Usually, your calendar will tell you when it’s time to visit the dentist. On average, you should schedule a checkup and cleaning appointment at least once every six months. However, there may be times when you should see your dentist as soon as possible, even when you aren’t sure if you have a dental emergency. At our Lafayette, LA, dental office, we know that your oral health may not always follow a strict schedule, and we offer several customized treatment options to help you recover from most dental emergencies you might face.
You have worn, damaged, teeth
The most obvious types of dental emergencies are those that involve accidental trauma to your mouth or face. It’s hard to not notice an impact strong enough to damage your tooth or oral tissues, and you may already realize that visiting your dentist is a priority. However, not all forms of tooth damage are immediately obvious. For instance, you might chip a tooth without realizing it until the damage grows more severe, or you can wear down your teeth structures from things like bruxism (constant teeth-grinding). The longer you wait, the more severe that damage can become, and in some cases, it can lead to the need for extensive restorative treatment.
You experience a minor toothache
A toothache is one of the most common warning signs of dental trouble, but when it isn’t severe, it can seem like more of just an annoyance than an emergency. Like minor tooth damage, an aching tooth will only grow worse if you ignore it, or hesitate to have it examined. By contrast, the sooner you seek treatment for the toothache, the more likely you are to stop whatever is causing it from becoming worse. Even if the sensation seems minor, schedule a visit with your dentist as soon as possible if you notice that one or more of your teeth are becoming more sensitive.
A previous restoration fails
If you’ve previously had a tooth restored for an issue such as tooth damage or a cavity, then the restoration’s purpose is to protect the tooth and stop it from experiencing more severe trouble. If the restoration fails, then the tooth structure underneath it can instantly become vulnerable to more damage or infection. If your tooth filling, dental crown, or other restoration fails, then seeking emergency treatment to fix or replace it could save you from needing more extensive dental treatment in the near future.
Schedule an emergency visit with us
Some dental emergencies may not seem obvious, but they can still pose a serious threat if you don’t seek treatment as soon as possible. To learn more, or to schedule a consultation, call the office of Michael J. Young, DDS, in Lafayette, LA, at 337-237-6453. We proudly serve patients who live in Breaux Bridge, Broussard, Scott, Youngsville, and all surrounding communities.
