A broken tooth can catch you off guard. Whether you were playing a sport, had an accidental fall, or anything else, it’s important to stay calm! Your emergency dentist can help fix the situation, so it’s crucial to give them a call right away. But what do you do before your appointment? Here is a quick guide on how to handle a broken tooth and some ways your dentist may be able to help.
What You Should Do First
First and foremost, you should take a breath. It’s easy to start getting worked up about damaging your smile, but try your best to stay calm and assess your tooth. Is it a minor chip or a severe break? Small damage may just be a cosmetic issue, but there may be a sharp edge that can cut your tongue or gum tissue. Use dental wax or sugarless gum to cover the tooth until your upcoming appointment. If it won’t be until the near future, be careful when eating as a compromised tooth is at more risk of further damage.
If you have a major break, then the inner tooth pulp may be exposed. Bacteria can more easily reach it and infect it, so it’s important to visit your dentist right away. Right before you call them, you should:
- Gather the pieces of your broken tooth and rinse them gently. This will remove any dirt or debris and then place them into a clean and airtight container.
- Take over-the-counter medication if you’re in any discomfort and use a cold compress to reduce swelling.
- Lightly swish around warm salt water to help reduce inflammation and clear out bacteria. There may also be some tiny fragments of your tooth left over in your mouth, so be careful not to swallow them.
- Tell your emergency dentist the severity of the break and if you see any yellow dentin or red pulp.
How Your Dentist Can Fix Your Broken Tooth
When it’s time for your appointment, your dentist will examine the tooth and create a treatment plan for you. Some common procedures for a damaged tooth are:
- Cosmetic Bonding: If you are left with a minor chip, then it can be filled with tooth-colored composite resin, restoring your smile.
- Dental Veneers: Larger chips can be covered with these thin porcelain shells.
- CEREC Crowns: Major breaks can be fixed with this treatment as they are like a cap for your tooth, restoring shape and function. Better yet, CEREC crowns can be made within the same day as your emergency visit, giving you a quick solution to the issue.
- Root Canal: If bacteria have infected the inner tooth’s pulp, then this procedure will allow your dentist to save your tooth.
In the case that your tooth cannot be salvaged, then an extraction may be an option. It is a last resort to ensure that your oral health won’t falter, and your dentist will try their best to save it before choosing this treatment.
Even though a broken tooth might make your day stand still, it doesn’t have to throw off your dental health. Remember these steps and call your emergency dentist; that way, you can get back to having a happy smile!
About the Author
Dr. Mohannad Abboushi earned his dental degree from New York University. He understands how dental emergencies can happen at any time, so he is committed to being a trustworthy office you can call. Dr. Abboushi and his team have after-hours and weekend appointments if you find yourself in these urgent situations, so you can get relief as soon as possible. If you are dealing with a broken tooth, schedule an appointment or don’t hesitate to call us at (973) 250-6400.