A visit to the dentist is usually a planned affair. You may arrange to have a crown fixing or tooth extraction at a certain time in the near future. Some visits are merely routine to ensure all is well with your teeth.
Sometimes, you may need emergency dentistry Richmond services. Some reasons for getting emergency dental treatment are obvious, such as a knocked-off or seriously broken tooth, but some are not. Well, here are five things that warrant an emergency visit to your dentist.
Toothache and Abscesses
If you are experiencing a dull, persistent toothache, you may be tempted to take some Aspirin and wait a few days to see your dentist. However, any toothache warrants immediate attention from your dentist.
The leading cause of toothache is decay. This means that by the time you feel pain in your teeth, the enamel has been worn out so much by cavities that the nerves start feeling achy. To prevent further damage to your teeth, it is best to visit your dentist promptly.
You should also visit your dentist urgently if you notice abscesses or pus draining from your teeth. Usually, the abscesses are accompanied by pain and swelling. Pus often points to an infection that, if left untreated, can quickly spread to other areas of your mouth. This is why emergency dental care is critical if you see abscesses and swelling in your mouth.
A Knocked-Out Tooth
Getting your tooth knocked out can be a frightening experience, and it requires prompt medical attention. If you act fast, you may be able to redeem the tooth so that it can be reinstalled in your mouth.
The best practice is to clean the crown of your tooth as soon as possible after it falls off. Avoid washing the root unless it is very dirty, and by all means, don’t remove any fibers attached to the tooth. Then place it in a cup of water or milk with a little salt, and hurry to the dentist’s office.
Always wear a mouth guard when playing sports to avoid getting your teeth knocked out.
Chipped or Broken Teeth
You should also arrange an emergency visit to the dentist if your tooth gets chipped or broken. Acting quickly can minimize damage to the chipped tooth and save you hours of agonizing pain.
If you must wait before seeing the dentist, use a cold compress to alleviate the pain. You should also avoid biting into hard objects as this only exacerbates your pain.
Broken Braces
Sometimes, the wires on braces and other orthodontic devices get broken, and they can press painfully against your cheek or jaw. If this happens, see your dentist promptly.
You can ease discomfort by placing a cotton ball near the site of the broken braces. However, please don’t attempt to cut the wire, as you could swallow it and harm yourself greatly.
A Lost Crown
You should also make an emergency visit to your dentist if you lose a crown. This will enable your dentist to replace it while causing the affected tooth minimal damage.
Dental emergencies are more common than you might think. This is why you should choose a dentist who offers emergency services. Should you experience any circumstances discussed here, don’t hesitate to see your dentist. It could save you a lot of pain.
