The general recommendation is that you see your dentist twice a year. However, unfortunately, there are times in life when you will need an emergency dentist. Here are some examples of situations for which you should see your dentist right away:
1. Toothache
If you are constantly having a severe toothache, it may be a result of a large cavity/infection, exposed nerve endings, abscess, gum problems or other major dental concerns. You should contact your dentist as soon as you can. Tell your dentist about the severity of your pain and any other symptoms Ask yourself, what triggers the pain? It could be temperature, eating hard or soft foods or it could simply be present all the time. Your dentist will evaluate your response and tell you how soon you need to come in. While you wait for your appointment, you may use over-the-counter pain medication and an icepack near the area of concern.
2. Chipped or Broken Tooth
If you’ve chipped or broken a tooth, it can have implications for your oral health, not to mention your confidence and smile! A small fracture can continue to get larger and could eventually lead to the loss of the tooth. Luckily, in most cases, a fractured tooth can be saved if you see your emergency dentist soon enough.
3. Lost tooth
Did you know that if a tooth gets knocked out as an adult your dentist may be able to put it back in? For this to be possible, you will need emergency dental care. It is ideal that you replace the tooth within 10 minutes of it being knocked, but you may still have a chance of it taking root if you act before 2 hours have passed. After that, the odds are no longer in your favour. The best place to keep the tooth while you wait is tucked in your cheek! Yes, it’s kind of gross, but it will greatly affect the chance of your body accepting the tooth once again.
4. Bleeding Gums
If your gums are red, swollen and constantly bleeding, it is likely that you have gum disease. If left untreated, the gums may recede leaving spaces between the teeth. If the condition is still not treated, the infection may progress causing bone loss. When this happens teeth can become loose and may fall out or need to be extracted. To prevent all this from happening, make an appointment to see your North Vancouver dentist at the first signs of gum disease.
5. Lost Filling or Crown
If you lose a filling or crown, it probably means that a cavity has developed underneath it. Losing a filling or crown will leave the softer layer of the tooth (the dentin) exposed and may cause pain due to sensitivity to air and hot or cold substances. Some people have less sensitive dentin and it may not hurt, however, it is still important to protect the tooth from further damage with either a new filling or crown.
Do you need an emergency dentist in North Vancouver?
Leaving oral health issues untreated can cause serious problems. If you in North Vancouver and are experiencing any of the above-mentioned symptoms or any other concerns requiring emergency dental care, do not hesitate to contact us at Peak Dental Arts. In the world of teeth, the longer you wait, the harder it is to treat.
At Peak Dental Arts, we are here to help relieve your pain in a comfortable, fun and convenient environment So, give us a call at 604-770-2222 and experience it for yourself!
