If you cut your hand while chopping vegetables or develop chest pain while working out, you probably wouldn’t think twice about rushing to the emergency room. While most people can agree on the kinds of injuries and symptoms that warrant a trip to the hospital, few are familiar with the scenarios that constitute a dental emergency. Here are three of the biggest reasons people visit an emergency dentist.

Knocking out a Tooth

You might be surprised to learn that it can be possible to save a tooth that has been knocked out, especially if you act fast. To increase the chances of re-implanting the tooth successfully, rinse it off gently and place it back in the socket. Then, call your dentist. He will instruct you to keep the tooth moist. If you cannot reinsert it, place it in a small cup of milk until the appointment, during which it will be re-implanted permanently. 

Facial & Dental Trauma

Children, adolescents, and teenagers are often prone to facial trauma, whether it’s taking a fall or getting injured playing sports.  Facial and dental trauma are more common than you may believe, and most dentists are well versed in handling these situations.

Cuts, split lips, broken teeth, and even broken jaw bones can occur when an impact to the face occurs.  Call your dentist right away if any of these issues happen to you or your child.  For severe injuries including car accidents, head trauma or assaults, please call 911 or see an emergency room nearest you. A dental follow up is often needed once things are stable. Call your dentist when advised by a physician or doctor. 

Experiencing Severe Pain

A painful toothache that comes on suddenly and does not go away could be a sign of a cracked, chipped, fractured, or otherwise damaged tooth. Minor irritation that becomes worse gradually, on the other hand, may be a sign of a developing infection or abscess. In either scenario, it is wise to seek care as soon as possible. Chips and cracks can make the tooth vulnerable to extensive damage and decay, while infections and abscesses can cause serious complications if left untreated. Therefore, both constitute as a dental emergency.  

If someone in your family needs an emergency dentist in Ohio, turn to Christopher F. Heck, DMD - Montgomery General Dentistry. This Montgomery dentist is proud to run a warm and inviting practice, where patients feel at ease from the moment they enter the waiting room. Whether you need to schedule your baby's first cleaning or teeth whitening for yourself, their friendly team will provide personalized care at every stage. Other oral health services include family dentistry, gum disease treatment, and laser dentistry. To reach out and schedule an appointment, fill out the form on their website or call (513) 794-1884 to arrange for emergency care.