How to Handle a Broken Tooth Emergency
A broken tooth can be a painful experience caused by several factors, such as an injury, biting on something hard, or decay. But when do you know it’s an emergency dental care problem that requires immediate attention from your dentist?
Read on to learn more.
When Do You See the Dentist Immediately After Breaking a Tooth?
If the break is small and does not involve the nerve, you can usually wait a few days to see the dentist. But if the break is large or goes all the way down to the gum line, you must seek treatment as soon as possible to avoid infection or further damage.
The following are other conditions that may warrant immediate emergency dental care:
- If the tooth is sharp and causing pain
- If there is a large piece of the tooth missing
- If the break exposes the nerve
- If you are bleeding from the mouth
How to Handle a Broken Tooth Emergency Until You Can See the Dentist
If you have a broken tooth, you should immediately take action to avoid further damage or infection. Below are a number of tips on how to do that:
- Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area. Avoid cold water, especially if the tooth root is exposed, as it becomes sensitive to cold temperatures, which causes pain.
- Use a cold compress on the cheeks where the broken tooth is located to reduce swelling.
- If you are bleeding, use a clean cloth or gauze to apply pressure and stop the bleeding.
- Avoid eating hard foods as they can cause more damage. Stick to soft foods and liquids until you can see the dentist.
- Avoid chewing on that side of the mouth.
- If the break is small, you can cover the tooth with a piece of sugarless gum or dental wax to avoid irritations.
- Consult with your dentist as soon as possible so they can assess the severity of the damage and recommend suitable treatment—from advanced treatments to simple bonding procedures.
Can Dental Implants Be Broken?
While they are durable and can last for many years, dental implants can also be broken. It can be due to an injury or biting on something hard. In some cases, implants can fail, resulting in loose implants that need to be removed and replaced.
Other possible reasons for dental implant failure are:
- Smoking
- Poor oral hygiene
- Bruxism or clenching/grinding teeth
- Inexperienced or negligent dentist
While implant failure is rare, it can still happen. Choosing an expert dental implant service provider can help minimize the risk of implant failure. Otherwise, you must go through the same process again as the first time.
How to Avoid Breaking Your Teeth
The following are tips to avoid breaking your teeth:
- Wear a mouthguard when playing contact sports.
- Avoid chewing hard objects like ice, popcorn kernels, or hard candy.
- Don’t use your teeth to open things like bottles or packages.
- Cut up fruits and vegetables into smaller pieces instead of biting into them directly.
- Visit your dentist at least twice a year for professional checkups and cleaning to ensure your teeth are healthy and strong. Also, this can help identify potential problems early on and prevent them from worsening.
Conclusion
A broken tooth can be an emergency dental care problem, depending on the severity of the break. If the crack or damage is small and does not involve the nerve, you can usually wait a few days to see the dentist. But if the break is large or goes down to the gum line, you should seek professional help as soon as possible to avoid infection or further damage. Also, see your dentist at least twice a year for professional checkups and cleaning to ensure your teeth are healthy and strong.
