What to Expect in an Emergency Tooth Extraction Procedure

If the pain in your teeth becomes too much to bear, you might already need to go to the dentist and have them look at what’s wrong. Chances are, you probably need an emergency tooth extraction. As frightening as that may sound, tooth extractions are necessary, depending on the situation. But what exactly happens in an emergency tooth extraction? Read on to find out.

Why Would I Need an Emergency Tooth Extraction?

Emergency extraction is required when it is absolutely imperative that a tooth be removed within a 24-48 hour period. There are many situations that would warrant this procedure, such as massive breaks, severe pain, large cracks and other scenarios that put your oral health at risk. Your dentist will try to save your tooth as much as possible, but if they can’t, extraction would be their last resort.

What Happens During the Extraction Process?

The extraction process is actually a fairly quick and simple one. First, the dentist will give you a local anesthetic to numb your tooth and mouth, so you don’t experience any discomfort during the procedure. If your tooth is impacted or you’re having several teeth removed, your dentist may need to administer a general anesthetic to make you sleep during the procedure.

Once you’re anesthetized, the extraction begins. Once your dentist is able to remove the tooth, and no other complications occur, they then place a gauze into the empty socket and have you bite down to stop the bleeding. In some cases, stitches may be needed to close the gum up. After the bleeding has stopped, you just wait for some of the effects of the anesthetic to wear off, and you’ll be ready to head home.

How Long Does a Tooth Extraction Take?

If just one tooth needs to be extracted, the entire process can be completed in about 20-40 minutes. However, multiple extractions will require more time to complete, not to mention certain factors like how much the tooth is rooted on your gums. Each additional tooth will take more or less another three to fifteen minutes.

Will I Experience Pain During the Procedure?

You won’t be feeling any pain since the nerve fibres that transmit pain signals will be anesthetized. However, the sensation of pressure from the dentist’s hand and tools will still be there. At times, you may even experience a lot of pressure. There’s really no reason to worry since the pressure shouldn’t cause any discomfort.

What Else Should I Know About Having an Extraction?

During the tooth extraction procedure, it’s normal to hear loud noises, which come from the tools that the dentist uses to extract your tooth. Many patients find this to be unbearable and maybe even the most unpleasant part of the process. Lying on the table, not feeling anything and not seeing what happens inside your mouth can be an anxiety-inducing experience, especially if combined with the roaring sound of the dentist’s tools. It is recommended that you bring something to distract you, like a pair of headphones, so you can listen to music while the procedure is taking place.

Conclusion

Tooth extractions are a necessary part of maintaining oral health during an emergency. While undergoing the procedure isn’t exactly the most comfortable situation to be in, there’s really nothing to worry about. Make sure you visit your dentist at least three to four times a year to prevent any possible dental emergencies from occurring.

At 24/7 Emergency Dental Clinic, we understand the importance of maintaining excellent oral health at all times, which is why our dentists will do everything to take care of your teeth and mouth. We specialize in dental emergency services, including root canal, tooth extractions, bleeding gums, and loose teeth. If you’re ever in a dental emergency in downtown Calgary, our clinic is here to help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!