A broken tooth may not be what you planned, but this kind of dental emergency can happen when you least expect it. Whether it’s biting down on something hard, playing sports, or going for a run, your teeth remain vulnerable to possible injury everywhere you look. If you find yourself in this situation, don’t panic. Instead, keep these helpful tips in mind when temporarily addressing the problem at home.
What Steps Should You Take For a Broken Tooth?
If you break a tooth, you’ll need to follow these steps to make sure you avoid further damage while waiting to get the care you require:
- Retrieve the broken piece of your tooth, if possible, and make sure to bring it with you to your appointment.
- Rinse out your mouth with warm water. This will remove any debris and dirt.
- Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling, and take an over-the-counter pain reliever to minimize discomfort.
- Call to schedule an emergency appointment with your dentist to ensure you get timely care.
What Can Happen If You Wait Too Long?
If you do not see your dentist right away for help with your broken tooth, you risk causing additional damage to your smile. Continuing to use your teeth will not only cause you pain, but you’ll also potentially harm your soft oral tissues because of the jagged edges that may exist.
What Kind of Treatment is Available?
Based on your dentist’s recommendation and evaluation, you may receive a dental crown. Much of this depends on the extent of the damage. If the pulp is infected or damaged, the tooth will need to be treated with a root canal or extracted.
If no infections or bacteria are present, your dentist may use a customized dental crown to fit over the affected tooth. Its placement and stability will help you maintain better oral health, allowing you to use your teeth normally while appearing lifelike.
Getting professional help for a broken tooth is a good idea. Waiting too long can lead to more serious problems, so contact your emergency dentist to ensure you enjoy life with a fully renewed smile.
About the Author
Dr. Karuna Peravali is a talented dentist in Frisco who has built her own practice – White Lotus Dental. Offering emergency dental care to patients in need, she provides same-day and weekend appointments to help relieve pain and restore damaged smiles to their previous state. If you or a loved one has suffered a cracked, broken, or chipped tooth or needs help with another dental injury, visit our website or call (469) 262-2111 to schedule an emergency appointment.