Many of us have experienced a moment in our lives where we’ve had a sudden dental disaster and didn’t know whether to go straight to the dentist or make a future appointment. To help you determine the correct course of action, we’ve put together this quick guide that will outline the scenarios where you could need dental emergency treatment as soon as possible.
Lost Tooth
A lost tooth that’s been suddenly knocked out is considered an emergency. If you can get to the dentist in under an hour, you have a decent chance of saving the tooth. But you’ll need to hold it back in its socket until you can get help to improve the chances of it taking root again.
Abscess
An infected tooth forms a pocket of pus that looks like a small pimple called an abscess. If this forms in your mouth, it’s important to get to a dentist right away before the infection can spread to other areas of your body, like your jaw or neck.
Fracture
It’s not uncommon to damage your tooth when playing sports or even drinking from a glass, so it can be difficult to tell when it’s something you need to be concerned about. Chipping or cracking your tooth is not always considered an emergency, but when there’s pain or obvious dark parts showing, it’s a sign you need to get to your dentist right away. Any deep fractures that reach the pulp area should be treated as a concern.
Exposed Filling or Cap
If you’ve lost a filling or a crown, you may need to visit the dentist if the root is exposed or there is pain. Without a protective barrier, the area can easily become susceptible to germs and infection which can lead to further issues. So it’s best to seek dental help immediately.
Broken Appliance
If you wear an oral appliance, you could need emergency dental help if any of the wires or instruments in your mouth become loose. Sharp and pointed areas could cause serious cuts to the inside of your mouth and gums if not properly fixed. So the sooner you get to your dentist, the better.
If you experience any of the above scenarios, it’s important to head to your local dentist office to get it treated. In Ottawa, our Carlingwood Dental clinic offers emergency dentistry for all our patients. So if an emergency arises, you can come and get treated right away. To find out more about our emergency dental services, contact our office and one of our friendly staff will be happy to help you.
