Emergency dental care: when a tooth extraction is needed

While adult teeth are meant to last a lifetime, certain situations require removing one or more teeth. As a dental clinic in Calgary offering emergency dental care, a tooth extraction becomes an emergency procedure when we need to:

• Alleviate pain
• Stop bleeding
• Prevent further decay

For most patients, the thought of an emergency tooth extraction comes with distress and a feeling of dread. Today, we’re talking about why your Calgary dentist may need to remove a tooth and signs to look out for that indicate a possible tooth extraction.

Common reasons for an emergency tooth extraction

First, let’s go over some of the common reasons that an emergency tooth extraction is required.

• Trauma to the teeth - An injury that impacts the teeth is one of the most common reasons for an emergency tooth extraction. If you’ve sustained an injury, call an emergency Calgary dentist right away who can determine the severity of the damage. Your dentist may be able to save the tooth depending on the location and injury.

• Advanced periodontal disease (gum disease) - When the disease has progressed into the deep pockets of the gums and has caused bone decay, an emergency extraction may be the best option to prevent further deterioration and to alleviate pain.

• Severe infection - A dental abscess (tooth infection) can become quite painful if left untreated. As the infection spreads, tooth removal may be necessary.

Symptoms to look for that may require an emergency tooth extraction

If you experience any of the following systems, call your local NW Calgary emergency dental clinic as soon as possible.

• Loose teeth after trauma
• Extreme sensitivity or pain in your teeth and gums
• Unusual darkening or discolouration of teeth
• Painful swelling
• Pus in your mouth

What to expect with a tooth extraction

If tooth removal is necessary, there are two extraction methods available:

• Simple extraction - For a tooth visible above the gum line, removal can be completed with forceps and local anesthesia. If the patient feels anxious or nervous, the dentist may offer anti-anxiety medication or conscious sedation to help ease the anxiety. With a simple extraction, patients can expect to feel slight pressure during the procedure. It’s rare that a simple extraction produces extreme pain.

• Surgical extraction - When the removal of gum tissue or bone is required, a surgical extraction will be carried out. One of the most common surgical extraction procedures is for the removal of wisdom teeth that are not visible in the mouth. Some patients choose to be put to sleep during a surgical extraction.

Final thoughts

Part of our emergency dental care in NW Calgary is to assess the patient and determine if we can save the tooth without extraction. This can include treatments such as crowns and fillings. Ultimately, only a dental professional can determine whether or not an extraction is required.

If you suspect you have a dental emergency, get to your dentist as soon as possible to prevent further damage or decay.