A broken tooth usually warrants emergency dental care because there is a risk to infecting the dental pulp if the damage runs deep enough. Of course it may not be possible to get an appointment with your dentist straight away so it helps to know some management tips to keep you going until you can visit your emergency dentist. Here are some tips so you know what to do with a broken tooth.
A broken tooth requires emergency dental care so it is important to note that these tips are temporary solutions and should not replace you seeking professional treatment from a dentist.
- Avoid chewing and biting on the side of the mouth where the damaged tooth is
- Try over the counter painkillers for pain relief
- If there is swelling, create a cold compress to hold up to the side of your face. Don’t put ice directly onto the painful area
- Use a salt and water rinse and wash it gently around your mouth to keep it clean
- Avoid hot and cold beverages and food
If a tooth has been knocked out and you are able to get to the dentist fast enough, there is a chance that the tooth can be saved. Find it and be careful not to handle the roots.
Place it in your cheek or in some milk while you get an appointment with an emergency dentist.
If there is bleeding, try to stop it by placing some gauze or cotton wool at the site of the injury while you seek emergency dental care.
Do not touch it with your fingers or tongue if there is an open wound.
Treatment And Solutions For Broken Teeth
The treatment approach adopted depends on the amount of damage done. Cracks in the dental enamel will need to be checked, in order to ensure an infection has not penetrated your dental enamel. It may be necessary to have an x-ray taken.
What To Do With A Broken Tooth?
Bonding
It may be possible to repair superficial cracks in the enamel with dental bonding. This is typically done with composite resin.
Dental veneers
Veneers may cover up more extensive damage to your teeth, but would only be recommended as an aesthetic alteration.
Dental crowns or caps
If extensive damage has been done but the underlying tooth structure is still strong, your dentist may be able to create caps. This will restore form and function.
Root canal treatment
If your tooth is dead or dying, it might be necessary for your emergency dentist to perform a root canal treatment as emergency dental care to save it.
Small chips in the tooth can often be polished and smoothed out if they present with no other problems. If they are a little bigger, depressed or chipped areas can be built up with resin.
Broken teeth need to be addressed as soon as possible by an emergency dentist. If you need to know more about what to do with a broken tooth, please contact us for an appointment: (02) 4210 9078.
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