Having a tooth extraction can be a scary experience, but sometimes this procedure is necessary to alleviate pain and prevent further damage to your mouth. Dentists perform an emergency tooth extraction in Nashville, TN, when the tooth cannot be saved due to severe decay, trauma, or other conditions.
What is an Emergency Tooth Extraction?
An emergency tooth extraction is a dental procedure during which a dentist or oral surgeon removes a tooth that is causing severe pain and infection. Dental professionals usually use local anesthesia to numb the area surrounding the tooth and prevent any discomfort.
Who Performs an Emergency Tooth Extraction?
An emergency tooth extraction is typically performed by a dentist or an oral surgeon. When the tooth is impacted or the extraction is more challenging, a dentist sometimes needs the assistance of an oral surgeon. If you need an emergency tooth extraction, please choose a qualified and experienced dental professional to do the procedure.
In Which Cases Is an Emergency Tooth Extraction Necessary?
Severe Tooth Decay
When a tooth is severely decayed, your dentist may not be able to restore it with a filling or a crown. Tooth decay occurs when bacteria in the mouth produce acids that eat away enamel and dentin, causing a cavity. Once decay reaches the tooth pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels, the tooth is usually past the point of no return and a dental professional needs to pull it out.
Trauma
Trauma to the mouth can occur in a variety of situations, such as a sports injury, a fall, or a car accident. In some cases, the tooth can be re-implanted if it is knocked out, or fixed after a chip or crack. However, when the tooth is fractured below the gum, dentists need to perform an emergency tooth extraction to prevent infection and other complications.
Seek immediate dental care if you’ve suffered from trauma to the mouth and you are experiencing severe pain, swelling, or other symptoms.
What to Expect During an Emergency Tooth Extraction
During an emergency tooth extraction, the dentist or oral surgeon will numb the area around the tooth with local anesthesia. Then, they will use special tools to loosen the tooth from the surrounding gums and bone before removing it. You may feel some pressure or discomfort during the procedure, but you should not feel any pain.
Once the tooth has been removed, the dentist or oral surgeon will place gauze over the extraction site to help control bleeding and promote clotting. They may instruct you to bite down on the gauze for some time to help the clot form. The dentist or oral surgeon may also give you pain medication or antibiotics to help manage discomfort and prevent infection.
Need an Emergency Tooth Extraction in Nashville, TN?
If you are experiencing severe tooth pain or think you may need an emergency tooth extraction, don’t hesitate to contact us at Mt. View Family Dental. Our experienced dentists are here to help you get the relief you need. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!