A broken tooth is a serious and sometimes scary matter that can be treated by a dental professional in various ways, depending on its severity. However, there are certain things that you should do before arriving at the dentist to restore the health and appearance of your broken tooth. This review discusses how to handle a broken tooth properly to help ensure that the issue does not worsen or cause more discomfort than necessary.
During the phone call with the dentist, the staff can help the patient determine whether it is best to visit the dentist immediately or wait for a more suitable time. Regardless, cleaning the mouth and controlling the bleeding and discomfort is important before going to the dentist for treatment.
The first thing a patient should do may seem simple but it is, in fact, a crucial step. Determine the causing factor of a broken tooth. For some, this will be easy if it happened during an accident such as a sports injury or even while chewing something hard such as ice cubes, popcorn kernels, or candy. However, for others, it may not be as simple. Sometimes, a broken tooth can be a result of hidden decay that weakened the tooth and causes the break.
Regardless of the severity of the broken tooth, it is important to call the dentist to find out the best course of action to take. Depending on the level of pain the patient is in and their symptoms, the dentist may recommend coming in right away for broken tooth treatment, or they can provide care instructions to help the patient control their symptoms until they can arrive at the dentist's office at a more convenient time.
Keeping the mouth clean is the number-one goal with a broken tooth. Patients can do so by using a saltwater rinse several times a day and drinking water throughout the day to keep bacteria washed away. Mix one teaspoon salt and eight ounces of warm water to prepare a solution. Then the patient will swish the solution around their mouth for about a minute. It is also important to avoid eating foods and drinks containing a large amount of sugar and practice good oral hygiene regularly until dental appointments.
If there is any blood in the broken tooth's immediate aftermath, it is a sign that the patient may need to visit the dentist for emergency dental care. The dentist can control minor bleeding with the use of gauze applied to the affected tooth. Apply the gauze after cleaning the mouth.
Patients can relieve the pain of a broken tooth by taking over-the-counter pain relief medication (as directed). If there is swelling associated with the pain, apply a cold compress to help reduce it. The patient can use ice packs or even bags of frozen vegetables (if it is an emergency) as a compress. It is important to note never to apply the cold compress directly to the mouth or on the skin. Wrap the compress in a cloth first. If the dentist recommends waiting a day or two before coming in, the patient should stick to a diet of soft foods and foods and drinks that are room temperature to avoid irritation.
Do not neglect to visit the dentist after a broken tooth. Often, the initial symptoms go away, but it is still important to visit the dentist for restorative treatment, even if there are no symptoms. Broken teeth can lead to infection, pain, and additional tooth loss. A broken tooth or teeth can spread bacteria into other parts of the patient's mouth, leading to more severe damage, such as spreading infection into the jawbone or brain. The dentist is equipped with technology such as X-ray machines and necessary materials to properly assess the extent of the break.
If you are in need of broken tooth treatment, then contact our dental practice today. We can properly assess your symptoms and help you determine an effective and custom course of action. We may recommend that you come into our office for prompt care if there is pain or excessive swelling, or we may provide you with at-home care instructions until you can come in at a more convenient time.To schedule an appointment at My Saratoga Dentist PLLC’s Saratoga Springs office, call us at 5186753094.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentist in Saratoga Springs, NY.
Your general dentist is here to provide some information about how to best take care of your teeth. Dental health and hygiene are essential to the overall health and wellness of your body. Without healthy teeth and gums, you will be unable to take in the nutrients and proteins necessary for your body to thrive…
A general dentist can provide services ranging from routine cleanings and exams to the detection and diagnosis of periodontal disease. When patients have an oral health condition that requires surgery, the dentist may refer the patient to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon for treatment. There are several reasons why it may be necessary to obtain…
Tooth extraction frequently occurs in the office of a general dentist for a variety of reasons, including:Bacterial decayAccidental breakageOvercrowdingImpactionMost patients are more concerned about the gap the tooth leaves behind than its fate outside their mouths. An extracted tooth usually takes one of the following paths, depending on whether the dentist or the patient claims…
Good oral care is critical for overall well-being, and adults who routinely visit a general dentist are less likely to have problems with their teeth and health. Visiting a dentist twice per year can help detect and remediate the following conditions: CavitiesGum diseaseOral cancerTooth misalignmentSystemic diseaseMany people put off visiting a dentist due to fear…
Dental veneers may be the most effective option to repair uneven, misshapen, or broken teeth. They can also help reduce gaps in the teeth. Traditional veneers come in two main types: porcelain and composite resin. While both can help you achieve that movie-star smile, they have some differences. This article will explore both porcelain and…
Dental veneers are a well know cosmetic dentistry treatment people turn to for achieving that “movie star” smile. With just this one treatment, dentists can address a number of common cosmetic dental problems. This fact makes dental veneers one of the most popular cosmetic treatments on the market.Veneers are custom-made and tooth-colored shells that cover…