Most people know what to do when they chip a tooth, lose a dental filling, or experience a sudden toothache—and they call their emergency dentist! But dental emergencies aren’t always so predictable; while they usually happen from common causes like sports accidents or biting into something hard, sometimes patients find themselves in unusual situations involving their smile. Here are some of the strangest dental emergencies that dentists have seen!
1. A Tooth with a Plant Sprouting from It
One patient ignored a lingering toothache for so long that when a dentist finally examined the area, they discovered a small plant growing from the gums! Believe it or not, a tomato seed had become lodged in the tooth’s crevice, germinated, and sprouted. Rather than letting your smile turn into a gardening club, visit the dentist regularly!
2. Superglue Instead of a Crown
A patient had a crown pop off, and instead of calling the dentist, tried to reattach it using superglue. The result? Their teeth become stuck together, since the adhesive ended up spreading across soft tissues and teeth alike, warranting a medical emergency. Although certain household items might seem useful in these situations, trust your dentist instead for dental repairs.
3. The Calculus Bridge
When plaque and tartar build up unchecked, they can harden into a dense mass. In one patient’s case, this buildup formed a “bridge” connecting teeth and gums. The patient tried aggressively brushing to remove it, but in doing so, they accidentally loosened their teeth, and some even fell out. Gentle, consistent oral hygiene with a soft-bristled toothbrush always beats frantic, aggressive scrubbing.
4. DIY Drilling Gone Wrong
This one is truly baffling; someone attempted to drill their own tooth instead of seeing a dentist—and the drill bit ended up stuck inside the tooth. The patient then had no choice but to call their dentist; thankfully, they didn’t simply go to Lowe’s for a replacement bit!
Even though it might make for a good story someday, it’s best to take a proactive and cautious approach whenever your smile’s involved—and avoiding these and similar dental emergencies is going to be your best bet!
About the Practice
Our team here at West Brookfield Dental Care has served the needs of patients and families in West Brookfield and the surrounding area for several years, offering a wide range of services including same-day emergency care for those with urgent needs—and bizarre emergencies! If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with us to schedule an emergency appointment for yourself or a loved one, please contact our office for more information or assistance. Telephone: (508) 867-2777.
