Emergency Tooth Extractions

Having to have a tooth extracted by Precision Periodontics and Implant Dentistry in emergency circumstances can be a little scary. No emergency is ever expected so it is important to know what to do if you are faced with a dental emergency.

Dental First Aid

It’s important to remain calm and take a few steps to make sure that you are doing the best thing for someone with a dental injury. If you are experiencing pain, an NSAID, such as Advil, is usually more helpful in relieving tooth pain than Tylenol. Below are a few other things to do when you experience a dental injury.

• Swelling: Use a cold compress on the area to reduce inflammation and take a dose of an NSAID if you are able.
• Bleeding: Gently press a clean, damp cloth over the area until bleeding subsides; if the bleeding will not stop, visit urgent care or emergency room.
• Lost restorations: When possible, it is best to have a filling or a crown replaced within 24 hours even if you are not experiencing any discomfort; you may also use denture adhesive to temporarily hold a crown or bridge in place. *Teeth that have lost a restoration can fracture so it is very important to get to your dentist as soon as possible.*
• Lost tooth: If something causes you to accidentally lose an entire tooth, rinse your mouth with warm water and if you are able, locate the tooth and rinse it off, holding it by the crown and never touching the root, and try to put it back into its socket. If you are unable to put it back in, place it in a cup of milk and get to your dentist as soon as possible.

Emergency Dental Care

Most dental offices reserve time in their schedule for dental emergencies. If you are able to get to your dentist, they may be able to see you and fix your problem in the same visit. More severe problems may require a treatment plan to be completed at a later visit. Some treatments your Dentist may provide include but are not limited to:

• Medications: Antibiotics are a first step in treating dental infections or dental abscesses. If medication does not help, you may eventually need a root canal.
• Composite bonding: If you have chipped a tooth, bonding is typically a quick and easy treatment. When taken care of, bonding can last a number of years. The longevity of bonding on the front teeth depends on each patient’s bite and nighttime grinding or clenching habits.
• Extractions: If your dentist advises you to have a tooth extracted, that tooth has been deemed hopeless. Dentists want to keep as much natural tooth structure in your mouth as possible so if you have been proposed with an extraction treatment plan, the tooth is damaged or decayed beyond repair. Your dentist will review options for restoring an extracted tooth.

More on Tooth Extractions : Healing After Tooth Extractions