Regularly visiting your dentist is an important part of your oral care routine. These visits allow your dentist to assess the health of your teeth and gums and provide early interventions for various conditions. Despite diligent dental care, however, you can still suffer an injury or an oral infection. When these instances occur, you need to see an emergency dentist.

5 Situations When You Should Call an Emergency Dentist

1. Your Tooth Has Been Knocked Out

Car accidents, falls, or participating in contact sports can result in a knocked-out tooth. When this happens, you need to see an emergency dentist as soon as possible to save the tooth. If you can find the tooth, place it in a glass of milk until you can reach your dentist. The calcium in the milk will help to preserve the hardness of the tooth until it can be re-implanted.

2. An Adult Tooth Is Loose

Adult teeth should not wiggle or come loose at any time. A loose tooth could be a sign of injury or tooth decay. If one of your teeth is loose, try to push it into place and bite down to keep it from shifting. Contact your dentist right away to splint the tooth or repair it with a dental crown.

3. A Tooth Is Chipped or Broken

Chewing on hard foods may cause teeth to suddenly chip or break. If your tooth fractures, contact your dentist for an appointment right away. They may be able to repair the tooth through bonding or a temporary crown.

4. You Have an Abscess or Infection

An abscess or infection in the teeth or gums is a life-threatening condition that should be treated right away. An emergency dentist may drain the abscess; however, they may also refer you to an endodontist or hospital depending on the severity of your condition.

5. Facial Trauma That Affects the Cheek, Gums, or Tongue

If you have experienced facial trauma to any part of the mouth, including the cheek or gums, see an emergency dentist or oral surgeon as soon as you can. They will close the wound and prevent an infection from forming.

If you have recently experienced any of the circumstances listed above and need an emergency dentist, contact The Dental Clinic at Stuttgart at (870) 551-3836. For more information on other services offered by the Arkansas County clinic, including wisdom teeth removal and teeth whitening, visit their website today.