Experiencing sudden pain or trauma that requires a tooth extraction can be incredibly painful, stressful, and daunting. However, it is often the best course of action to alleviate your pain, address any infection, and prevent further complications.
Debilitating toothaches, infections, and damaged teeth can all require immediate dental attention, and it’s important to seek the appropriate care in all of these instances.
In this article, we’ve covered everything you need to know about emergency tooth extractions. We want to make sure you feel informed and reassured about the process so you can approach it with confidence and peace of mind.
Recognising dental emergencies: when to seek help
Tooth extractions are a lot more common than you might think and it’s not uncommon for dental emergencies to arise from time to time.
Should you experience a dental emergency, it’s important that you seek help as quickly as possible in order to minimise damage and embark on the road to recovery.
Here are some of the situations where you should seek help.
Severe pain:
If you’re experiencing severe pain or a persistent throbbing toothache, please don’t hesitate to seek help. This could be a sign of a serious infection or another significant issue that needs immediate attention.
Trauma:
If you experience sharp pain or discomfort following a blow to the face or mouth, it’s absolutely crucial that you seek immediate medical dental support. At Beaulieu Dental, we’ll carefully assess any damage and provide the necessary treatment to ensure you heal properly.
Swollen Gums:
Swollen gums are not uncommon. However, if they are red, swollen, painful, or tender around a particular tooth, this could indicate that you have an abscess. If this is the case, you will need a prescription of antibiotics straight away, and it’s also highly likely that you will require an extraction.
Broken or Cracked Tooth:
A severely cracked or broken tooth can be incredibly painful, especially if it exposes the inner pulp to bacteria. If this happens, an extraction may be needed to prevent further complications and alleviate your pain.
Steps to Take in Case of an Emergency
Time is critical in any dental emergency, regardless of the situation. Within this article, we have explored some of the most common dental emergencies and the steps you should take in these instances:
Severe toothache:
If you have a severe toothache, it’s important that you contact your dentist as quickly as possible for an emergency dental appointment. Your dentist will then be able to assess the situation and provide a treatment plan.
Bleeding:
If you experience excessive bleeding, you should always apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth to the area for approximately 15-20 minutes. If the bleeding persists after this time, you should see a dentist or go to A&E.
Sudden facial swelling:
If you experience sudden facial swelling, it’s important to apply a cold compress to the affected area to reduce the swelling. Then, contact your dentist so that the cause can be determined.
The tooth extraction process
The tooth extraction process involves removing a tooth from its socket in the jaw. You should be aware of two different types of extractions: simple and surgical.
Simple Extraction
A simple extraction is performed when the teeth are visible and easy to remove. The process begins with an initial consultation and x-rays, allowing us to examine the tooth, root structure, and surrounding bone. You will receive local anaesthesia to numb the area around the tooth, and in some cases, sedation may be provided to help you relax.
Once you’re comfortable, we will use an instrument called an elevator to gently loosen the tooth in its socket. After loosening, we will use forceps to carefully grasp and remove the tooth. Finally, we’ll clean the socket and place stitches if necessary to help with the healing process.
Surgical Extraction
Surgical extraction is necessary for teeth that are stuck below the gum line or have complex root structures. Depending on your specific needs, you will be given local anaesthesia with sedation or general anaesthesia.
We will make a small incision in the gum to access the tooth. If the tooth is deeply embedded, we may need to remove a small amount of bone to reach it. After accessing the tooth, we will use forceps to remove the tooth and any fragments, followed by cleaning the socket and placing stitches.
Throughout both procedures, we will explain each step and ensure you are as comfortable as possible. Our goal is to provide you with the best care so you can feel reassured and confident about the treatment you receive.
Aftercare and Recovery
After your extraction, your dentist will provide you with all of the necessary aftercare and recovery to get you on the road to recovery as quickly as possible.
As a general rule of thumb, the most common aftercare and recovery advice provided is as follows:
- Keep the extraction site clean by gently rinsing with an antimicrobial mouthwash two to three times a day.
- Avoid brushing directly over the extraction site until advised by your dentist, but continue brushing and flossing other areas normally.
- Take any prescribed medications, including antibiotics and pain relievers, as directed.
- Avoid strenuous activity for at least two days, and consult us before resuming your normal routine.
Beaulieu Dental, always here for you when you need us
Here at Beaulieu Dental, we fully understand the stress and trauma that can come with emergency tooth extractions. Your comfort and well-being are always our top priorities, and we are dedicated to providing you with the highest level of care.
As a modern and welcoming dental practice in Chelmsford, we are proud of our 5-star ratings on Google and Facebook. Our patients’ needs always come first, and we strive to create a soothing and supportive environment for every visit.
We offer a wide range of treatments and are currently accepting new private and Denplan patients. For those who feel anxious about dental procedures, we provide dental sedation to help you feel more at ease. Our 24-hour, 7-day-a-week emergency service ensures that you have access to care whenever you need it most.
Additionally, we offer direct access appointments with our hygienists, allowing you to receive expert care without needing to see a dentist first. At Beaulieu Dental, your health and happiness are our priorities, and we are here to support you every step of the way.
Get in touch today to find out more and book your next dental hygienist appointment.
