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What Causes Emergency Tooth Extractions?
Have you ever experienced an unexpected toothache and rushed to the emergency dentist for an extraction? Unfortunately, this isn’t an uncommon experience. Many dental patients find themselves in need of urgent dental care due to severe pain or infections in their teeth.
While emergency tooth extractions are sometimes unavoidable, it helps to know why they occur so that you can do your part to prevent them. As the old saying goes: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Keep reading as we explore common causes of emergency tooth extractions and how best practices in preventive dentistry can help keep your smile safe from such incidents!
Large Cavities
Large cavities can lead to emergency tooth extractions if left untreated. Cavities are caused by plaque on the teeth that accumulates over time and releases acid, which erodes the enamel away from the tooth’s surface. This erosion allows bacteria to enter, which then spreads through the tooth and causes irreversible damage. Dr. Christopher Wolberg at Cedarwood Dentistry explains that small cavities are relatively simple to treat – they’re typically detectable by x-rays and dental exams and are generally painless for patients who need a filling or bonding. However, an emergency tooth extraction may be necessary if a cavity becomes so large that it cannot be filled. It is always important to practice prevention and good oral hygiene habits to avoid emergency tooth extractions.
Periodontal Disease or Bone Loss
Due to periodontal disease, also known as bone loss, emergency tooth extractions may become necessary for individuals affected. Brushing and flossing daily, along with regular visits to the dentist, are essential to ensure that oral health is maintained and periodontal disease can be avoided. With periodontal disease, the body starts to eat away at the bone, and gums begin pushing teeth out, responding as if a tooth is a foreign object in the mouth. Dr. Wolberg shares that “[Periodontal disease] is almost like the foundation of your home being lost. If a tooth is loose, it means a lot of times there’s a loss of the bone structure around the tooth.” Emergency tooth extractions may be necessary due to the instability and intense pain caused by these conditions. By taking preventative measures and generally caring for your teeth, emergency tooth extractions may be avoided.
Traumatic Fractures
Traumatic fractures can be worse for our teeth than just a simple chip or crack. When the traumatic force is great enough to cause significant displacement of the tooth, an emergency tooth extraction may be required. Traumatic fractures can be caused by sports or workplace injuries or something as simple as grinding teeth. These circumstances often require more extensive intervention than a simple filling, crown, or root canal. In addition to being painful, traumatic fractures can create a risk of infection that could spread to other teeth in your mouth and cause additional issues. Receiving quick treatment and intervention after traumatic injuries can help limit the pain and damage done to your teeth and avoid other complications.
Preventing Emergency Tooth Extractions
According to Dr. Wolberg, more than 90 percent of tooth extractions are completely preventable. Many emergency tooth extractions are caused by a general lack of caring for one’s teeth. Regular brushing and flossing, as well as regular dental visits, can prevent the need for these procedures. Minimizing consumption of raw and processed sugar, including candy and soda, as well as bread, carbs, and tobacco products, can also diminish the need for emergency tooth extractions.
At Cedarwood Dentistry, we cultivate dental health through personalized care. We offer a variety of dental services, including family dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and emergency care in Midlothian, Virginia. Whether you last visited the dentist six months or six years ago, we can help bring your smile to life. Schedule your dentist appointment today by calling 804-379-9375.