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You may attend regular dental care appointments to keep your smile healthy, but unexpected problems can still occur. Even if you take good care of your teeth, a tooth might chip or crack, or a physical accident can result in a dislodged or knocked out tooth. Is every unexpected dental problem an emergency? When do you need to see an emergency dentist?
Some dental issues are true dental emergencies. These include teeth that have been knocked out or dislodged. These types of injuries could result in the loss of a tooth if they are not treated as soon as possible. A knocked out tooth should be handled as little as possible, and the root should be avoided entirely. Keep the tooth in a cup of milk or a tooth preservation kit, and contact our office immediately.
If the tooth is dislodged, which means it has been pushed into or slightly out of its socket, let us know right away. With prompt treatment, we may be able to save the tooth in both instances. Root canal treatment and bracing may be necessary. Often, patients with both types of injuries are able to recover fully. When the tooth cannot be saved, we may recommend replacing it with an implant or similar restoration to protect the long-term health and function of your smile.
Other dental problems are urgent, but not necessarily emergencies. They need to be addressed as soon as possible, but not necessarily immediately. These include dental infections, lost crowns and fillings, cracked or broken teeth, and soft tissue injuries. Delaying treatment could lead to the problem getting worse, such as the loss of the tooth or a serious infection. Call us today to learn more or to schedule an appointment with our dentist.