The only appointment scarier than a routine dentist visit is a trip for a dental emergency. Unlike a scheduled cleaning or a procedure for a minor cavity, true dental emergencies can involve stress, pain, and lots of money to correct.
That’s why it’s important to contact your dentist as soon as possible before it turns into a dental disaster.
Despite your best efforts, unfortunately these problems can pop up at any point in your life, and we are here to help you feel prepared.
Below we’ve outlined three dental emergencies we commonly see and a few ways you can prevent or address them.
What are 3 Common Emergencies?
The list of dental emergencies can be longer than you would expect, so we decided to focus on three of the most common issues experienced by patients: blunt force injuries, missing fillings and crowns, and abscesses.
Blunt Force
Physical accidents are a leading cause of dental emergencies across all age ranges. Whether it’s a young athlete being hit in the face with a baseball or a clumsy adult tripping over the sidewalk, teeth that are broken or completely knocked out constitute a dental emergency.
Victims of these injuries can experience excruciating pain, but they also come with risks that can carry lifelong consequences. For example, newly exposed gums are now at a greater risk for infection.
In cases where the root is damaged or dying, a prompt root canal may be required to prevent additional damage to the area or surrounding teeth.
Thankfully, there are steps you can take to prevent these injuries from occurring. Be careful when eating crunchy foods and avoid gnawing on hard objects like pens. If you’re involved in risky physical activity like baseball or hockey, always be sure to wear a mouth guard. If you have a tendency towards falls, be sure common pathways are clear of obstacles and consider adding cushion to hard surfaces for adults and children alike!
Missing Fillings or Crowns
If you have a filling or a crown, then you’re no stranger to dental issues. Unfortunately, sometimes crowns or fillings become loose and may even fall out. When that happens, the issue that was fixed in the first-place returns, meaning the patient is susceptible to another infection or further damage to the surrounding area.
Patients are encouraged to reduce their risk of problems with their fillings or crowns by avoiding extremely sticky foods, being careful with hard snacks, and maintaining consistent appointments so your dentist can monitor them year to year.
If you notice an issue between visits, it’s vital to give the office a call at the first sign of trouble.
Tooth Abscess
You’ve probably heard the term, but what exactly is an abscess tooth? This dental emergency occurs when the teeth or gums are invaded by infection. The buildup of pus creates pain and sensitivity that make it difficult to eat, drink, or even speak.
Left untreated, you risk losing the tooth or permanent damage to the gumline. In the absolute worst cases, the infection spreads to the other parts of the patient’s body and can cause serious physical side effects.
Like traumatic injuries, there are measures you can employ to prevent the formation of an uncomfortable abscess. The primary defense tactic is consistent maintenance. Be sure to brush for at least two minutes and floss twice a day.
It can also be helpful to routinely use mouthwash to kill any germs and bacteria left behind. Additionally, keeping your yearly cleaning appointments with your dentist is vital in both prevention and spotting issues before they become big problems.
Summing Up
Dental emergencies like those mentioned above should be addressed immediately. Other signs to look out for include unbearable toothaches, bleeding gums, chronic bad breath, and swelling anywhere in the mouth. By keeping an eye out for the signs and implementing proper dental care, you can typically avoid these issues altogether. But if an emergency strikes, our Walled Lake Dental Office is here to help!
Contact us anytime for top rated dental services including cosmetic dentistry such as veneers, dental treatments and tooth restoration, as well as children’s dentistry. You will receive exceptional dental care from Dr. Hechtman. He has been providing dental services for individuals and families for more than 40 years. Schedule a Free Consultation today to achieve a healthy mouth and smile!