When you think of dental emergencies, you probably picture chipped teeth or sudden toothaches. But there are some cases so unusual that they can quickly turn from routine to scary in an instant. Continue reading to see a few of the strangest dental emergencies ever reported. These tales of dental woe will make you believe your dentist the next time they say they’ve “seen it all before.”
The Sprouting Tooth
A patient visited the dentist complaining of severe tooth and gum pain. Expecting a routine root canal, the dentist was astonished to find a plant sprouting inside the patient’s mouth! As it turns out, a tomato seed had lodged in the gums and begun to grow, leading to the discomfort.
The next time you tell someone that swallowing a watermelon seed will make one grow in their stomach, you might think twice now!
DIY Dentistry Gone Wrong
If you’ve ever had a cavity and thought to yourself, “I can take care of that real fast,” pay attention to this tale! In an attempt to fix a small cavity, a man decided to drill his own tooth using a household drill. While it seemed like a good idea at the time, the bit snagged and became lodged in the tooth.
Fortunately, he had a great dentist nearby who could help him remove it—for much more than if he’d just had the cavity fixed!
Superglue Slip-Up
After a dental crown fell out, a woman tried to reattach it using superglue. Not only did she put it back on incorrectly, but the excess glue stuck her teeth together and spread throughout her mouth. After rushing to the dentist, they were able to get her smile and mouth back to normal with great effort. So, let this show that super glue isn’t the same as the bonding glue your dentist uses for your teeth!
Denture Care Nightmare
An elderly woman wore her dentures continuously for months without removing them for cleaning. When she began to notice discomfort and irritation in her mouth, she decided to get it checked out. When the poor dental team removed her dentures there was a horrific smell and a severe gum infection.
Worst of all, the woman’s dentures warped and cracked, so she had to have them replaced. The takeaway? Always remember to take your dentures out for cleaning every night!
While these cases are extreme, they clearly illustrate the importance of regular dental checkups, good oral hygiene, and avoiding DIY solutions. When you need dental care, always leave it to the professionals. This will save you time, money, pain, and maybe even some embarrassment in the future!
About the Practice
At Metro Park Dental Arts, we treat dental emergencies—no matter how strange they may seem. Whether you have a toothache that won’t go away or a tomato seed growing in your gums, we have the training and technology to help. Call (479) 845-1191 to schedule an emergency appointment with our team or visit our website to see a full menu of services.