The last thing you’d want to experience is a dental emergency. While many of these can be unsettling or happen when you least expect them, some are more common and can typically be treated right away. However, there have been several recorded urgent dental situations that might blow your mind. Read on to learn about four of the strangest dental emergencies you’ll ever hear of!
#1: Vegetables Grown In the Mouth
A patient once scheduled an appointment due to throbbing pain in his tooth and gums. After an examination, his dentist determined the best way to treat him was with a root canal. During the procedure, they discovered the source of the issue: a sprouting plant. A tomato seed somehow got trapped underneath the gum line and started to grow.
#2: The Calculus Bridge
Whenever teeth are left untreated and aren’t cleaned frequently, they have a higher risk of accumulating plaque and tartar around them. This can gradually form a calculus bridge, which is a complex buildup that connects the teeth and gums. A patient once had this condition and tried aggressively brushing to get rid of it. However, this resulted in their teeth falling out, as the only thing holding them in place was the calculus bridge.
#3: Dog Ate My Dental Crown
A woman once had her dental crown fall out and placed it on a counter. Somehow it fell off and her dog swallowed it. Instead of notifying her dentist of the situation and scheduling a replacement, she decided to wait for the restoration to pass through her pup’s stool. After finding it, she cleaned it off, brought it to her appointment, and had her dentist reattach it! Though recycling is often a good idea, sometimes it’s best to get a new dental crown instead.
#4: Dentures Stayed In Too Long
Most patients who wear dentures know that they’ll need to remove them before bed and soak them overnight. This allows them to keep their restorations clean and bacteria-free as well as give their gums a rest from the pressure throughout the day. One elderly patient came for a dental visit and the dentist immediately knew what the problem was. Since she left her dentures in for months, there was a bad odor in her mouth and her gums were heavily infected.
Although dental emergencies aren’t always predictable, you can practice certain measures to lower your risks. Make sure to practice good oral hygiene every day and schedule routine checkups with your dentist every six months to keep your pearly whites safe and healthy!
About the Author
Dr. Dhiren Ahir earned his dental degree from the New York University College of Dentistry and has been providing outstanding care for over a decade. He’s also a proud member of several prestigious organizations such as the American Dental Association and the Dallas County Dental Society. He offers a wide range of advanced services, including dental crowns, checkups/cleanings, and root canal therapy. If you’d like to schedule an appointment, feel free to visit our website or call us at 940-514-0333.
