The actions you choose to take when you're having an urgent problem with your teeth can have a long term effect on your dental health. If you wait too long, you put yourself at risk for losing or damaging your teeth. If you're having a dental emergency, do not hesitate to have it checked out as soon as possible by Dr. John C. Koechley at his Batavia dentist office.

What Is Considered a Dental Emergency?

Some patients neglect to see a dentist urgently because they’re not sure if it’s really an emergency. Here are a few clear indications that you have a dental emergency and should visit the dentist’s office ASAP:

• Pain that makes it difficult to eat, drink or talk.
• A loose or knocked out tooth or crown.
• A chipped or broken tooth.
• Cut gums, cheeks or lips.
• Excessive bleeding from the gums.

The Potential Consequences of Waiting Too Long

Patients often put off necessary dental appointments either because they can’t take time off of work, have busy schedules or are too anxious to visit the dentist. But delaying a dental visit, especially in the case of an emergency, can have significant repercussions. Allowing dental pain from an abscess or tooth infection to persist can cause the tooth to rot away, and an infection can travel. A broken or chipped tooth may allow food particles and bacteria to enter that can cause an infection. Also, the faster you see your Batavia dentist after a tooth is knocked out, the better the chance that it can be successfully reintegrated into the bone.

General Dental Care Tips

The best way to avoid dental emergencies is to prioritize good at-home care practices and to commit to seeing your dentist at least twice per year. Brush your teeth (and gums gently) once when you wake and once before you go to bed. Floss at least once every day to remove food particles that could cause gum disease or tooth infections.

See Dr. Koechley for Urgent Care

Like any other medical emergency, it’s important that you seek help at the first sign of serious problem. Call Dr. Koechley’s Batavia dentist office at (630) 406-9441 to speak to a friendly receptionist about your urgent issue and come in to see him as soon as possible.