Many dentists understand that oral emergencies can occur at any time, so they reserve time to accommodate same-day visits for urgent issues. But you might avoid contacting them for an appointment if you’re worried about the cost, have dental anxiety, or have assumed that you can fix the problem yourself at home.
But you don’t have the same expertise or technology as your provider does, and if you’re not careful, you might end up making matters worse, like these patients did. Continue reading to learn more about 3 of the strangest dental emergencies so you can avoid similar circumstances!
Emergency #1: Tomato Terror
Plenty of people who want to lose weight or improve their overall health enjoy eating salads with different fruits and veggies to fill their bodies with wholesome nutrients. But it’s important to brush and floss twice daily to remove leftover bits of food, plaque, germs, and other debris that can become caught between your teeth or below your gumline.
One patient probably wishes they had done a better job maintaining a consistent at-home oral hygiene regimen. They visited their dentist for a persistent, nagging toothache and were told they needed a root canal, a standard service for relieving dental pain. But when their dentist began the procedure, they found that a tomato seed that had become lodged in the teeth and had begun to sprout- yikes!
Emergency #2: Swallowed Superglue
You’re not alone if you prefer do-it-yourself repairs that can save money, but when it comes to dental care, it’s usually best to contact your dentist rather than try to handle emergencies on your own.
For example, one woman realized her dental crown had fallen out and attempted to superglue it back over her injured tooth. Unfortunately, this common household product isn’t intended for oral use, and she not only accidentally glued her teeth together, but also coated her mouth and throat with the sticky substance.
Emergency #3: Drill Danger
Dental problems typically don’t resolve themselves, and usually progressively worsen the longer they remain untreated. That means it’s usually best to seek help as soon as you notice any major concerns, like a throbbing tooth, before they become more severe.
If you wait too long, you might feel as desperate as one patient did when he tried to alleviate his toothache with his own drill at home. But the bit got stuck in his tooth, so he had to call his provider for help in the end, anyway.
Regardless of the reason for your emergency appointment, your dentist will do everything they can to help you feel comfortable, identify the root problem, and create a customized treatment plan to meet your unique needs!
About the Practice
At Kringle Dentistry, patients of all ages benefit from a husband-and-wife dental duo committed to helping them build happy, healthy smiles. Drs. Kyle and Kasey Kringle collaborate to provide a comprehensive menu of services, including same-day emergency appointments, to meet your unique needs conveniently under one roof. Their compassionate approach is paired with state-of-the-art equipment for comfortable, accurate results meant to last. You can request an appointment on the website or call (662) 307-2201.