Interrupting your daily schedule for an unplanned trip to the dentist is a hassle. Maybe you’re preparing for a presentation at work or in the middle of a vacation. Unfortunately, there are some dental emergency cases that simply should not wait to be treated. Find out about five such instances below.

5 Common Dental Emergencies

1. Lost Tooth

If you have a tooth knocked out, the sooner you get care, the greater the odds are of preserving it. Pick it up by the crown — the chewing surface, not the root — rinse it, and replace it in the socket if possible. Otherwise, place it in milk to keep it moist until you get to the dentist.

2. Severe Toothache

A toothache can indicate several ailments, from a dental abscess to decay. Ignoring the problem will only allow it to get worse. For instance, a small cavity can be treated with a simple failing, while advanced decay will require a root canal.

3. Cracked or Chipped Tooth

A crack or chip may not hurt when it first occurs. However, it could worsen if not treated, eventually exposing the tooth root and causing pain. Additionally, the uneven surface allows bacteria to easily make themselves at home, increasing your odds of a cavity.

4. Dental Abscess

An abscess is caused by an infection and can lead to symptoms like fever, pus, swollen glands, and a foul taste in the mouth. An abscessed tooth typically requires surgery. As with a toothache, don’t wait and hope it will improve.

5. Lost Filling

If you’ve had a cavity in the past, your dentist likely treated it with a filling. The material used for fillings could be gold, silver, porcelain, or a composite plastic resin. If you have metal fillings, you may notice you’ve lost one because of a metallic taste in the mouth. Leaving this hole allows bacteria to enter and cause infection. The sooner it’s sealed, the better.

For fast and reliable dentistry in Lexington, NC, look the office of Jerry A Laws, DDS, and Caitlin Miller Pugh, DMD. This dental clinic has been serving Davidson County residents since 1984. Both of these doctors are ADA members and committed to providing top-quality care. Review their full range of services online. They are also available in case of a dental emergency. For an appointment, call (336) 249-7708.