As you take a bite of your favorite food or play a fun game of soccer, you never expect to have a tooth chip or break; however, it occurs more often than you might expect. In fact, it is estimated that one in six Americans will face a dental emergency this year. Many of them will be due to a tooth breaking. When it occurs, it can be a scary experience. You may not know what to do or how to react. When the unexpected occurs, your first step is to calm down and then call your emergency dentist in Denton.
Treating a Broken or Chipped Tooth
A tooth can break or chip for several reasons, such as biting down on something hard, trauma to the face or mouth, a fall, or because it has become weakened. No matter the cause, time is of the utmost importance. Your tooth will need to be quickly treated by your dentist in Denton to prevent a bacterial infection and to stop your discomfort. If you wait too long to schedule an appointment, it could result in the loss of your tooth.
When a tooth breaks or chips, there are several steps you should follow to help save your tooth from an extraction.
- Call your dentist right away, even if you are not feeling any pain.
- Rinse your mouth with warm water.
- If there is any bleeding, apply pressure using a piece of gauze for 10 minutes or until the bleeding subsides.
- Apply a cold compress to the outside of your mouth to reduce any swelling.
- Use an over-the-counter pain reliever to manage any discomfort.
- Avoid placing pressure on your tooth until after it has been treated.
Restoring Your Broken Tooth
You should never try to fix a broken or chipped tooth on your own. Instead, it is best to see your dentist right away. Depending on the severity of the damage, your dentist will provide an appropriate treatment:
Minor Cracks: Also known as craze lines, these only affect the outer surface of the tooth. Often, the tooth will be lightly polished to smooth out any rough areas.
Cracked Tooth: When a tooth has a crack that extends past the surface, it could be repaired using a dental filling. If the crack is severe and affects the pulp,which is the inner most layer of the tooth, you may need a root canal and a dental crown.
Chips: Minor chips can often be repaired using cosmetic bonding. This involves using a resin material that is sculpted to to improve its appearance.
Don’t Wait to Call Your Dentist
If you have had a tooth break or chip, do not wait to call your dentist. With an emergency dentist on your side, you can make sure that your dental mishap is just a minor bump in the road for your smile.
About Denton Dental Center
Denton Dental Center is a well-established practice for providing comprehensive care to the community. On our team is Dr. Todd Balington, who allows our office to provide extensive services, including emergency dentistry. If you have a dental emergency, contact our office right away for a same-day appointment.