The last thing anyone wants to experience is dental trauma. In addition to being painful, such situations can be a hassle to have fixed. However, all dental emergencies aren’t equal. In fact, there are some issues that are so bizarre that something as simple as a chipped or broken tooth would be more welcomed. As you continue reading, you’ll learn about some strange events that will make the average dental emergency seem like “a stroll in the park!”
#1 – An Oral Garden?
It’s not uncommon for food to become lodged between the teeth. What is strange, though, is for a tomato seed to become trapped and then start sprouting. In such a situation, should a horticulturalist or dentist be called in – or both?
#2 – Hole in the Palate
Buckle up – this is a strange one. This is the case of the “fix-a-hole,” where a person initially discovered a hole in his palate and attempted to use a DIY method to repair it. He placed wads of tissue in the vacated space, which eventually led to a nasty infection and a very unique dental emergency.
#3 – Wrongly Adhering Super Glue
For the record, there is no place for super glue inside the mouth. One adventurous person attempted to reattach a dislodged crown with the aid of super glue. This resulted in adhering the wrong teeth together and left the roof of his mouth covered with glue.
#4 – When Tartar Goes Wild
Most dental emergencies are spurred by negligence, but this is an extreme example. For this person, the tartar buildup was so prevalent that it created a bridge between his teeth and gums, known as the calculus bridge. The patient attempted to remove the buildup by aggressively brushing his teeth, only to discover that the calculus bridge was the only thing holding them in place. As a result, nearly all his teeth fell out.
What Does This All Mean?
One important conclusion that can be gleaned from these horror stories is that the mouth shouldn’t be treated as a science laboratory. Furthermore, dental negligence never pays off. In fact, it can lead to unnecessary problems.
The allure of potentially saving some money or the challenge of correcting a dental issue yourself can be enticing. But the above examples should be used as constant reminders of the importance of leaving dental work and vital oral care to your local dentist.
Furthermore, if you’re suffering from any of the more typical dental emergencies, like a chipped or broken tooth, toothache, or dislodged crown, you shouldn’t hesitate to seek help immediately.
About the Author
Dr. Steven Hatch is a graduate of the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry. As part of his commitment to excellence, he continues to receive additional training from the Biomet Synergy Training Program, as well as multiple other continuing education courses. Dr. Hatch treats dental emergencies at Crossroads Family Dentistry, and he can be reached for more information or to schedule a visit through his website.