Dental issues can cause distress, and dental problems have a way of sneaking in when least expected. While most dentists have the provision for emergencies, it is crucial to know when to check in and when to wait.
When to Wait
- Lost crown, bridge, or filling: This may get you panicking into the Emergency Dentist. Relax. While something falling off from your mouth is not what you take lightly, fillings easily come off. All you need to do is put the piece back into position using Vaseline or toothpaste. Leaving it open will expose the area to bacteria.
- Broken or cracked tooth: Unless it is accompanied by severe pain or excessive bleeding, this can wait. Ensure you do not bite anything with the teeth though as that will cause undue pressure.
- Broken or damaged retainer or night guard: A night guard covers the upper teeth to prevent your teeth from grinding. Retainers are meant to realign or to hold teeth after surgery. If any of these breaks or is damaged, all you need to do is call your dentist and book an appointment.
- A dull toothache: Do not panic yet. A dull toothache is a cue that you should get in touch with your dentist and find out when you can visit. It is not an emergency though.
- Food stuck between teeth: Yes, food between your teeth is uncomfortable. Just floss it!
Possible Emergencies
- Severe cracked tooth: Rinse your mouth with a warm water to clean the area of a cracked tooth. Cold compresses on your face will help keep the swelling down.
- Knocked-out permanent tooth can occur as a result of many things. If it ever happens to you, preserve the tooth by putting it in milk or a tooth preservation solution. Find your way to an Emergency Dentist.
- Severe toothache: When your tooth aches severely, rinse it with warm water to keep the area clean. Try and remove any food particles stuck between the teeth gently. Find your way to theEmergency Dentist.
No one looks forward to emergencies. Take some precautions like wearing a mouth guard when participating in sports. Do not bite hard things or use sharp objects on your teeth. If you are not sure how severe your dental situation is, call your dentist with any questions. If you have an issue that isn’t an emergency, but still needs to be addressed, feel free to schedule an appointment.
