Dentists see their fair share of cavities, chipped teeth, and toothaches. But every once in a while, a patient walks through the door with a dental emergency that’s truly unforgettable. While these unusual situations may sound funny, they all have one thing in common: they remind us that accidents can happen when we least expect them.
Here are a few of the strangest dental emergencies and what they can teach us.
A Tooth Lost to a Flying Object
Sports injuries are common, but not every dental injury happens on the field. People have knocked out teeth after being struck by everything from a champagne cork to a flying toy. Even a pet excitedly jumping up to greet its owner has been known to cause a chipped or missing tooth.
If a permanent tooth is knocked out, handle it only by the crown, gently rinse it if it’s dirty, and try placing it back in the socket if possible. If that isn’t an option, store it in milk or a tooth preservation solution and seek emergency dental care immediately.
The Snack That Fought Back
Popcorn kernels, hard candy, ice cubes, and even olive pits have all been responsible for cracked teeth. Biting down on something unexpectedly hard can cause a tooth to fracture in an instant.
If you crack a tooth, avoid chewing on that side of your mouth and schedule an emergency dental appointment as soon as possible. Early treatment can often save the tooth.
DIY Dentistry Gone Wrong
When a crown comes loose or a tooth starts hurting, some people attempt to fix the problem themselves with household glue or other inappropriate materials. Unfortunately, these quick fixes can make the problem much worse and even expose patients to harmful chemicals.
Dental problems should always be treated with materials designed specifically for use in the mouth and by a qualified dental professional.
Foreign Objects Where They Don’t Belong
Children—and sometimes adults—have been known to get beads, pen caps, toothpicks, and other small objects lodged between their teeth or gums. While it may be tempting to dig them out with sharp tools, doing so can damage the surrounding tissue.
Instead, gently floss the area if appropriate and contact your dentist if the object won’t come free.
The strangest dental emergencies may make for entertaining stories, but they highlight an important lesson: oral injuries can happen anytime. Whether you’ve chipped a tooth on an unexpected olive pit or suffered a more serious accident, getting prompt treatment can reduce pain, prevent infection, and improve the chances of saving your tooth.
About the Author
Dr. J.D. Robison studied at Purdue University, the University of Michigan, and the University of Detroit Mercy. He’s taken continuing education at several prestigious learning institutions, including the Dawson Center for Advanced Dental Studies and the Las Vegas Institute. Some topics he’s received advanced training in include aesthetic reconstruction, orthodontics, jaw joint disorders, and more. Dr. Robison is also a member of the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation (DOCS), the Academy of Comprehensive Esthetics (ACE), the International Academy of Comprehensive Esthetics (IACA), and the North American Neuromuscular Study Club. If you’ve suffered a dental emergency, we can help! Book online or call our Canton office at (734) 453-6320.