When you think of a dental emergency, you likely envision a serious toothache, a chipped or broken tooth, a lost crown or filling, or even one of your pearly whites being knocked out. What you might not immediately think of is a plant growing in your mouth or using super glue to put a loose crown back into place. There are indeed many odd occurrences dentists have encountered over the years, but if you want to learn about some of the strangest, read on to find out which accidents may lead you to better protect your smile.
1. Seeds Sprouting
When a patient complained of increasing tooth pain, the dentist recommended a root canal to go in to remove the infection and save the natural tooth from possible extraction. When cleaning away the hardened plaque and tartar, the dental team discovered more than just decayed material. They also found seeds within the gum tissue and what appeared to be a tiny plant growing. It was determined they were tomato seeds and were beginning to sprout. This should make you take better care of your gum health and start flossing regularly.
2. Super Gluing a Crown
When a dental crown falls out, you might think some form of cement will help hold it in place until you can see the dentist. While you’re not wrong, there are products designed to serve as a temporary “glue.” Unfortunately, for one patient, they opted to use super glue to hold their crown in place. This decision led to the wrong teeth being glued together, and the sticky substance getting all over the individual’s mouth and throat. The important takeaway here is to ask your dentist about recommended products you can use should your crown accidentally fall out.
3. Teeth Falling Out
When plaque and tartar grow, it can lead to a time-consuming and difficult process for the dentist, especially if a calculus bridge forms. This term is used to describe what happens when plaque and tartar create a bridge between the teeth and gums. One patient believed it was possible to brush away this formation; however, as they were using a vigorous and intense brushing technique, it led to nearly all their teeth falling out. Why? Because the calculus bridge was the only thing holding them in place! If you would like a word from the wise, stay on top of your oral hygiene routine, and keep your twice-yearly appointments with your emergency dentist in Cleveland to remove plaque and tartar.
4. Losing One’s Memory
Root canals have a high success rate, and patients often experience no serious issues after undergoing the procedure; however, for one man, his root canal left him unable to remember anything for more than 90 minutes. In 2005, a British man went in for a routine root canal. Unfortunately, something occurred that still impacts him even today. Each day, he wakes up believing it is the day of his root canal. His family has since helped him keep an online diary with important facts and changes that have occurred over the past 15 years, but the last thing he remembers is visiting the dentist and undergoing anesthesia for his root canal.
Although these above-mentioned stories are rare, the truth is that most could have been prevented. If you want to avoid even the most common dental emergency, talk to your dentist about ways you can safeguard your smile at all times.
About the Author
Dr. Vladimir Pastouk graduated from the Kiev Medical University School of Dentistry in Ukraine in 1991. Relocating to the United States, he attended The Advanced Standing Program at the College of Dentistry at Nova Southeastern University in Florida. At Dental & Cosmetic Solutions, he and his team are committed to providing immediate assistance to those experiencing dental emergencies. Whether it is a severe toothache, knocked-out tooth, or lost dental crown or filling, he is available to treat your problem and get you back on your feet in less time. If you or a loved one are experiencing a dental emergency and are looking for a “dentist near me,” contact us at (216) 292-3600.