You’re crunching on something when you suddenly realize you chipped or broke a tooth. It’s an alarming feeling that no one likes to experience. A broken tooth can happen to anyone, regardless of age or oral health.
So, if you find yourself in this situation, there are a few things to remember. Keep reading for tooth treatment options as well.
If you have a minor crack in your tooth, it usually won’t be an immediate emergency. However, a broken tooth is another story.
When you break a tooth unexpectedly, you’ll want to see your primary dentist immediately. It is possible they could save the tooth if you make an appointment in time.
Even if you don’t feel pain, you should still see the dentist to prevent infections and problems down the road. Oral health is essential to wellbeing, according to the CDC.
You were likely chewing on something when your tooth broke. So, the first thing to do is rinse out your mouth. Use warm water and swish it around to clear away any gunk. Spit out the water into the sink. This will also prevent you from swallowing any tiny bits of tooth that chipped off.
Stop the bleeding and soothe swelling by applying a cold compress to your jaw. Use a cold pack if you have one. But a Ziplock bag filled with ice will work just as well. Wrap the bag in a thin towel for comfort.
Did your whole tooth come out of your mouth? If so, there may be a chance it can be saved. If the tooth is still connected to the socket, don’t pull it out. Just get to the dentist immediately.
There are several treatment options to fix a broken tooth. Your dentist will present the best options to fix your unique brake.
A tooth filling is most common if you only broke a small part of your tooth. The broken part will be filled with a resin that hardens and shields the tooth from further damage.
A dental crown is another treatment option for broken teeth that are too broken for a filling. The crown caps the tooth to protect the nerves underneath.
Did you break a front tooth? Then you might want a dental veneer. This treatment option can restore your beautiful smile when breaks happen in highly visible areas.
In a worst-case scenario, you might need a root canal. This treatment is best when the root (pulp) becomes infected or cannot be saved.
Fix your broken tooth immediately at our urgent dental care clinic in Tucson. We can usually handle 24-hour dental emergencies as well. If you call us today, we can try to get you in today or as soon as possible. You shouldn’t have to wait days to get your broken tooth fixed.