A dental emergency can strike at any time and with no warning. Perhaps a person is playing a game of touch football on Thanksgiving and a family member decides to up the ante and a tackle comes into play, accidentally knocking out two front teeth. Or maybe on vacation in the tropics, someone decides to go deep-sea fishing, but upon climbing into the fishing boat, they slip on the dock and fall, chipping three of the front teeth. From misplaced fly balls to bagel seeds causing a painful bout of inflammation, there are all sorts of dental emergencies.

The five most common reasons for emergency dentist visits:

1. Lost tooth

Somehow a candidate for emergency care has managed to knock out a tooth. Whether it's the result of a sports injury or because of decay, when a tooth is lost, that person has become a candidate for emergency dental care. If the tooth is salvageable, then it can be reattached to the socket, but this must be done within an hour or two.

2. Chipped tooth

A chipped tooth is a universal dental emergency. Small chips can be created by food (nuts and chicken bones have sent many people to the dentist); nevertheless, it's usually some kind of injury or accident that causes a chip. While a person might be embarrassed to walk around with a chip in a front tooth, it is easily fixed with a crown, bond or veneer.

3. Broken tooth

A broken tooth is more serious than a chipped tooth. When a tooth breaks, it might be due to a tiny or hidden chip. Nevertheless, chances are the discomfort and pain will be more severe.

4. Something stuck

It might seem funny, but getting a piece of food lodged in the wrong place can cause a dental emergency. If something gets stuck deep in a crevice, it can cause inflammation and pain.

5. Lost filling

The loss of a filling happens more frequently than a person thinks. When someone loses a filling, they need to receive emergency care. If this does not occur, further damage could incur to the tooth.

Let's discuss when to see an emergency dentist

The assistance of an emergency dentist is vital for some instances of dental trauma. As an example, there is no sense seeing a regular dentist if you have nearly unbearable oral pain resulting from teeth being knocked out from a car accident, sports injury or slip or fall.  Professional assistance from an emergency dentist is vital to alleviate the pain, restore the mouth's functionality and ensure the patient does not end up with a smile they are hesitant to show off in front of others.  Failing to obtain treatment for the oral health challenges outlined above will of cause the conditions to worsen and may require intense therapy in the coming weeks, months or even years.

When there is an injury to the teeth or mouth, seeking emergency care as soon as possible is essential. In the event of a suspected emergency, don't wait. Contact an emergency dentist right away.

Request an appointment here: https://lindsayfamilydental.com or call Lindsay Family Dental at (559) 425-1120 for an appointment in our Lindsay office.

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