5 Self Help Tips for a Broken Tooth
A broken tooth is one of the most serious dental emergencies. If you are faced with one, you need to get to a dentist’s office ASAP. If you don’t, the damage will only get worse and probably cause an infection. However, there are several things you should do before you get into a dentist’s office. That’s what we will discuss in this blog.
#1: Preserve the Broken Piece
Pick the broken piece of tooth and place it in a cup of milk or water with some salt in it. Saliva is also an excellent choice if you don’t have milk. If you can’t find the piece of the broken tooth, just get to the dentist ASAP. You can count on us if you require broken tooth treatment in Ajax, ON.
#2: Rinse Your Mouth
Warm some water and use it to rinse our mouth. Make sure to remove any pieces of the broken tooth in your mouth so as not to swallow any.
#3: Try to Stop the Bleeding
If you are bleeding, apply pressure to the bleeding site with a clean piece of cloth or gauze. You can alternatively use a moistened tea bag. Place it on the affected area and apply gentle pressure. To reduce swelling, apply a cold pack gently over your cheek or lip. However, you should not place it inside the mouth.
#4: Apply Dental Cement
You may use dental cement if you are not in a lot of pain and won’t get to the dentist right away. Dental cement is available in drug stores. Dental cement is easy to use its non-irritant. It provides a tight seal for the fractured tooth like a crown would do. However, you should ensure to get to the dentist ASAP even after applying the cement.
#5: Take Painkillers
Broken teeth are not always accompanied by pain, but if the nerves are exposed, it can be quite painful. Call your dentist and ask him to recommend some good painkillers, since not all painkillers can be used for dental emergencies.
In this case, take acetaminophen instead of aspirin. Please don’t apply the painkiller on top of the gum thinking it will relieve pain. It will only make things worse. The same applies for a chipped tooth and dental emergencies that cause bleeding.
Don’t Disturb the Tooth
A broken tooth is uncomfortable and it may be tempting to fiddle with it. However, fiddling the tooth will only do more harm. Just leave the tooth be and get to a dentist ASAP.
How is a Broken Tooth Fixed?
There are several treatments for a broken, chipped, or fractured tooth. The dentist will help you choose the right one for you, depending on the extent of your damage. Here are some of the options.
Dental Filling
If it is only a small piece of your tooth that has broken off, a simple dental filling will do. Dental fillings are usually made of resin and they resemble your natural teeth.
Dental Crown
If a large part of your tooth has broken off and dental filling cannot save it, a dental crown will be considered. A dental crown is an artificial tooth and it can be however you want it to be. It can be made of metal, metal alloys, gold, ceramic, porcelain, or porcelain infused in metal. Each type of crown has its pros and cons. Your dentist will walk you through the options and help you choose the most suitable one.
Root Canal
If the dental pulp is infected when the tooth breaks, a root canal treatment will be performed. The purpose of a root canal is to clear away the infection before placing a dental crown.
Dental Veneer
If the broken tooth is on a highly visible location, a porcelain veneer is an excellent solution.
Dental Implant
If the tooth is broken to an extent that it can’t be saved, it can be replaced with a dental implant. A dental implant is pretty much the same as your natural teeth in terms of functionality and appearance.
Rossland Landing Dental Care
If you require broken tooth treatment services in Ajax, ON, we are here for you. With 15+ years of experience, you can count on us for quality dental services. We are open on Saturdays and we offer free whitening services to new patients. Book an appointment now.