A tooth removal can be an intimidating and nerve-wracking procedure, especially if it’ll be your first time. But no matter how much we want to avoid it, certain circumstances and oral health problems may require dental extraction. This may be due to the severity of your condition or it may be the final option after various other treatments were proven ineffective.
Still, it can be difficult to determine if your condition calls for an emergency tooth removal. To help you, here are some signs and symptoms to look out for:
Intense and Persistent Tooth Pain
No matter how minor the tooth pain is, once it’s present, it is a clear sign that something is wrong. If the intensity only becomes worse over time and persists despite the use of over-the-counter pain medications, you might be dealing with a more serious dental problem.
Severe and constant tooth pain may occur because of various reasons. Talking to your dentist immediately and getting a proper diagnosis will help you find out if you need an extraction. By doing so, you will also alleviate any pain and discomfort you’re experiencing.
Swollen Face and Gums
There are many reasons for experiencing swelling in the face and gums. But, one of the most common ones is an infection. An infected tooth causes pockets of pus, called an abscess, to form, which is characterized by red, swollen bumps or boils. If left untreated, the infection can spread to other parts of your body and cause further complications.
Since an abscess doesn’t usually go away on its own, a visit to a dental professional is necessary to have it treated. If the affected tooth is found to be severely damaged and cannot be saved, your dentist may propose an emergency dental extraction.
Bleeding Gums
If your gums feel tender or painful and you notice traces of blood after brushing or flossing, there are chances you might have a gum infection. Severe gum infection, also known as periodontitis, damages the soft tissues and the bones supporting your teeth. Because of this, it is known as the leading cause of tooth loss.
To find out whether you need the infected tooth extracted or if other treatments may still be possible, consult a dentist at the first sign of periodontitis. Doing so will also prevent loss of teeth or more serious health concerns from occurring.
Root Canal Failure
A root canal involves removing the infected pulp and nerves in an affected tooth. Aside from an abscess, this treatment is also done with severely decayed or fractured teeth. Although chances of failure are usually slim, if your root canal procedure fails, you may experience symptoms such as swelling, redness, and pus discharge.
When this happens, you may either need a retreatment or a tooth extraction. Visiting your dentist will help you determine the best possible remedy for your condition.
Extremely Loose Tooth
Blunt trauma caused by a vehicular accident or a sports injury may cause your teeth to become loose. But, if you notice that you have a loose or wobbly tooth despite not suffering from any injuries, it might be due to gum disease or nerve damage.
Even if an extremely loose tooth isn’t accompanied by pain, getting a proper diagnosis can better determine the next best step for your condition. If this dental problem is caused by infected teeth and gums, you’ll likely need to have a tooth removed.
Jaw Pain and Stiffness
Various reasons may cause pain and stiffness in your jaw. These include teeth grinding, trauma, an impacted wisdom tooth, or more severe issues, like a tooth abscess or periodontal disease. If the problem is the latter, a dental extraction may be recommended. Jaw pain can impair your mobility and cause a lot of discomfort, so it’s best to have it checked by a dentist right away.
Get Emergency Dental Care and Treatment
Now that you know about these signs, you can better assess when you’ll need to visit a dentist for a possible emergency tooth removal. Finding out whether an extraction is necessary for damaged or affected teeth as early as possible is essential to prevent further complications or other health concerns.
There are many other symptoms and oral health problems that may require urgent dental care. So, if you experience or notice anything unusual with your teeth, jaw, or gums, consult a trusted dentist near you.
