Emergency Tooth Extraction Information
If a dental emergency occurs, it’s important to contact an emergency dentist as soon as possible. This will increase the chances of them being able to save a tooth that has been severely damaged. Still, there are times when a tooth has been damaged to the point where the only possible solution is an emergency extraction.
What Is a Tooth Extraction?
A tooth extraction is a procedure in which a dentist removes a tooth that is either damaged beyond repair, or poses a threat to a patient’s oral health. A popular reason for teeth extraction is the emergence of wisdom teeth, but teeth are also extracted due to damage or severe decay.
Reasons for an Emergency Tooth Extraction
While many dental procedures can wait for a regularly scheduled appointment, other dental procedures need to be handled immediately. These procedures are considered “emergency procedures.” A common emergency dental procedure is emergency tooth extraction.
There are a variety of different reasons why a patient may need to undergo an emergency tooth extraction. One reason is severe pain and infection from a tooth that has become decayed, diseased and/or infected to the point where it cannot be saved. While these extractions can sometimes wait for an appointment, other times the pain is too great and an emergency extraction is necessary.
Another reason for an emergency tooth extraction is severe damage to the tooth. If a patient is playing a sport or simply falls down and cracks their tooth severely, it may be beyond saving. A tooth may also be knocked loose to the point where it must be removed.
While an emergency dentist will do what they can to save a damaged tooth, if it is too severely damaged, an emergency tooth extraction will be necessary.
Finding an Emergency Dentist
In order to have an emergency tooth extraction performed, a patient will first need to find an emergency dentist. While some general dentists offer emergency services, others do not. If a patient has a general dentist that doesn’t offer emergency dental services, they will need to find a dentist that does.
One option is for the patient to ask their general dentist for a referral. They may know a great emergency dentist that can perform the extraction. Otherwise, a patient can perform an online search, or contact their insurance company for a provider in the area.
It’s important to note that emergency services are not always covered by dental insurance. Even if they are, the cost will more than likely be higher than a general appointment to the dentist. Still, for true emergencies, it is definitely worth the cost.
Aftercare
After an emergency tooth extraction, it’s important to take care of the area that is healing. This will include being very careful while brushing and flossing for the first day or two. A patient will also want to wait 72 hours before smoking.
If your tooth is damaged or if you are suffering immense pain, contact an emergency dentist immediately.
Contact Lansdowne Dental Care for an appointment today regarding emergency tooth extractions in Leesburg, VA.
More Information on Tooth Extractions: Healing After Tooth Extractions