Excuse Me? 3 Strange Dental Emergencies That Actually Happened

November 28, 2025

Filed under: Uncategorized — chaskateam @ 4:59 pm
woman experiencing tooth pain at dentist’s office

When dentists treat dental emergencies, they’re usually common injuries, like cracked, chipped, or knocked-out teeth. Tooth sensitivity, jaw pain, and dental infection are also likely, but what about a plant growing inside someone’s mouth? If you need to reread that question, it’s understandable. The idea sounds crazy, but it actually happened. Not all dental emergencies are equal, and here are three examples that prove this to be true.

Emergency #1: A Small Plant Growing Inside a Person’s Mouth.

When an individual arrived at their dentist’s office complaining of tooth pain, the dentist decided that a root canal would be necessary to address the issue. At the start of the procedure, they began cleaning the patient’s teeth and gums, but soon they discovered seeds lodged within the gums.

Upon closer inspection, it appeared small plants were growing out of the individual’s cavity. The culprit behind the seeds was a tomato that the patient had eaten – they were sprouting.

Emergency #2: Plaque and Tartar Holding Teeth in Place.

The goal of a dental checkup and cleaning is to remove any hardened plaque and tartar that may be found between teeth and around the gumline. For one individual who neglected their oral health for some time, this accumulation created what is known as a calculus bridge. This occurs when the plaque and tartar become so serious that they create a bridge between teeth.

When the patient tried to remove it with aggressive brushing, their teeth fell out because the buildup was the only thing holding them in place.

Emergency #3: When Tooth Extraction Leads to Jaw Breakage.

Removing a tooth should not cause a person to wake up and realize they need to have their jaw wired shut, but for one woman, this was her reality.

When undergoing a tooth extraction, a woman’s dentist went too far during the procedure and broke her jaw into two pieces. Although she was sedated and did not feel anything, she needed to have her jaw wired shut for two months so that it could heal.

Now that you know some of the strangest dental emergency cases, make sure to take the appropriate steps to keep your smile and oral health in check so that you don’t end up on a similar list.

About the Author
Dr. Aaron Swingdorf is a talented emergency dentist who treats all types of dental injuries. When addressing chipped, cracked, or knocked-out teeth, he and his team can provide safe restorative treatment to improve oral health and return smiles to their previous, undamaged state. If you think you might need help for a dental injury, contact us at (952) 448-4151 or visit our website to schedule an emergency visit.

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