Emergency dentists are a great resource to utilize when a tooth becomes a problem. Often, dental crowns break or fall out at the worst times, which can be pretty disruptive and even painful. When this happens, a visit to an emergency dentist may be a good idea.
When to visit an emergency dentist for a missing crown
Keep reading to learn more about visiting an emergency dentist for a missing dental crown.
It depends
There are a few things to consider when trying to determine whether or not a visit to an emergency dentist is necessary for a missing crown. While it is never a bad idea to visit an emergency dentist when something abnormal happens, there are a few things that indicate that it is absolutely necessary to go.
Pain
If there is significant pain in the tooth or near the tooth then the patient should visit an emergency dentist. Sometimes, when crowns become broken or fall out, they expose certain areas of the natural tooth that are prone to sensitivity or even pain. In these scenarios, it is important to visit an emergency dentist so that they can quickly cover the natural tooth back up to ensure that infection or further damage does not occur.
In order to remedy pain, emergency dentists often recommend over-the-counter pain medication to help reduce discomfort until the crown can be replaced.
Swelling or bleeding
When a dental crown comes off or becomes broken, it is important for the patient to take note of any swelling or bleeding coming from the natural tooth or even surrounding it. Both swelling and bleeding indicate a bigger problem, which can likely only be treated by an emergency dentist. Additionally, rinsing with salt water can help keep the area clean until the crown can be replaced. Over-the-counter anti-inflammation medications can help reduce swelling.
Things to note
In most scenarios, it is better to be safe rather than sorry, which means that a visit to an emergency dentist definitely will not do any harm. Even if there is no pain, bleeding or swelling, the patient may fear that the natural tooth is at risk, which is a definite possibility. On the flip side, if the tooth is not in pain and does not have any side effects, visiting an emergency dentist may not be 100% necessary. If the patient can visit their primary general dentist in a timely matter, it is recommended to do that because they will be familiar with the patient and likely the dental crown, too.
Are you dealing with a dental emergency?
It can be difficult to know when to visit an emergency dentist. There are a lot of dental problems that are considered emergencies, while others may not be. To learn more about what an emergency dentist can treat, reach out to our office today. Our team will happily talk you through some of the common dental problems that require the help of an emergency dentist.
Request an appointment here: http://hargisfamilydentistry.com or call Hargis Family Dentistry at (336) 226-8069 for an appointment in our Burlington office.