Tooth extractions are a fairly common procedure and there are a number of different reasons why you may need to have one or more of your teeth extracted. One of the most common questions that people have about the procedure is, can you have a same day tooth extraction? Same day tooth extraction offers immediate relief for patients experiencing dental pain.
Often, the problems that make tooth extraction necessary in the first place can cause a lot of pain. Oral surgeons are equipped to provide these urgent procedures efficiently and safely. Due to this, patients are left wondering how long they’ll have to deal with the affected tooth before it can be removed. This page will give you all of the information that you need about dental extraction and emergency dental procedures.
Introduction to Dental Extraction
Dental extraction is a routine dental procedure designed to remove teeth that are damaged, decayed, or causing other oral health issues. Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are among the most commonly extracted teeth due to their tendency to become impacted or cause severe pain and overcrowding. Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to discomfort, infection, and even damage to other teeth if left untreated. The primary goal of wisdom tooth extraction and other dental procedures is to alleviate pain, prevent future complications, and help patients maintain good oral hygiene. Consulting a dental professional is essential for personalized advice on whether wisdom teeth removal or another type of tooth extraction is necessary to support your overall oral health.
Reasons For Tooth Extraction
There are a number of different reasons why you might have a tooth removed and, depending on the nature of the problem, you may be able to have the tooth extracted on the same day.
However, it’s essential to contact your dental provider to obtain professional dental advice to find out if other steps, like antibiotic use, are necessary before an extraction, or if an extraction is necessary at all.
Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is one of the most common reasons why a tooth will need to be removed. If you don’t maintain good oral hygiene, plaque and bacteria will build up and the tooth will decay. When identified early, improved oral hygiene may be able to prevent serious damage and there won’t be a need to remove the tooth. In some cases, fillings or crowns can be used to repair the teeth so they don’t need to be extracted. But if the decay is serious and it’s causing a lot of pain, you may need to have it completely removed. You can avoid this by looking for family dentistry near you and having regular checkups to ensure that your oral hygiene routine is adequate.
Gum Disease
Gum disease is also caused by poor oral hygiene and it can be just as damaging as tooth decay. The support systems that hold the teeth in place will become damaged and the teeth will start to loosen if gum disease isn’t treated early enough, which is why regular checkups are important. Unfortunately, if treatment isn’t administered in time, teeth may need to be extracted. Gum disease may also lead to aggressive infections that need to be dealt with before they become more severe.
Overcrowded Teeth
In some cases, people can have too many teeth in their mouth and the teeth become overcrowded. This causes oral hygiene issues because it’s difficult to brush between overlapping teeth, so it’s necessary to have teeth extracted. In many cases, this’ll be part of a wider treatment plan to straighten the teeth.
Damaged Teeth
When teeth are damaged by an impact of some kind (a common sport’s related injury) and they’re cracked or broken off completely, this can cause a lot of pain because the nerve endings in the teeth are exposed. Depending on the nature of the damage, a crown may be fitted and the tooth won’t need to be extracted. But if the tooth has broken below the gum line and a crown can’t be fitted, the tooth will need to be removed.
Wisdom Teeth
Most people have four wisdom teeth, which are the third molars located at the back of the mouth. These extra teeth usually grow in older patients, typically emerging between ages 17 and 25. Not everybody has them and even those that do have them don’t always experience pain. However, a significant number of people find that their wisdom teeth cause them discomfort and they eventually need to be removed. If these teeth become impacted or cause dental health issues, it’s important to monitor their development and consult a dentist about having the wisdom teeth removed if necessary. Wisdom teeth removal is often a more complex procedure that isn’t typically done on a same day basis.
When Should You Have A Same Day Tooth Extraction?
Knowing when you should have a same day tooth extraction can be difficult and it depends on a few factors. Pain is one of the biggest factors to consider and if you’re experiencing severe pain, it may indicate the need for an urgent tooth extraction. If you’re in considerable pain, and you don’t already have a dentist, you should start searching for dentists near you and/or dental emergency services. In most areas you’ll be able to find an emergency dentist that’ll be able to see you on the same day and remove the tooth so it doesn’t continue to cause you pain. This is most common in patients that have serious decay or gum disease, which leads to a painful infection. Broken teeth that are causing considerable pain should also be removed on the same day as well.
However, if you have wisdom teeth that are causing mild to moderate pain, these won’t usually need to be removed on the same day. Similarly, overcrowded teeth aren’t considered an emergency and there’s no need for same day tooth extraction.
As well as pain, you should also consider whether there are other related problems, like infections. If tooth decay or gum disease is particularly serious, it may be necessary to remove teeth immediately before the infection spreads or antibiotic use could be a necessary first step.
Preparation for Extraction
Preparing for a regular tooth extraction or a wisdom tooth extraction begins with an open conversation with your dentist or oral surgeon. Be sure to share your complete medical history, including any medications you’re currently taking, as this information helps your dental professional determine the safest and most effective approach for your tooth extraction. Your oral surgeon will discuss anesthesia options, such as local anesthesia or general anesthesia, to ensure your comfort during the procedure. It’s also wise to arrange for a friend or family member to accompany you to the appointment, especially if sedation will be used. Before your extraction, stock up on pain medications recommended by your dental professional and prepare a soft diet – think yogurt, mashed potatoes, and smoothies – to make your recovery period more comfortable. Taking these steps can help minimize post-operative discomfort and set the stage for a smooth healing process.
The Extraction Procedure
The process of a tooth extraction is carefully managed to ensure patient comfort and safety. Your dentist or oral surgeon will begin by administering anesthesia – either local anesthesia to numb the area, nitrous oxide, or general anesthesia if multiple teeth are being removed or if you prefer to be asleep during the procedure. Once the anesthesia is working, the dentist or surgeon will either begin the process of pulling the tooth, or if you’re dealing with an impacted wisdom tooth, a small incision will be made in the gum tissue to access the wisdom tooth. In some cases, the tooth may be divided into smaller sections to make removal easier and less traumatic for the surrounding tissue. After the tooth is removed, the oral surgeon will use stitches to close the incision if necessary, and gauze will be placed over the extraction site to control bleeding. The entire procedure typically takes between 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the complexity. Afterward, you’ll be monitored in a recovery area until you’re ready to go home.
A same day extraction is a surgical procedure, and care must be taken to protect the surgical site during and after the operation. The first few hours after extraction are critical for proper healing, so it’s important to follow all post-operative instructions closely. Many patients underestimate the importance of following these instructions, which can lead to complications such as excessive bleeding or dry socket. If you notice excessive bleeding after extraction, seek immediate dental attention.
Aftercare Instructions
Following your tooth extraction, proper aftercare is essential for a smooth recovery and to ensure proper healing. Your dental professional will provide specific post-operative care instructions, which may include taking prescribed or OTC pain medications to manage pain and discomfort. To reduce swelling, apply ice packs to your jaw for short intervals during the first 24 hours. Control bleeding by gently biting down on gauze pads, and replace them as needed until the bleeding subsides. Stick to a soft diet – foods like applesauce, pudding, smoothies (without a straw) and soup are gentle on the extraction site and help prevent irritation. Maintain good oral hygiene by gently rinsing your mouth with warm salt water starting 24 hours after the procedure, but avoid using straws or spitting forcefully, as this can dislodge the blood clot and delay healing. Attend all follow-up appointments so your dental professional can monitor your progress and address any concerns, helping you achieve a smooth recovery and complete healing.
Insurance and Coverage
Understanding your insurance coverage is an important part of planning for any tooth extractions. Many dental insurance plans cover teeth extractions, including wisdom tooth removal, especially when it’s medically necessary due to severe pain, infection, or impacted teeth. Before scheduling your procedure, check with your insurance provider to confirm what’s included in your policy, including any deductibles, copayments, and annual limits. Providers like Delta Dental and United Healthcare often offer coverage for dental procedures such as tooth extraction, but it’s important to clarify the specifics with both your insurance company and your dental professional. Knowing your coverage details in advance can help you avoid unexpected costs and make informed decisions about your oral health care. If you don’t have insurance and are concerned about expenses, you can learn more about how much it costs to get a tooth pulled without insurance. If you have questions about your benefits or need help understanding your options, your dental office can often assist you in navigating the insurance process.
Wisdom teeth extraction is often covered by insurance when it’s medically necessary, so check with your provider if you have concerns about coverage.
Conclusion
When you’re looking for a family dentist in the Eastpointe area, it’s important that you consider the potential need for same day tooth extraction. If you or a member of your family has a serious dental health problem, it could be incredibly damaging to your oral health if that tooth isn’t removed, or you don’t start on antibiotics right away before it causes more problems. That’s why you should always become a patient of a dentist that offers emergency same day tooth extraction.
Here at Patient Empowered Dentistry, we don’t provide advanced oral surgery but we can provide emergency dental procedures for existing patients, including extractions. Feel free to get in touch today to discuss how we can look after your family’s dental health.
