There are times when you shouldn’t wait for your next checkup to see your dentist. Dental emergencies can happen at any time, and when they do, it’s important to seek help as soon as possible. Here are some signs you need an emergency visit to your dental professional.
A tooth got knocked out. An adult tooth can be saved if you see a dentist within an hour of the incident. If this happens to you, carefully clean the tooth with water or milk and take care not to scrub or touch the root. Then try to place it back in the socket. If you can’t, put it in a cup of milk or your own saliva and get to a dentist as soon as possible.
You’ve suffered a mouth injury. If you were in an accident and you chipped or cracked a tooth, it’s important to see a dentist quickly to prevent the injury from getting worse. A cracked tooth can be extremely painful and is susceptible to infection. If possible, save any pieces of the tooth and bring them to the dentist. A chipped tooth is usually less serious but can irritate or injure your mouth if not dealt with.
Severe toothache. Tooth pain that goes beyond normal sensitivity, may indicate that the tooth is injured or infected. Clean the area carefully with warm water and use floss to make sure that nothing is lodged between your teeth. Use cold compresses to manage the pain until you can get to your dentist.
Lost fillings or crowns. Constant use and age can cause fillings and crowns to deteriorate and fall out. They should be replaced as soon as possible to avoid infection or decay. If possible, bring the missing filling or crown to your emergency appointment.
Gums that won’t stop bleeding. If you don’t floss often, it’s normal to bleed a little when you do clean between your teeth. However, bleeding that won’t stop or that’s accompanied by pain or swelling could indicate that you have gum disease. If left untreated, this can cause your gums to recede and your jawbone to deteriorate.
Looking for an emergency dentist in Calgary? Call Forest Lawn Dental Centre right away if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms. We always leave spaces open during our regular workdays to treat emergency dental patients.
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