I had traditional braces and he just like every month when I came in just made sure that everything was going good and changed my wires. And originally I had a tooth in the middle of my mouth and then I … it’s now in the front and everything. It was really smooth. Like I thought it was going to be very crazy because my teeth were awful, but he actually made it really smooth and it went a little bit longer than we thought but that’s because things came up that we didn’t know were going to come up and like I had baby teeth that had never fallen out so he had to pull those.
And so I think it just was like it went longer but they came out better because it went longer. In the beginning I didn’t want to take pictures. My dad had printed a picture on a blanket for my mouth. I was like, “No, that’s not going to work.” I don’t like smile and now like I’m always smiling and I’m a lot more happier and confident like in school or in public.
I would recommend here because they are just always so nice and everything they do comes out fantastic. You won’t regret coming because they’re … they tell you if something’s going to hurt and usually nine times out of 10 it doesn’t hurt. You don’t feel anything. If you’re looking for somewhere where you’re going to be relaxed, calm and everybody’s nice, this is a really nice place to come to.
That sharp pain shooting through your tooth at 2 a.m. might have you wondering: Is this worth an emergency call to the dentist? While some dental discomfort can wait until morning, other situations demand immediate attention.
Let’s decode the mystery of true dental emergencies and learn when to sound the alarm.
Call 219-641-3422 now if you are having a dental emergency in Crown Point, IN at Van Buskirk & Krischke DDS.
The Critical Hour
Picture this: Your teenager takes a baseball to the mouth during practice, and their tooth lies on the field. This scenario illustrates what dentists call “the golden hour” – those precious minutes when quick action could mean the difference between saving or losing a tooth permanently. Similar urgency applies to severe infections, which can escalate from a localized problem to a systemic health crisis surprisingly quickly.
Your body speaks volumes when there’s a dental crisis brewing. Consider jaw swelling as your mouth’s version of a five-alarm fire – especially when accompanied by fever or difficulty swallowing.
These symptoms might signal a dangerous abscess that requires immediate intervention. Unlike a mild toothache that responds to over-the-counter pain relievers, true emergencies often bring pain that refuses to be ignored.
The ‘Wait Until Morning’ Club
Not every dental issue requires a midnight dash to the emergency dentist.
That small chip from biting into your morning bagel? As long as it’s not causing pain or sharp edges, it can likely wait for regular office hours. Similarly, a filling that feels slightly loose but isn’t causing discomfort probably doesn’t warrant an emergency visit – though you shouldn’t postpone treatment indefinitely.
Your Emergency Prevention Playbook
Think of your mouth as a fortress – with proper maintenance, it’s better equipped to withstand potential emergencies. This means more than just brushing and flossing.
Consider custom mouthguards for sports enthusiasts, regular check-ups to catch weakening teeth or restorations, and breaking habits like using teeth as tools to open packages or crack nuts.
Your Emergency Action Plan
When crisis strikes, having a game plan can mean the difference between panic and productive action. Start by programming your dentist’s emergency number into your phone – before you need it.
For a knocked-out tooth, remember the “milk trick” (storing it in milk or saliva preserves precious cells). For severe pain or swelling, document your symptoms and any changes, as this information helps your dental team prepare for your arrival.
Delaying emergency dental care rarely pays off. That cracked tooth might seem stable today, but waiting could transform a simple repair into a complex root canal scenario. Even worse, untreated dental infections can spread to nearby tissues or enter the bloodstream, creating far more serious health complications.
Trust Your Instincts
Here’s a simple truth: If your dental situation is causing significant distress or keeping you awake at night, it merits attention. While not every concern requires immediate care, consulting with a dental professional can provide peace of mind and appropriate guidance for your specific situation.
The Takeaway
Dental emergencies don’t announce themselves with neon signs. Sometimes they whisper before they scream. Learning to distinguish between urgent and non-urgent dental situations empowers you to make confident decisions about seeking care.
Remember, we would rather assess a non-emergency than miss treating a serious condition. Keep your Crown Point, IN dentist’s emergency contact information readily available, and don’t let uncertainty about the severity of your situation prevent you from reaching out. When it comes to dental emergencies, it’s better to be the patient who called unnecessarily than the one who waited too long.
Call 219-641-3422 or schedule online to set up an appointment at Van Buskirk & Krischke DDS.