When Is an Extraction the Only Alternative? Signs to Look Out For

No one wants to say goodbye to one of their natural teeth. Still, in some cases, a dental extraction performed by an emergency dentist in Frankfort, KY, is the best option to maintain your oral health. That’s the case when infections or severe bone recession happen.

Knowing how to distinguish these situations is crucial to preventing the removal of healthy or salvageable teeth. Here’s a small guide on the signs that indicate you need a dental extraction.

Signs You Need Emergency Dental Care

When a patient experiences severe pain, an infection, or trauma, an emergency tooth extraction may be necessary to solve the problem. Besides alleviating the pain, the tooth's removal is key to preventing potential health issues.

Infections can spread to the bloodstream and lead to more dangerous health issues. Cavities can also affect the surrounding teeth, risking the chances of more extractions than necessary. Here are some signs to look out for that may indicate you need an immediate dental extraction:

• Extreme gum or tooth pain or sensitivity  

• Cheek, throat, or eye swelling  

• Teeth that are loose  

• Pus or white substance in your mouth  

• Teeth discoloration or darkening  

Notify an emergency dentist right away if you experience any of these symptoms.

Why Might You Need an Emergency Tooth Extraction?

Dental emergency extractions can be caused by a variety of issues, from dental illnesses developed over the years to sudden accidents. Here are some of the most common reasons why it happens, with some symptoms to look out for:

Trauma

Dental trauma frequently causes minor issues like chipped or cracked teeth. On the other hand, more serious injuries might necessitate an immediate tooth extraction, particularly if they are extremely painful.  

The following are common causes of dental trauma:  

• Fights or sports-related injuries  

• Bicycle, motorbike, and car accidents  

• Biting into tough foods  

• Falls

Infections

Bacteria can enter your gums or teeth and cause infections. The pulp at the center of the tooth may eventually become infected with the bacteria that cause cavities, necessitating an extraction if the infection is severe.

Dental infections have several causes, including:

• Tooth decay

• Teeth that are chipped or fractured

• Impacted teeth

• Root canal failure

The following are some signs of a gum or dental infection to watch out for:

• Throbbing pain that could radiate to your neck, head, cheek, or jaw

• Fever

• Swelling

• Heightened teeth sensitivity

• Breathing or swallowing difficulties

Find an Emergency Dentist in Frankfort, KY!

A non-salvageable tooth must be removed for safety and health reasons, whether it's an impacted wisdom tooth causing trouble or a stubborn infection below your gums. But do not worry—you can restore your lost tooth thanks to a variety of restoration methods.  

You may receive a bridge or a dental implant, depending on the position of the extracted tooth and the state of your oral hygiene. If you have questions about whether that’s the case for you, Georgetown Sedation Group can help. Reach out!

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