Experiencing a dental emergency is a harrowing experience. Whether it is a loose crown or filling, a chipped tooth, or even a knocked-out tooth, it is essential you see a trained dental professional as soon as possible. At Florida Dental Solutions, we understand how worrying dental emergencies can be. That’s why we strive to offer our customers the best advice possible, so they know what to do when these events occur. So, If you find yourself screaming, “I just broke my tooth,” here’s what to do in the event of a dental emergency.
What Causes Teeth to Break?
While teeth are generally robust, that does not mean that they aren’t prone to breaks, cracks, chips or fractures. They may happen for a number of reasons, but usually, they are the result of trauma, biting or grinding. A cracked tooth may not be painful in all cases, but if the crack reached down to the root of the tooth, it could cause intense discomfort.
What to Do When You Break a Tooth
If your tooth has become cracked or broken, there are some steps you can take at home after calling for an emergency appointment:
Rinse the broken fragment of the tooth in lukewarm, or tepid, water.
Rinse your mouth with lukewarm water as well.
Apply gauze to the area if bleeding is present.
Use a damp, cold washcloth on the cheek if there is swelling present.
If you can, use an over-the-counter emergency dental cement to prevent infection if you cannot get an immediate appointment.
Use pain relievers to mitigate any pain or discomfort.
When to See a Dentist About a Broken Tooth
Damaged teeth usually cause extreme sensitivity, as the crack or break usually leaves the root exposed. Because of this acute sensitivity, these situations should be considered a dental emergency. After you have taken the steps outlined above, you should contact a dentist as soon as possible for an emergency appointment.
In most instances, your dentist will likely want to place a crown over the broken tooth to help repair the damage. While many may be hesitant about having a crown installed, modern crowns – often made of resin or porcelain – have a natural appearance, closely mirroring a natural tooth. If the tooth breaks completely, though the root remains intact, your dentist may need to perform a root canal to reduce the risk of infection, before building enough structure to attach a crown to the affected area.
Contact Florida Dental Solutions Today
Toothaches and broken teeth are painful. Fortunately, visiting the dentist doesn’t have to be. If you experience a dental emergency, such as a cracked or broken tooth, Florida Dental Solutions is here to help. Don’t let a dental emergency wait for treatment, as this may have painful - and expensive - consequences for the future. At Florida Dental Solutions, we strive to make getting dental work done a pleasant experience for your entire family. We specialize in providing our clients with comprehensive dental care at affordable prices. If you require emergency dental care, give us a call today at 954-362-4102.
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