Sometimes it’s as fast as tripping on your own two feet, and sometimes it’s a tooth you left a little longer than you should have. Whatever the cause, a dental emergency is something that needs to be taken very seriously! We’re going to talk about some common ones that we often see at Acadia Dental, and what to do if they happen to you!
The 5 most common dental emergencies
1. Chipped or broken tooth
A chipped tooth is a common occurrence. Don’t worry, give us a call right away and we can assess the level of damage and recommend the best course of action. Don’t leave it though—while it may not seem like a big deal, that chip exposes your fragile dentin or even pulp layers which can lead to pain or further complications if left untreated!
2. A tooth being fully knocked out
If your tooth has been knocked out, it is imperative that you see us immediately. If we can get the tooth back into the socket as soon as possible, there is a good chance the natural tooth will take root again. The Canadian Dental Association (CDA) also recommends that if the tooth is whole and clean, you should try to gently put it back in the socket. If this is not possible, put it in a container of cold milk and drive to your dentist right away! We have many treatment options available, but time is of the essence.
3. Abscessed Tooth (Bacterial Infection)
Your mouth and body are connected in ways that many people seem to overlook; an infection in your mouth could mean serious consequences for your overall health. An abscess can be treated by your dentist, who will drain it to eliminate the infection. They may be able to save your tooth with a root canal treatment, but in some cases the tooth may need to be pulled. Leaving it untreated, however, can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening health complications. If you have any of the symptoms of a tooth abscess, call us immediately to schedule an appointment.
4. Toothache
A toothache might seem innocent enough, but it can be an indication of a far more serious concern such as: gum disease, abscess, infection, or severe cavity. If you have a toothache that lasts more than a day, it is time to call us and schedule an appointment.
5. The loss of a filling or crown
The crown or filling is an important barrier between your exposed dentin layer and the cavity causing bacteria in your mouth. If you lose your filling, the CDA recommends you put a piece of softened, sugarless, chewing gum in the spot where the filling was lost and call your dentist immediately.
In any case of dental trauma, call your dentist immediately!
In order to prevent further damage or loss, it is important to take any kind of dental trauma seriously—this includes a toothache! At Acadia Dental, we offer emergency dental services because sometimes accidents happen. Give us a call to schedule an appointment for a dental exam. With regular checkups and cleanings, we can mitigate many dental emergencies before they become serious.
