If you’re in excellent oral health, you likely don’t need to go to the dental clinic more than twice per year for a checkup. Sometimes accidents may require more urgent attention, however — meaning a trip to the emergency dentist. Don’t ignore the following problems; failing to seek treatment could endanger your beautiful smile.

3 Reasons to See an Emergency Dentist

1. Chips & Cracks

You can chip or crack a tooth for any number of reasons, whether you get an elbow in the face during a game of pickup basketball or bite down on an olive pit by mistake. When this happens, don’t brush it off — even if there’s no pain. Without attention, a small fault can worsen and eventually expose the tooth’s root, causing discomfort. This also makes it easier for cavity-causing bacteria to infiltrate.

2. Lost Tooth

If you experience trauma so severe that a tooth is knocked out, pick it up by the chewing surface, not the root. Keep it moist by placing it in milk — this doesn’t damage the root the way water might. Then, head to the emergency dentist; the sooner you get care, the better the odds you can keep the original tooth. Otherwise, you’ll need a dental implant.

3. An Abscessed Tooth

An abscessed tooth is caused by a bacterial infection. Symptoms include pain radiating to the ear and neck, redness and swelling, bad breath, and a foul taste in the mouth. You may also experience a fever. See your dentist to get the medication you need to combat the infection before it spreads. Waiting too long for treatment could mean you’ll require more serious care like a root canal.

For an emergency dentist in Mamaroneck, NY, head to All Bright Dental. This dental practice offers a boutique-style atmosphere with all the cutting-edge amenities of a larger clinic. Their comprehensive general and cosmetic dentistry services cover everything from veneers to teeth cleanings. Take a look at all of their services online. For an appointment, call (914) 698-5228.