5 Signs You May Need an Emergency Tooth Extraction
Tooth pain can be confusing. Sometimes a toothache goes away after a day or two. Other times, it is a sign that you need treatment right away. While not every painful tooth needs to be removed, there are some situations where waiting can make the problem worse.
If you have severe pain, swelling, or signs of infection, it is important to have the tooth examined as soon as possible. The sooner you are seen, the more likely it is that we can stop the pain and prevent the problem from spreading.
Here are five common signs that you may need an emergency tooth extraction.
1. Severe Tooth Pain That Is Not Improving
If you have constant pain that keeps getting worse, especially if it is keeping you awake at night or making it difficult to eat, it may mean the tooth is badly damaged or infected.
Many people try to wait it out, hoping the pain will go away on its own. Unfortunately, severe tooth pain usually means there is a deeper problem inside the tooth, such as:
- A deep cavity
- A cracked tooth
- An infected nerve
- A severe abscess
Pain that does not improve after a day or two should be evaluated. If over-the-counter pain medication is no longer helping, that is another sign you should not wait.
2. Swelling in Your Gums, Cheek, or Face
Swelling is often a sign of infection. If your face, gums, or cheek are becoming puffy, warm, or tender, the infection may be spreading.
A swollen tooth should never be ignored. Dental infections can spread quickly into the surrounding tissues and become more serious.
You should seek treatment right away if you notice:
- Swelling in your cheek or jaw
- A lump or bump near the tooth
- Pain when opening your mouth
- Trouble swallowing
- Swelling that continues to get worse
If you are having difficulty breathing or swallowing because of swelling, go to the emergency room immediately.
3. A Broken or Cracked Tooth
A broken or cracked tooth is not always an emergency, but if the crack goes deep into the tooth, it can be very painful and may not be repairable.
You may need an extraction if:
- A large piece of the tooth broke off
- The tooth is cracked below the gumline
- The tooth hurts when you bite down
- The tooth is too damaged to support a crown or filling
In some cases, a dentist may still be able to save the tooth with a filling, crown, or root canal. However, if the damage is too severe, an extraction may be the best option to stop the pain and prevent infection.
4. A Loose Adult Tooth
Adult teeth should not feel loose. If a permanent tooth suddenly becomes loose because of infection, gum disease, or injury, it may need to be removed before it causes more pain or damage.
A loose tooth can happen because of:
- Advanced gum disease
- Bone loss around the tooth
- Trauma or injury
- A severe infection
Even if the tooth is only slightly loose, it is important to have it checked. The longer you wait, the greater the chance that the infection or damage will affect nearby teeth.
5. Signs of a Tooth Infection
An infected tooth may cause:
- A bad taste in your mouth
- Pus around the tooth or gums
- Swelling
- Fever
- A bump on the gums
- Bad breath that does not go away
- Throbbing pain
An infection can spread quickly and should be treated as soon as possible. In some cases, the tooth can still be saved. In other cases, removing the tooth is the safest and fastest way to stop the infection.
What Happens During an Emergency Tooth Extraction?
Many people are nervous when they hear they may need a tooth removed. The good news is that emergency extractions are usually quicker and easier than most people expect.
At your visit, we will:
- Take an X-ray
- Examine the tooth and surrounding area
- Explain whether the tooth can be saved
- Review your treatment options and costs
- Remove the tooth if needed
Our goal is always to save the tooth if possible. However, when a tooth is too damaged or infected, removing it can often provide fast relief.
When Should You Call a Dentist?
You should call as soon as possible if you have:
- Severe tooth pain
- Swelling
- Fever
- A broken tooth
- A loose adult tooth
- Pus or drainage near a tooth
The earlier you are treated, the easier and less expensive the treatment usually is.
At Dr. Pull It, our emergency exam and X-ray starts at $49, and we can usually tell you right away whether the tooth can be saved or if an extraction is the best option.
We understand that dental emergencies are stressful. Our goal is to make the process simple, affordable, and as comfortable as possible.
