth undergoes substantial decay, regular treatments like fillings or root canals may prove inadequate. Consequently, extraction becomes inevitable; this is done to prevent infection from spreading to neighbouring teeth.
- Overcrowding
When too little space exists within your mouth, some teeth must get extracted. This creates room for complex orthodontic treatments like braces.
- Trauma
If a tooth gets hurt because of an accident, like during sports or a car crash, it might have to be taken out.
- Infected Gums
Gum problems often worsen if ignored. An infection there affects nearby teeth in a bad way. Spreading to the bone beneath, it risks tooth loss. Left untreated, this may require emergency tooth extraction.
Understanding the Procedure of Emergency Tooth Extraction
Following is a comprehensive overview of the emergency tooth extraction procedure for your reference:
- Consultation
When going for emergency dental care, be upfront with your dentist. This allows them to consider your overall health and medications during treatment. They’ll administer pain relief medication and then examine your teeth – using specialised tools and X-rays. If significant issues like extensive decay, fractured teeth, or overcrowding are present, they’ll likely recommend immediate tooth extraction.
The Tooth Removal Process
When you go for an emergency extraction of a tooth, here’s what typically happens:
- First, a numbing gel gets applied to your gums. It reduces any discomfort. After that, a local anaesthetic injection goes around the painful nerve(s).
- Then, the dentist will meticulously disconnect the tooth using a special peristome tool with a thin blade. This detaches it from surrounding ligaments.
- Once extracted, a gauze pad gets placed at your mouth’s back. It prevents swallowing or inhaling the tooth accidentally.
If the tooth is visible, dentists will do a simple extraction:
- An instrument called an elevator will be used to loosen the tooth’s hold. The elevator wiggles and moves the tooth from its spot.
- Depending on the situation, dentists may employ varied elevators, each designed to gently dislodge the tooth.
- Once sufficiently loosened, forceps – strong pliers-like tools – are employed to deliver the final tug, extracting the tooth completely.
Recovery Period: It usually takes about 3-7 days to start feeling better, with complete healing typically taking 2-3 weeks.
If the tooth is not fully visible, dentists will perform a surgical procedure for emergency extraction:
- Dentists will make a cut to show the tooth and hold it using a surgical flap.
- There can be a possibility to divide the tooth into pieces to avoid harming nearby tissues and nerves.
- An elevator will be used to loosen the tooth or its pieces from the socket.
- The fragments will then be taken out one by one, and any curved roots will be removed at the end.
Recovery Period: Emergency tooth surgery usually takes longer because there may be swelling, and complete healing might take a while, especially if bone removal is involved. The healing process can range from a minimum of 1.5 months to 3 months.
Tips for Healing Post Tooth Extraction
Remember to do what your dentist says and take the medicine they give you. Here are some more things to help you feel better:
- Put cold packs on your cheek to make it less puffy and hurt less.
- Take the pain medicine just like your dentist told you.
- Don’t smoke or drink from a straw for one whole day after your tooth is taken out.
- Do not touch the extraction spot with your tongue or fingers.
- Have soft foods for a few days.
- Wash your mouth carefully with salty water to keep it clean.
Conclusion
In times of emergency dental extraction, following your dentist’s advice and taking care of yourself is crucial for a smooth recovery. Ashburton Dental Care in Perth provides the necessary quality services which can enable your dental care to be the best as you are treated properly during a dental emergency. Having a highly professional and friendly staff, you can be comfortable with the care you receive from the very beginning until the end.