Emergency tooth extraction is something that you hope never happens to you, but it’s always good to be prepared in case it does. If you find yourself in need of an emergency tooth extraction, the last thing you want to do is wait until morning when your dentist opens up shop. Here are some things to consider if you think you might need an emergency tooth extraction so that you can get the care that you need right away.
Maybe you don’t need an emergency tooth extraction
While emergency tooth extractions are necessary for medical reasons, you might be surprised to learn that you can have a tooth pulled without rushing to your dentist. If you feel discomfort from one of your teeth or believe it may need to be removed, call your dentist immediately. However, if your pain is minimal and you have time on your hands, there are steps you can take to pull off a successful extraction yourself before heading into work or picking up dinner. It’s important to understand that not all tooth extractions need professional assistance—if yours falls into that category, follow these directions carefully.
How to decide if you should see a dentist
The first sign that you may need to see a dentist is a toothache. This can be anything from mild discomfort or sensitivity to hot or cold food and drinks, to sharp pain with chewing. In addition, loose teeth and swollen gums are signs that something is wrong and you need to see a dentist immediately. If your tooth feels loose, don’t try to remove it yourself. Place gauze over it, bite down gently and head straight for your dentist’s office where they can safely remove it. Also take into account how far away your nearest emergency dental office is when making decisions about where to go in case of tooth pain.
How to handle your toothache before it becomes a serious problem
Although emergency tooth extraction is often considered to be one of the most common treatments provided by dentists, it’s usually not a serious treatment. Instead, emergency dental visits are typically due to impacted teeth, which occur when a tooth becomes trapped beneath bone or gum and cannot move further into its rightful place in your mouth. Impacted teeth can become painful and can also damage other areas of your mouth as they fail to break through your gums. Fortunately, there are many at-home remedies that can help ease pain from impacted teeth until you can see a dentist.
What are some alternatives to tooth extractions?
If you want to avoid tooth extractions, your dentist will likely suggest that you schedule a series of dental treatments. These include: root canal therapy, tooth removal in preparation for bonding or other cosmetic treatments and oral surgery. Each type of treatment comes with its own benefits and drawbacks. Whether or not one is right for you depends on your individual circumstances. Here are some general rules to help you decide
Tips on what NOT to do when dealing with your toothache
There are several reasons to avoid a trip to your dentist if at all possible when experiencing pain in your tooth. First of all, when you’re in pain, it can be incredibly hard to think clearly and make informed decisions. Because of that, you’re more likely to be talked into procedures that aren’t really necessary. More importantly, though, dental infections can spread fast and severe abscesses can cause brain damage or even kill you if not treated properly—and people with no experience treating toothache usually don’t know how serious a problem they could be dealing with.
