Dental
Even if you’re consistent with brushing and flossing, you can still find yourself in a dental emergency. While your oral hygiene routine can help prevent them, an accidental fall or hard food can leave you with a broken tooth. This situation can be worrying, but you must protect your smile from further harm. Here’s a guide on how to handle this situation until you can see your dentist.
How Should I Deal with Minor Chips and Cracks?
Take a breath to calm down if you’re getting worked up. Once you are more level-headed, assess the damage. If it’s just a small chip, then it may only be a cosmetic issue. If so, then your tooth isn’t in immediate harm, but you should still cover it with sugarless gum or dental wax. This can cover a sharp edge that can cut your cheek or tongue. Don’t eat on that side of your mouth and call your dentist.
What Should I Do for Severe Breaks?
If the break is more severe, then you should:
- Find the broken piece and place it in a container.
- Do a warm saltwater rinse to remove bacteria and debris from your mouth.
- Take over-the-counter medication or apply an ice pack for 10-minute intervals if you’re in pain.
- Call your dentist. Explain the situation and whether you see yellow dentin or red pulp. They’ll also give you more advice on what to do.
How Will My Dentist Fix My Tooth?
When it’s time for your urgent visit, your provider will first get you out of any discomfort. After an assessment, they will come up with a customized treatment plan for you. If it’s a small chip, then a filling may be right. Tooth-colored composite resin will cover the damage to stop future fractures from happening.
Larger cracks may need a crown to restore the tooth’s function and appearance. If bacteria have reached the inner pulp, then a root canal beforehand can prevent an infection and save the structure.
There’s a rare chance you may need an extraction, but this is when the damage renders your tooth unsalvageable. Regardless, your provider will do their best to avoid this last resort.
In the end, you might be worried about having a broken tooth, but follow the steps above. Stopping the issue from getting worse can go a long way in your future treatment. No matter what, your dentist is here to get you back to a confident smile.
About the Author
Dr. Wesley Parks earned his dental degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center. He has two decades of experience that he uses to give patients in Lincoln the high-quality care they deserve. By offering same-day urgent visits, you can feel confident that Dr. Parks can handle your dental emergencies when they arise. That way, you get the effective treatment you need right away. If your tooth suddenly breaks, the fastest way to schedule an appointment is by calling 402-484-6042.