You were enjoying your favorite sandwich for lunch when you felt that telltale crack. Much to your dismay, out came a piece of your tooth. Surprisingly, your tooth didn't feel sensitive, and since it's a tooth in the back of your mouth, you wonder if you should still call your dentist. It could probably wait – right?
The truth is, whenever you have a broken, lost, or painful tooth you should contact your dentist. Your dental team can assess your situation over the phone and determine if you need emergency dentistry in Barrie, ON. Here are some other cases when you should contact your dentist right away.
A Knocked-Out Tooth
It's crucial to treat a tooth that's been knocked out as soon as possible to have the best chance of saving it. Try not to handle the tooth too much and avoid touching the roots. Place the tooth back in its socket if possible, or use milk to keep the cells moist. Get to your dentist as soon as you can.
A Toothache
If your tooth is causing severe or constant pain, it is likely that it's abscessed or infected. A tooth that's infected will not get better on its own, so please don't just take ibuprofen and wait for it pass – contact your dentist right away. A dental infection can spread to other critical areas of the body or end up impacting neighboring teeth. Root canal therapy could likely preserve your tooth if you are proactive about seeking treatment.
A Lost or Broken Restoration
When a crown or dental filling fractures or falls out, your tooth will need attention even if it's not painful or sensitive. A compromised restoration could expose roots or allow harmful bacteria into your tooth, which can result in an infection.
If you are experiencing a dental emergency in Barrie, ON, don't hesitate to contact your team at Park Place Dental right away. We're here to help, and we offer convenient evening and Saturday appointments to accommodate emergency patients.