Dental emergencies do not necessarily announce their presence when we want them to, and at times, the only remedy is to have a tooth extracted. Be it due to an acute injury, infection, or a painful tooth, we need to be prompt about taking action. Putting off the problem will make things worse, and what may otherwise be an easy solution may end up becoming a problem.
When we encounter such emergencies, having a trusted person to go to is important. That’s when Ridge Oral Surgery in Morristown steps in. We are here to help with emergency tooth extractions, bringing relief at the time of need. Having a team in place that’s aware of the urgency, we’re dedicated to getting you the care you deserve, quickly and efficiently.
Signs You Might Need an Emergency Tooth Extraction
- A toothache: If a tooth hurts all the time for a long time and doesn’t improve, it may be severely damaged or infected and may need to be removed.
- Severe Decay: In case of gross decay of a tooth to the extent that it is non-restorable by filling or root canal but only restorable by removal.
- Tooth Abscess or Infection: If the tooth abscess or infection has extended beyond the tooth, it will cause severe complications, and it will have to be extracted so that the infection does not reach other areas.
- Fractured or Broken Tooth Too Severe to Repair: A fractured or broken tooth that is too severe to be repaired by restorative procedures like crowns or bonding will likely need to be extracted to avoid pain and additional damage.
- Gum Disease and Tooth Mobility: Gum disease to the extent of causing mobile or loose teeth. Extraction is often required if the tooth is loose.
- Impaction of the Wisdom Tooth: Impacted wisdom teeth are painful, swollen, and infected. In such cases, removal can be required to relieve pain and prevent further oral problems.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s essential to seek professional advice.
What to Do If You Need an Emergency Tooth Extraction in Morristown
- Step 1: When there is an emergency dental issue, moving quickly is essential. The earlier we seek the services of an emergency oral surgeon, the better our opportunities for evading issues, alleviating pain, and getting prompt treatment.
- Step 2: We can take over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen while waiting to be treated professionally. We must make sure to read and follow the instructions on dosage properly and consult the oral surgeon if we need further information about medicines.
- Step 3: Steer clear of hard foods and use a cold compress to prevent swelling to reduce discomfort; avoid the consumption of hard, crunchy, or sticky foods. Eating soft food or liquids is the best. A cold compress on the outside of our cheek will also reduce swelling and numb the area for a while.
- Step 4: Maintain the Area Clean with Warm Saltwater Rinses. Slowly rinsing our mouth with warm salt water can help keep the area clean and reduce the risk of infection. There is a need not to rinse or spit aggressively, as this may irritate the affected area.
What to Expect During an Emergency Tooth Extraction
Consultation and X-rays: Assessment of the Tooth’s Condition
So, when we come in for emergency tooth extraction, the oral surgeon will examine our tooth and, most likely, take X-rays to determine the degree of the damage or infection. This allows them to choose the best method for doing the surgery.
Types of Extractions
Depending on how the tooth is doing, there are two general kinds of extractions they may do:
- Simple Extraction: If the tooth is just at the gumline, they can simply pull it out without cutting anything. They use forceps to pull it out gently.
- Surgical Extraction: If the tooth is broken or wedged under the gum, they might have to make a small incision to remove it. This is typically for more complex cases.
Sedation Options:
We do not have to worry about experiencing pain. There are a few sedative options that can be used to make us comfortable:
- Local anesthetic numbs the surrounding area of the tooth, making us conscious but painless.
- Sedation Dentistry: Nitrous oxide, laughing gas, or oral sedatives can be employed to relax individuals and make them more comfortable if they are anxious.
Procedure Duration
The entire treatment normally takes a short time. A routine extraction can take 20-40 minutes, but a surgical one may take slightly longer. The surgeon will guide us through each stage, so we are never left in the dark. If you want to know more about the procedure, aftercare, and recovery, check out our blog.
Recovery After a Tooth Extraction
Pain Management
It’s completely natural to have some pain after the extraction. The oral surgeon may prescribe painkillers that will make the experience much simpler. You might also apply an ice pack on your cheek to ease swelling and numb the affected area.
Bleeding Control
Bite on some gauze to halt bleeding for the first few hours. Spitting or using straws should be avoided since the suction can release the blood clot and slow the healing process.
Dietary Suggestions
Follow soft foods for the initial few days. Yogurt, mashed potatoes, and soup are excellent choices—no chewing involved! Also, avoid hot or spicy foods, as they may irritate the site.
Oral Hygiene Instructions
Don’t brush anywhere close to the extraction area for the first 24 hours. Then, you can brush softly, but not until it heals some.
Healing Timeline
Recovery usually takes around 7-10 days. By then, swelling and soreness should have decreased, and you’ll be alright. Just make sure to take good care with the aftercare for a smooth recovery.
Refer to our blog for more information on post-extraction care.
Emergency Tooth Extraction vs. Root Canal: Which Is Right for You?
When a Root Canal Can Save the Tooth
A root canal is usually the preferred treatment if a tooth is badly damaged or infected but still viable. If the pulp of the tooth is inflamed or infected, a root canal will drain out the infection and seal the tooth, enabling it to last for several more years. This is the best choice if the tooth is in good enough condition to be left in the mouth.
When Extraction Is the Better Option
Occasionally, a root canal won’t do. If the tooth is too compromised, badly decayed, or the infection has traveled too far, extraction is the only choice. Removing the tooth can bring instant relief from pain and infection and avoid future problems, particularly if the tooth cannot be salvaged.
Visiting an Oral Surgeon in Morristown
It is advisable to see an experienced oral surgeon in Morristown to decide the course of treatment. They will examine our condition, explain our choices, and advise us on the treatment that will yield the best long-term result for our oral health.
Why Choose Ridge Oral Surgery for Emergency Tooth Extractions?
When we find ourselves faced with an emergency tooth removal, we require an experienced oral surgeon that we can rely on. Ridge Oral Surgery in Morristown offers emergency treatment with same-day emergency appointments to make us feel better as quickly as possible.
The professional staff is dedicated to making the experience as comfortable for us as possible. With sedation available today, we can choose the best for our needs, whether local anesthesia or sedation dentistry for anxious patients.
Convenience counts, too. Their office is ideally situated for those of us in Morristown, and the flexible scheduling accommodates our need to fit this in when we can. With pain-free and stressless emergency tooth removal, we have confidence that we’ll get great care when we need it the most.
Conclusion
A painful toothache is never something to joke about—act quickly to avoid causing further problems. If you’re in pain, seek emergency medical attention immediately. Ridge Oral Surgery in Morristown offers experienced emergency tooth extractions, with our comfort and speedy relief as their top priority.
For more information about their process, visit our emergency care website or service page for tooth extractions.