The mouth comprises the tongue, teeth, lips, gums, salivary glands, and hard and soft palates. And they each help us eat, speak, breathe, digest food, and even smile. Dental emergencies can interfere with all of these functions. And they can quickly go from bad to worse if individuals do not seek immediate dental care. According to the Cleveland Clinic, a knocked-out or loosened tooth and severe soft tissue injuries involving the gums, tongue, and inner cheeks are examples of dental emergencies.
How Common are Dental Emergencies?
Available epidemiological studies show that the annual incidence of dental trauma worldwide is around 4.5%, with roughly one-third of children and one-fifth of adolescents and adults sustaining a traumatic dental injury of some kind. While specific statistics are unavailable, dental emergencies not involving dental injury or trauma are also common. Infections affecting the gums or teeth, severe toothaches, and broken or lost dental fillings are examples of these emergencies.
The Consequences of Ignoring a Dental Emergency
From a basic dental filling to extensive restorative dentistry, treating a dental emergency can vary depending on the nature and severity of the emergency. Nonetheless, it’s best to seek care sooner rather than later, say most emergency dentists in Ballantyne, NC. And that’s because numerous consequences can stem from failing to do so. For example, untreated oral infections can spread to other parts of the body, which can cause serious health problems, including heart disease. Within the oral cavity, untreated dental emergencies can cause increased pain, swelling, nerve damage, tooth loss, and much more.
Get the Emergency Dental Care You Need Today
Along with ruining your smile, dental emergencies can affect your oral and physical health if left untreated. If you have experienced dental trauma or have an oral health problem that constitutes an emergency, consider visiting an emergency dentist in Ballantyne, NC today.
