Three of the Most Common Reasons a Person Needs an Emergency Appointment with a Dentist
In a perfect world, you would never have a reason to call a dentist for an emergency. You would visit your dentist twice per year at your dental cleaning and exam and brush and floss daily. You would never have a trauma that resulted in damage to your teeth.
Of course, this all sounds great but it is too good to be true. The fact is that you might face one of these three common reasons to call for an emergency dental appointment. If you do, contact California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 right away for help.
- A Lost Tooth
- Never-Ending Toothaches
- You Have a Tooth That is Significantly Chipped
One of the top reasons a person visits the dentist in an emergency capacity is because they lost a tooth. If this happens to you, try to keep the tooth in your mouth if possible. Ideally, tuck it between your gums and your cheek. This helps keep it moist and increases the chance that it can be repaired. If you cannot do this, then find a moist container to keep it until you get to the dentist. Do not pick up the tooth by the root – always handle it with the crown.
If you have a toothache, you should visit your dentist. If your teeth are healthy and your gums are free from infection, then there is no reason you should feel pain in your teeth. Most toothaches are not emergencies, but if the pain is persistent, sharp, or very strong, then you should call your dentist immediately and let them know it is an emergency. This type of throbbing pain can be a sign that there is something seriously wrong and it is best to get it treated sooner rather than later.
If you have a chipped tooth, you can always choose to go to the dentist to have it repaired but it is not always necessary. If the tooth that has been chipped does not have inner tissue exposed and it does not hurt, then you could decide to live with it – or you could call us for help using porcelain veneers or other cosmetic dentistry options.
On the other hand, if you do see that there is tissue exposed, or if the tooth feels sensitive or hurts after it is chipped, then you need to get to the dentist right away. If the inner tooth or root is damaged, then you might need a root canal or other procedure.
If you are ever unsure if it is an emergency situation or not, you can always call California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 to get our advice.
