Have you recently experienced a dental emergency such as a broken, chipped, or knocked-out tooth? Knowing the right steps to take right away can help minimize pain and complications in the long run.
It is important that you visit the dentist right away when facing any form of tooth damage — whether it’s chipped, cracked, or completely knocked out. You should always act quickly and not put off visiting a dentist if you experience any kind of dental trauma.
Timeliness is key and can make all the difference in preventing additional health risks in these situations. Here we will discuss some important things you should do if you have a damaged or knocked-out tooth.
What to Do in a Dental Emergency: Chipped, Cracked, or Knocked Out Tooth
Damaged or lost teeth require immediate attention because they can cause severe infection and long-term oral health issues if left untreated. The first step is to visit your dentist for an assessment and treatment plan tailored specifically to you.
Depending on the severity of the damage, your dentist may suggest a variety of treatments to repair the affected teeth. They will also make sure that your mouth is properly cleaned and sanitized before beginning any repairs in order to prevent infection and ensure proper healing.
Immediate Action for Broken or Chipped Tooth
If you notice a chip or crack in your tooth, it is important to know what to do with a chipped tooth. Seeking prompt dental care for chipped or cracked teeth is essential for ensuring oral health and protecting against further decay or infection down the line.
- Assess the Damage – Locate any pieces of the tooth that you can find. Place them in a container with milk or saline solution to keep them moist until you reach a dentist’s office. If your tooth now has a jagged edge or sharp edge, place a piece of paraffin wax or sugarless gum over it so you don’t cut your mouth.
- Treat Pain and Discomfort – Rinse your mouth out with warm water immediately, and use a cold compress to reduce any swelling outside the mouth. You can also take over-the-counter pain medication if necessary.
- Protect the Tooth from Further Damage – Avoid eating or drinking anything that could cause further damage to the tooth enamel. If possible, try to avoid chewing on the damaged area. Also, brushing gently with a soft toothbrush and avoiding chewing ice can help keep the chipped area from becoming further damaged.
- Contact your Dentist Immediately – Seek emergency dental care as soon as possible to get the best chance of restoring your tooth. A dentist can assess the damage and decide the best course of action for repair.
Immediate Action For Knocked-Out Tooth
Sudden trauma to the mouth, such as a sports injury or fall, can cause one or more teeth to be knocked out. If this happens, it is important to take immediate action.
- Locate the Tooth and Rinse it Off – First and foremost, find the tooth and pick it up by the top part – never the root.
- Try to Reinsert it in its Socket – Attempt to place the tooth back in its socket if possible, being sure to take care that it is inserted in the correct direction.
- Store the Tooth – The tooth can be stored in milk or saline solution. If neither of these is available, wrap it in a moist towel or gauze and place it in a sealed container.
- Treat Pain and Discomfort – Rinse your mouth out with warm water immediately, and use a cold compress to reduce any swelling outside the mouth. You can also take over-the-counter pain medication if necessary.
- Contact your Dentist Immediately – Seek emergency dental care as soon as possible to get the best chance of restoring your tooth. A dentist can assess the damage and decide the best course of action for restoration.
When You Need to Seek Immediate Care
While treating a damaged or lost tooth requires you to see a dentist as soon as possible, you can sometimes wait a day or so, at least, until they are able to get you in for an appointment. However, there are instances where it cannot wait, and you need to seek immediate emergency care. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should immediately seek professional care.
- Severe bleeding that doesn’t stop after 10 minutes of direct pressure.
- Extreme tooth pain or discomfort that is not treated with over-the-counter pain reliever.
- If you have severe swelling in and around your mouth, face, and neck.
- Signs of infection such as a bad taste in your mouth, pus, or redness.
- If your natural tooth has been cracked down to the gum line.
- If the nerve of a tooth is exposed by injury or tooth decay.
- Long-term Treatment Options for a Dental Emergency
Once you have taken immediate steps to protect the tooth and seek medical attention, your dentist will assess the level of damage and provide an appropriate course of treatment.
For a broken tooth or tooth loss, treatment can include the following:
Dental Crowns
This is a cap that is placed over the existing tooth structure to restore it to its original shape and size. The crown fits over the remaining tooth structure like a glove, protecting it from further damage and restoring function.
Veneers
These are thin shells made of porcelain that are bonded to the front surface of the entire tooth. Porcelain veneers are commonly used to repair chips and cracks.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots surgically placed in the jawbone to hold a replacement tooth or bridge. This is typically done when the tooth can not be restored either from being knocked out or being fractured.
Dental Bonding
This is a process of using a tooth-colored resin material to repair minor chips or cracks in the teeth. The composite resin is bonded to the tooth to improve its shape, color, and strength.
Root Canal
If a crack is severe enough to cause the nerve of the tooth to be exposed, root canal treatment may be needed. The root canal procedure is where the damaged nerve is removed and replaced with an artificial material.
Tooth Extraction
If the tooth is severely damaged or decayed and can not be saved, it may need to be extracted. A replacement tooth, such as a bridge or implant, can then be placed.
Contact our Emergency Dental Clinic Now!
If you have a chipped, cracked, or knocked-out tooth, don’t wait another minute. Contact our office right away so we can help restore your smile!
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