A dental emergency can range from a severe toothache to having a knocked-out tooth. In many instances, it’s best to visit your dentist right away so that they can examine and treat the situation. These kinds of dental appointments are common and usually seem unnerving, but there are some cases that you probably won’t believe have happened. Keep reading to learn about five of the strangest dental emergencies ever!
#1: Growing Plants
You probably imagine that plants only grow in the ground. However, there was a case where a patient was experiencing a throbbing toothache and discomfort in the gums. They visited their dentist, who assessed the condition and determined a root canal was necessary. During the procedure, instead of finding tartar or plaque as expected, they found a sprouting plant! Somehow a tomato seed got stuck in their smile and began to grow.
#2: A Sticky Repair
Superglue is one of the trustiest materials for fixing things that are broken. This doesn’t mean you should use it on your teeth though. There was a woman whose dental crown had fallen out, which should’ve resulted in a call to her dentist. Instead, she applied superglue to place it back on. This didn’t work, however, and she ended up gluing her other teeth together as well as spreading the material in her mouth and throat.
#3: Critters in the Gums
Children should visit their dentist early on, and here’s a prime example of why. In one case, a boy who had never been to a dental appointment began experiencing severe discomfort and swollenness in his gums. Once his parents took him to the dentist, their doctor found maggots within the gum line.
#4: A Calculus Bridge
Leaving your teeth uncleaned for a prolonged period can allow the buildup of tartar and plaque. If left unchecked, this can cause your teeth and gums to connect via a calculus bridge. A patient who experienced this tried forcefully brushing their teeth to remove this connection. This resulted in his teeth falling out, as the calculus bridge was the only thing holding them in place after years of neglect.
#5: Smelly Dentures
There was an elderly patient who visited her dentist for a denture repair. Once the doctor examined her restorations, they immediately discovered the issue. While dentures are meant to be removed and cleaned every day, the patient had left hers in for months. This caused a terrible odor as well as infected her gums, making the repair necessary.
To avoid both a common and unusual dental emergency, it’s best to maintain good dental hygiene and to visit your dentist routinely. By monitoring your oral health every six months, they can help ensure that your teeth remain healthy and safe in the long run!
About the Author
Dr. Tristan J. Parry earned his dental doctorate from The Ohio State University. He’s also a member of the Academy of General Dentistry and has completed countless hours of continuing education to enhance his expertise so he can provide the best care his patients deserve. He offers multiple comprehensive treatments, including emergency dentistry, to keep you on track with good dental health. If you’d like to make an appointment, visit his website or call 336-644-2770.