Not every problem with your teeth may constitute a true dental emergency, as some concerns of yours can wait until your next dental checkup or for as long as it takes to make an appointment with your dentist. However, sometimes a visit to an emergency dental clinic or a walk-in type of clinic can be in order. Before you assume that you should wait to have your teeth looked at, note when it's good to visit a dental clinic right away:
1. When a tooth is suddenly out of alignment
If a tooth is so loose that it's out of alignment, you need to visit a dental clinic right away. If the tooth is not put back into place and a brace applied, it can fall out as the roots continue to come loose. Adding this brace can also mean that the tooth remains straight as the root is allowed to grow strong again.
If you were to leave it out of alignment, even if the loose root heals itself, the tooth may stay out of alignment and remain crooked. To save the tooth and maintain your appearance, visit a dental clinic instead.
2. Sudden cracks or chips
The reason you need to visit a dental clinic when you notice sudden cracks or chips is that you might make this tooth fracture worse by eating or even talking. In some cases, the teeth surrounding this fractured tooth or the jaw itself may put pressure on it so that the crack or chip becomes worse.
If the fracture gets larger or deeper, the tooth may not be able to be saved. A dentist can put a cap over the tooth, fill in the crack with bonding or a veneer, or otherwise address it so that the tooth is protected.
3. Sudden and severe pain
A slight toothache may be the result of a cavity that needs filling, or you may grinding your teeth at night. These can often be fixed at your next dental appointment. However, sudden and severe pain should be checked by a dentist right away. You may have a dental injury that you cannot easily see, or a cavity has become so deep that the tooth roots and nerves are now exposed.
Ignoring these problems can mean tooth loss and even more pain, and in some cases, the need for a root canal, which is a type of surgery on the soft tissue of the teeth. It's best to have this type of sudden pain at least checked by an emergency dentist rather than assuming it will go away.
Share7 August 2015
As you age, it can become harder to take care of your teeth. Motor challenges can make it hard to floss, while memory issues may make it easy to overlook brushing. Whether you are a senior looking for solutions to some of the common dental problems or a senior with specific questions about cavities or oral surgery, you have come to the right place. In this blog, I am going to touch on a range of topics related to seniors and oral health. This is the type of resource I wish my mum would have had access to in her senior years, and I hope you enjoy having access to it during yours. I appreciate you reading my posts.
