Dental Emergencies
Unfortunately, many people don't see the dentist on a regular basis. They make an appointment only when a problem arises, like sudden tooth loss or extreme pain. We call this "crisis treatment" as opposed to "preventive treatment."
While there are many reasons people don't obtain regular, preventive dental care, one primary explanation is that they think it costs too much. While these patients may believe they are saving money by foregoing regular checkups, crisis treatment often ends up costing much more, both in dollars and in the amount of time spent correcting the problem. Because many dental problems don't have any symptoms until they reach the advanced stages, it is vital that everyone has dental checkups on a regular basis. By doing so, we can spot future problems before they happen and halt them in their tracks, resulting in lower overall cost.
One example of an insidious, sneaky problem that is hard to identify on your own is tooth decay. We hear all the time, "Nothing hurts... I don't have any problems." But tooth decay doesn't hurt unless it gets close to the nerve of the tooth. By that time serious damage has already taken place, often requiring a root canal and crown as treatment instead of just a small filling. Regular dental exams can help prevent the need for root canals and crowns because decay can be detected in the early stages by your dentist and treated right away to prevent further damage and impending pain. In fact, we can usually spot a cavity 3 to 4 years before it develops any symptoms. It is not uncommon to see a patient with a severe cavity and they have never felt a single pang of discomfort!
Tooth Loss Accident... What should I do?
- If the tooth is extremely loose, but is still attached in any way, DO NOT REMOVE IT. Call us immediately for further instructions.
- If the tooth is completely unattached, but still in the socket, have the person hold it there until we can attempt a re-implantation procedure.
- If the tooth is out of the mouth completely, do not let it dry out. Do not try to disinfect the tooth, or cleanse it, or remove any tissue attached to it. Preserve the tooth in a cup of milk until we can examine it. If milk is not available, lukewarm water will suffice.
- If the tooth is recovered from the ground or other soiled area, rinse it off in lukewarm water and preserve it in a cup of milk until we can inspect it. If milk is not available, lukewarm water will be sufficient.
The amount of time the tooth is detached is critical in the long-term success of re-implantation. After 30 minutes of detachment, the potential for successful re-implantation begins to decline. However, re-implantation at is still possible after several hours, so the attempt can still be made even if the tooth has been extracted for a long period of time.
If you suddenly lose a tooth due to trauma or accident, call us immediately! The health of your teeth is our top priority!
