Anyone who has ever experienced unexpected mouth pain may be wondering when it is appropriate to seek emergency dental care. Clearly, you don’t want to run to your Century City cosmetic dentist’s office for every small annoyance. However, there are certain instances when you should seek immediate dental care.
Persistent Toothache
Sometimes a toothache is a simple pain due to sinus pressure or an accidental bump. Taking an aspirin or two can easily relieve the ache. However, when the pain doesn’t go away for two or more days or is severe and constant, it’s time to call your Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist.
Many dental problems may cause dental pain not relieved by over-the-counter remedies. These include a tooth that is decayed, fractured, or abscessed, or gums that are infected. Only professional dental treatment can correct these issues.
Accidental Tooth Loss
If you suffer accidental tooth loss due to sports, trauma, or other activities call your Century City cosmetic dentist immediately. A tooth that has been outside of your mouth for 30 minutes or less has the best chance of a successful replanting.
Handle the tooth carefully. Do not touch the root, scrub the tooth, or use soap or cleansers on it. Simply run it under water and put it back in place until you can get to the dentist.
Loss of a Filling or Crown
While losing a crown or a filling might not necessarily be an emergency, it could be painful and make eating and drinking difficult. Additionally, it exposes your unprotected tooth because it is now more susceptible to further damage.
Be sure to keep your crown or filling in a safe place until you visit your dentist. In the meantime, some people recommend using a cotton swab to apply clove oil to the area to help relieve the pain.
Cracked or Chipped Tooth
Chipped, fractured, and broken teeth require immediate dental attention. Otherwise, you risk further damage or even infection. In the meantime, webmd.com offers these suggestions:
- Relieve any pain with aspirin or similar over-the-counter pain reliever
- Cover sharp tooth edges with paraffin wax or sugarless gum
- Avoid biting down on the broken tooth
Take precautions with broken teeth so as not to cause further injury to the tooth, gums, or other areas of your mouth.
Problem with Dental Braces
Problems with conventional metal braces are one of the reasons Invisalign braces are so popular. Common difficulties might include:
- Mouth irritation or sores from displaced arch wires
- Food caught in your braces
- Breakage due to trauma or sports
If you have any problems with your braces, it’s important to contact your Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist. In particular, be on the lookout for loose brackets, loose bands or spacers, and protruding or broken wires.
Regardless of your dental issue, even if you’re not sure if it’s serious, contact your dental care professional and ask.