It’s often hard to prepare for something unexpected like dental emergencies. For instance, there is a wide range of scenarios that could’ve led to you damaging your smile. An injury, biting into hard food, or anything else, may leave you worried about dealing with a crack or chip. While you may be stressed, you need to act fast to avoid further harm. Here’s a quick guide on how to handle a broken tooth.
What Should I Do If I Break My Tooth?
You should first take a second to take a deep breath. You might be getting worked up, but it’s important to stay calm. Next up, assess your mouth and determine how severe the break is.
If it’s minor, then the issue may only be a cosmetic one. Your smile may not be in any immediate danger, but there might be a sharp edge that can cut your tongue or cheek. To cover it, you can use dental wax or sugarless gum. Call your dentist right away to schedule a visit. In the meantime, be sure to chew on the opposite side of your mouth if you need to eat.
However, if you notice the break is severe, and the inner tooth pulp is exposed, you should follow these steps:
- Find the broken piece of your tooth, rinse it, and put it in a clean container.
- Swish your mouth with warm saltwater. This will help remove harmful bacteria and debris. If there are bits of your tooth left behind, be sure not to swallow them.
- Use a cold pack or take pain relievers to reduce any discomfort you may be feeling.
- Call your dentist immediately and let them know if you notice red pulp or yellow dentin. They will also give you more advice for your unique case.
How Will My Dentist Fix My Broken Tooth?
Although you might be worried about this situation, your provider is here to help you. Once you are sitting in their chair, they will work to make sure you’re comfortable and don’t have any discomfort. You’ll then undergo an oral examination with X-rays to see the extent of the damage.
Depending on what’s found, there are several options that you may be presented with. If the chip is minor, then you can get a tooth-colored filling. More severe cracks may need a traditional or same-day crown to restore both appearance and function. A root canal can be recommended in some instances where bacteria have started to attack the inner tooth pulp.
That being said, there is a rare case where an extraction is necessary if the structure is unsalvageable. This will help avoid any more harm to your grin, but all other options will be exhausted before going this route.
In the end, it’s important to stay calm and call your dentist right away. Follow the steps above, and your provider will be able to help you get back to a problem-free smile once again.
About the Practice
At Carlisle Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, you benefit from the skilled leadership of Dr. Thomas Neslund and Dr. Alex Benner. We are dedicated to helping the local community throughout their oral healthcare journey, especially during dental emergencies like a broken tooth. By offering same-day urgent visits, you can then get the treatment you need right away. If you find yourself in this situation, the fastest way to schedule an appointment is by calling our office at (717) 258-5455.