Did you really just break your tooth? Go to the dentist, like, right now! If for some reason you’re reading because you like to prepare for the worst — or at the very least prepare for a bicycle crash — here’s our course of action for you to follow following a broken tooth. We will outline what to do whether its chipped, cracked, broken, or completely knocked out.
Chipped or Cracked Tooth
A tooth with a slight crack or chip can wait for medical attention, so you’re in luck. Though, be cautious because even eating and drinking could make it far worse. Be attentive of temperature and texture while you’re eating. Whatever you do go see a dentist.
A dentist will smooth and polish out the crack, and if it needs more than that it will likely only be a filling. Don’t fear the filling it will act as a great preventative action.
Broken Tooth
A tooth can break from an external event like a punch, crash, or pretty much anything involving a blow to the face, but teeth can also break because of cavities. If you find yourself with a broken tooth call a dentist as soon as possible. In the meantime, follow these instructions:
- Rinse your mouth with warm water or salt water.
- Use an ice pack or a cold rag and put it up to the cheek next to the broken tooth.
- Apply gauze to the broken tooth to soak up some of the blood, if you don’t have gauze use a wet tea bag. The tea bag can also help get the flavor of blood out of your mouth. Note, don’t use a hot tea bag.
- Take an over the counter pain relief to try to help with the discomfort.
Your dentist will likely cover your broken tooth with a crown. Crowns are made of porcelain and look as natural as a real tooth. These crowns go on top of the broken part of your teeth, but if there isn’t anything there for the crown to go on to the dentist may need to create something. If the root is still intact you will need a root canal. After the root canal the dentist will build a structure and install a pin or post for the crown to be attached.
Tooth Avulsion
Tooth avulsion is when the tooth has been completely removed from your mouth, root and all. First off, don’t handle the tooth from the root side. This could cause further damage. Be aware, you could have serious nerve damage. Try to get too worked up because the tooth can be replaced in the socket.
Broken Tooth Preventative Measures
Take precautionary measures so you don’t have to deal with all the problems that come with a broken tooth. Most of the time this is something that happens to children, but you can apply this advice to yourself as well.
- Don’t bite down on hard candy. Just don’t do it’s never worth it. (This applies to you ice fiends too!)
- Never ever try to open anything with your teeth. No good party tricks end with a trip to the dentist. You won’t be the life of the party you will kill it.
- Keep up a good diet. Sweets are a surefire way to get yourself cavities and cavities can lead to broken teeth.
- Practice a healthy brushing regiment. Brush twice a day, this will keep your teeth strong and healthy.
- Wear a mouthguard when playing contact sports!
- Try not to grind your teeth during the day or at night. Talk to your dentist about this issue.
The absolute best way to deal with a broken tooth is to prevent it from happening in the first place.
Broken Tooth? Head to Cirocco!
At Cirocco Dental center we are the experts in a variety of solutions for broken, cracked, or missing teeth. We use high quality fillings and crowns. Our friendly and highly experienced team will give you the proper crown solutions. Don’t delay get your smile back today! Fill out this form, we’ll see you soon.
