Tooth extraction, simply put, is having a tooth removed. Extraction can be a quick way to alleviate pain, treat an infection, or relieve strain on surrounding teeth. The best way to tell if you need a tooth extraction is to talk to your family dentist; however, you can make an appointment if you notice any of the signs that you may need a tooth pulled.
Signs You May Need an Emergency Tooth Extraction
Tooth extractions aren’t always an emergency, but it may benefit you to be aware of the difference between a routine extraction and a dental emergency. An emergency dentist can fit you in on the same day if you meet certain criteria:
- Your tooth is broken or fractured or has been knocked out. A badly damaged tooth may cause other problems if left untreated; for example, if the nerve has been exposed, you may be unable to eat, drink, breathe, or talk without severe pain.
- You’re bleeding. If you taste blood in your mouth or are spitting blood, you have a dental emergency. You may have impacted your tooth or caused other oral trauma.
- You have swollen gums or swelling in your jaw. Especially if your swelling is localized to one or two teeth or if your face is swelling around your jaw, you may be dealing with an infection.
- An adult tooth is loose. Teeth can become loose because of injury, gum disease, and other health conditions.
- You have lasting or severe pain. If tooth pain is interfering with your day-to-day life, especially if it lasts for hours and spreads into other areas of your face, you should see an emergency dentist.
In cases like these, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Don’t wait to see a dentist when tooth pain is affecting your quality of life, as there may be an underlying reason for the pain that can impact your overall health.
Your Tooth Extraction May Not Be an Emergency
Overcrowding is one of the most common reasons for a non-emergency tooth extraction. Many people live years with overcrowded teeth and don’t experience too many side effects or inconveniences. Sometimes, overcrowding can loom over your dental health, causing problems you didn’t know you had.
For example, overcrowding puts your teeth at greater risk of decay, fractures, and chips. In addition, difficulty eating is an unpleasant side effect of severe overcrowding for many. You may be dealing with overcrowding if your teeth are:
- Twisted
- Too far forward or backward
- Too close to their neighbors to floss easily between them
- Struggling to bite all the way through your food
- Constantly biting the insides of your cheeks
As with any health condition, if your overcrowded teeth are causing you daily and severe pain or headaches, see an emergency dentist. Otherwise, you can talk with your family dentist in Knoxville, TN about scheduling a tooth extraction.
Common Reasons for Tooth Extractions
These common scenarios may indicate that you need a tooth pulled:
- Oral trauma
- Broken teeth
- Tooth decay
- Advanced gum disease
- Impaction (when a tooth is jammed further into the gums)
- Overcrowding
Visit Pristine Smiles for the Best Family Dentist in Knoxville
At Pristine Smiles, we provide emergency and routine dental extractions. We aim to improve your quality of life by relieving your pain, increasing the utility of your bite, and even replacing lost teeth with implants, bridges, or dentures. Call 865-234-4417 or visit our contact page to schedule an appointment with our Knoxville, TN family dentist or to ask about emergency tooth extraction.
