When Is My Tooth Extraction Considered an Emergency?
Most people hope to keep their natural teeth for a lifetime. At OnCall Dental – Fresno, our caring doctors, Dr. J. Art Mirelez, Jr., and Dr. Christopher Gates, share that goal. We always prioritize treatments that preserve your natural teeth. However, certain situations can make a tooth extraction not just necessary, but an urgent matter. Understanding when your situation constitutes a dental emergency can help you get the prompt care you need.
So, how do you know if you need an emergency tooth extraction in Fresno? Several key signs indicate that you should seek immediate dental attention.
Signs You May Need an Emergency Extraction
Pay close attention to your symptoms. While minor toothaches can often wait for a regular appointment, the following issues signal a more serious problem that may require an urgent extraction.
Severe, Unmanageable Pain
A persistent, throbbing toothache that isn’t relieved by over-the-counter pain medication is a major red flag. This level of pain often points to a deep infection or significant damage to the tooth’s nerve. When the decay or damage is too extensive to be repaired with a filling or root canal, an extraction becomes the best way to eliminate the source of pain and prevent the infection from spreading.
Advanced Infection or Abscess
A dental abscess is a pocket of pus that forms around the root of a tooth due to a bacterial infection. Symptoms include intense pain, swelling in your gums or face, a foul taste in your mouth, and sometimes a fever. An abscess is a serious health concern. If left untreated, the infection can spread to your jawbone and even other parts of your body. An emergency extraction is often required to drain the abscess and remove the infected tooth completely.
Significant Tooth Damage
A sudden accident or injury can cause a tooth to break or fracture severely. If the break extends below the gumline, it may be impossible to save the tooth with a crown or other restorative procedure. In these cases, extracting the damaged tooth promptly is crucial to prevent infection, relieve pain, and prepare for a future replacement option like a dental implant.
Overcrowding Causing Complications
While often addressed through orthodontics, severe overcrowding can sometimes create an emergency. An impacted tooth, for example, might be pushing against its neighbors, causing them to shift, become damaged, or develop infections. When this causes acute pain or swelling, an emergency extraction of the problematic tooth might be recommended to protect the health of your surrounding teeth.
Your Comfort Is Our Priority
The thought of an emergency tooth extraction can be unsettling, but the team at OnCall Dental – Fresno is here to ensure your experience is as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Dr. Mirelez and Dr. Gates are highly experienced in performing gentle and efficient extractions.
During your procedure, we use effective local anesthesia to completely numb the area, so you won’t feel any pain. For patients who experience dental anxiety, we also offer dental sedation options to help you relax throughout the entire process. Your well-being is our top priority, and we are dedicated to providing compassionate, high-quality emergency dental care when you need it most.
CONTACT ONCALL DENTAL (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):
OnCall Dental – Fresno
5492 N Palm Ave Ste A
Fresno, CA 93704
559-900-2332
