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While it is upsetting to lose a dental crown, you would be able to wait a few days to treat it. But, there are some circumstances where you do not have the luxury of waiting. Knowing when you need to see a dentist right away depends on the level of trauma to your gums and teeth, as well as how much pain you feel.

Here are some signs to look out for when deciding whether your dental issue is an emergency:

Most Common Dental Emergencies

  • Severe toothache
  • Abscess
  • Bleeding gums
  • Fractured tooth
  • Pain while chewing
  • Inflammation around wisdom teeth
  • Accidental trauma to the tooth

What is not a dental emergency?

  • Mild toothache
  • Small chip on the tooth without pain
  • Small crack on the tooth without pain
  • Lost filling
  • Lost crown

In general, it is safe to assume you do not have a dental emergency if you can stand to wait a few days for treatment. A dentist can repair a small chip on your tooth a few days after the accident. But, they would need to treat a large chip with sharp edges right away. Whether you need urgent dental care or not will depend on the severity of your condition.

Lost Filling or Crown

If you lost a dental filling or crown, you should be able to wait a few days until you see the dentist. But, you will need to keep your tooth protected in the meantime. If the crown is intact, clean out the inside of it and apply dental cement to your actual tooth. Next, place the crown over your tooth and hold it in place until it sets.

If your dental crown is not intact, remove it from your mouth, so you do not accidentally swallow it. Instead of discarding it, set it aside for the dentist. They might be able to reuse your dental crown if it is still in good condition. To protect your tooth in the meantime, mold dental wax over it.

Mild Toothache

While it might sound odd, try flossing your teeth if you have a mild toothache. It is not uncommon for small bits of food to get caught between your teeth and cause mild discomfort. If you dislodge a piece of food, your gums could bleed a little, but that is normal. After flossing, wait to see if your toothache subsides. If it persists or worsens, take over-the-counter pain relievers while you wait for your dental appointment.

Don’t Wait to Book!

Even if you do not have an emergency, you should book an appointment right away for any concerns you have. That way, you will be able to limit further damage. The team at Westney North Dental always recommends patients see us at the first sign of discomfort. That way, we can fix the problem while it is small and more straightforward to treat.

If you still are not sure if you need emergency dental care, err on the side of caution and call us today.