Can Emergency Dentists Remove Teeth?

The short answer is yes, emergency dentists can remove teeth; but they won’t if they can help it. 

Tooth extraction isn’t always the best or only solution to a dental problem. Let’s explore when tooth removal might be necessary, why it should be a last resort, and what alternatives might save your tooth and your smile. 

Yes, Emergency Dentists Can Remove Teeth  

Emergency dentists are trained to handle all sorts of urgent dental issues, including tooth removal. If a tooth is severely damaged, infected, or poses a risk to your overall oral health, an emergency dentist may recommend extraction to alleviate pain and prevent further complications. 

Tooth removal can be a quick way to address severe issues in situations like: 

  • Severe Decay: When a tooth is too decayed to be saved with a filling or crown.
  • Trauma: When an injury cracks or breaks a tooth beyond repair.
  • Infection: When an abscess or infection has spread and poses a risk to nearby teeth or your general health.

But Should Extraction Be the First Option?  

While emergency dentists can remove teeth, it’s essential to understand that tooth extraction comes with consequences.  

Your teeth work together like a finely tuned machine, and removing even one can disrupt that balance.  

The Hidden Costs of Tooth Removal 

  1. Bone Loss

When a tooth is removed, the jawbone in that area no longer receives stimulation from chewing. Over time, the bone begins to shrink, which can weaken the jaw and change the shape of your face.

  1. Shifting Teeth

Your teeth rely on each other for support. When one is removed, the neighbouring teeth can shift into the empty space, potentially causing misalignment and bite problems. 

  1. Gum Recession

Without a tooth to support the surrounding gum tissue, the gums will recede, exposing the roots of neighbouring teeth and increasing sensitivity. 

  1. The Need for Replacements

Replacing a missing tooth often requires dental implants, bridges, or dentures. These solutions can be effective but come with additional costs, time, and maintenance. 

When Extraction Might Be Necessary  

Despite the drawbacks, there are times when tooth removal is the best or only option: 

  • Severe Pain or Infection: If an infected tooth is causing unbearable pain and antibiotics aren’t helping, extraction may be necessary to stop the spread of infection if an endodontist is unable to properly treat the tooth. 
  • Extensive Damage: When a tooth is too broken or decayed to be repaired. 
  • Crowding Issues: In some cases, removing a tooth is necessary to make space for orthodontic treatments like braces.

Why Saving Your Tooth Is Often Better  

Dentists always prioritise preserving your natural teeth when possible, and emergency dentists are no exception. Saving a tooth can help you avoid many of the complications associated with extractions. Here are some common ways emergency dentists might save your tooth instead of removing it: 

  1. Root Canal Treatment

If your tooth is infected or has an abscess, a root canal might be the answer. This procedure removes the infected pulp inside the tooth while keeping the structure intact. Afterwards, the tooth can be restored with a crown for added strength. 

  1. Dental Bonding or Crowns

For teeth that are cracked or chipped, bonding or crowns can restore their shape and function without removing them. 

  1. Antibiotics for Infections

Sometimes, a tooth can’t be treated immediately due to swelling or infection. In these cases, antibiotics can reduce the infection, allowing for the tooth to be repaired. 

  1. Specialist Care

Certain dental emergencies may require the expertise of specialists like endodontists (for root canals) or oral surgeons (for complex issues). This is why it’s crucial to choose an emergency dental clinic with access to a team of specialists. 

The Role of a Skilled Emergency Dentist   

A good emergency dentist will evaluate your condition carefully before recommending extraction. They’ll consider: 

  • The severity of the damage or infection. 
  • Whether the tooth can be saved with other treatments. 
  • The long-term impact of removing the tooth on your oral health. 

At 24-Hour Emergency Dentist London, our focus is on providing comprehensive care, which means exploring every possible option before resorting to extraction. 

What to Expect If Extraction Is Necessary  

If tooth removal is the best course of action, don’t worry – we are skilled at making the process as smooth and painless as possible. Here’s what you can expect: 

  1. Local Anaesthetic: The area around the tooth will be numbed to ensure you feel no pain during the procedure.  
  2. Extraction: The dentist will carefully remove the tooth. For complicated cases, such as impacted wisdom teeth, a surgical approach may be necessary.
  3. Post-Extraction Care: You’ll receive instructions on how to care for the area, including tips to avoid dry sockets (a common complication where the blood clot protects the bone dislodges). 

Why Choose 24-Hour Emergency Dentist London?  

When it comes to dental emergencies, not all clinics are created equal. At 24-Hour Emergency Dentist London, you’re in the hands of experts who prioritise your long-term oral health. 

  • Specialist Team:  Our clinics have a large team of specialists, including endodontists, prosthodontists, and oral surgeons, who collaborate to provide the best possible care. 
  • Medical Expertise: One of the dentists holds a general medical degree in addition to a dental qualification, ensuring a comprehensive approach to your health.
  • Patient-Centred Care:  Our team focuses on preserving your natural teeth whenever possible, using advanced techniques to treat infections, fractures, and other issues without immediate extraction.
  • 24/7 Availability: Emergencies don’t wait, and neither does this clinic. You can count on us for round-the-clock care.

Final Thoughts 

Yes, emergency dentists can remove teeth, but that doesn’t mean they should reach for the extraction tools right away. Saving your natural teeth is always the priority, and with the right care and expertise, many dental emergencies can be resolved without losing a tooth. 

If you’re facing a dental crisis and you’re in London, choose us at 24-Hour Emergency Dentist London, where your long-term oral health is our top priority. Remember, preserving your smile today can save you from bigger challenges tomorrow!