Did you know that 1 in 5 Canadians report forgoing visits to the dentist due to cost? While many people might think this is a reasonable decision, not going to the dentist can lead to serious dental emergencies and additional unexpected costs. Your family dentist will be able to warn you about potential issues before they become serious.
But how do you know if you have an emergency dental problem? When can you wait until the next available appointment, and when do you need to visit an emergency dentist?
Let's talk about it. Read on to learn about common dental problems that may be dental emergencies.
A Tooth falls out
Children have baby teeth falling out all the time and this is a normal part of growing up. But if a baby tooth falls out unexpectedly that would be an appropriate time to reach out to your family dentist. Adults on the other hand are not expected to have teeth fall out, so if one does, this definitely is an emergency.
There are two main reasons and adult tooth could fall out.
First, if you have an accident and your tooth gets knocked out, you need to contact your local emergency dentist in Mississauga. This is a time sensitive situation, and you must visit the emergency dentist immediately at which point they may be able to put the tooth back in.
Sometimes this isn't always the case, so you may need a dental implant instead.
If your adult tooth falls out unexpectedly, this is often a bigger problem. It's an obvious sign that there's something wrong with your dental health, so you need to visit a family dentist right away.
A Tooth Chips or Cracks
If your tooth gets damaged but doesn't fall out, you still need to take care of it. That crack or chip could lead to a serious problem.
Chips and cracks in teeth are sometimes painful and sometimes not. They also expose your teeth to bacterial growth and decay. A simple chip could turn into a painful cavity if you don't have a dentist take care of it promptly.
You're Experiencing Extreme Tooth / Gum Pain or Facial Swelling
A serious toothache or facial swelling is a dental emergency.
Minor pain or sensitivity is generally not an emergency, especially if it goes away quickly, but it should still be reported to your dentist. However, if the pain is stopping you from eating and drinking, that's when you need to go to a dentist.
It could be a sign that you have a serious cavity or even a dental abscess. Take care of this right away to avoid an even worse infection.
You Have Unusual Growths or Sores
Again, the occasional sore in your mouth may not be an emergency but must be reported to your dentist. Canker sores and cold sores aren't uncommon, and your family dentist can show you how to treat them easily.
If you notice a large or unusual sore or growth (even if it doesn't hurt), this is a more pressing matter. Be sure to visit your family dentist at your earliest opportunity to evaluate the growth and perform an oral cancer screening.
Are You in Need of an Emergency Dentist?
Dental emergencies are not a joke. If you ever notice any of these signs, they're not common dental problems. Visit an emergency dentist to save your teeth and gums.
If you need an emergency dentist in Mississauga, we want to help you! At Dentistry in Streetsville, we aim to provide all of our patients with the highest quality of dental care. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.