While it’s true that dental emergencies come in all different shapes and sizes, you may be surprised to discover some deserve to be in a category of their own. Chipped and broken teeth as well as those that are knocked out, cracked or highly sensitive are some of the most common ones seen by oral healthcare professionals, but if you keep reading, you’ll discover the following three injuries are unlikely any dentists have ever seen.
#1: Discovering a Plant While Performing a Root Canal
When helping a patient complaining about a bothersome toothache, a dentist examined the area and determined that the only suitable method of treatment was a root canal.
When starting the procedure, the dentist began to clear away what he thought would be plaque and tartar; however, he was surprised to see that a tomato seed had gotten stuck in the gums, resulting in the growth of a small plant.
#2: Using Super Glue as a DIY Solution
While it’s not uncommon for patients to want to save money when it comes to undergoing dental care, it’s possible to take it too far, especially if the individual is trying out various DIY methods of treatment.
In one instance, a woman’s dental crown fell off. While this is not an uncommon occurrence, most dentists recommend either using an OTC dental cement to temporarily put it back in place or even toothpaste. However, this lady decided to use super glue.
Unfortunately, she ended up being unable to glue the crown back on and instead, glued her teeth together while also getting it all over her mouth and throat.
#3: When a Loose Bridge Isn’t the Biggest Problem
To ensure that a fixed dental bridge remains firmly in place, a person must have healthy abutment teeth to serve as anchors.
For one individual who had a full upper denture and a lower fixed bridge, they began to notice that their lower prosthetic felt loose. After scheduling an appointment to see their dentist, an extensive examination found that the bridge was not the problem. Instead, the person’s canine teeth that held it in place were loose and began to come out of their sockets when the prosthetic was removed.
The person had experienced bone loss, so these teeth were no longer attached, causing the bridge to feel loose inside the mouth.
While you may look back on your dental injury as an unenjoyable event, be glad it doesn’t compare to any of the scenarios included in this article. Also, be thankful that your emergency dentist is well-equipped to handle all types of smile emergencies – just maybe avoid any DIY solutions when it comes to your oral health.
About the Practice
At Super Dental of Fitchburg, we are pleased to provide a dental home that meets the needs of all patients. Dr. Fatima Elnashef leads our team so that we can deliver fast and effective solutions should a patient endure a dental emergency. With late appointment hours, we can administer timely help so that an individual no longer experiences pain but instead walks away with a healthier, fully repaired smile. Visit our website or call (978) 216-1515 to learn how we can help in your time of need.