Caring for your teeth should be a high priority in your life. You only get one set of permanent teeth in your lifetime, and if you want them to last, it is imperative to practice optimal oral hygiene. However, even the most dedicated flosser and tooth brusher can experience a severe dental emergency from a broken tooth. A traumatic accident, being struck in the face, or even a minor incident from biting on a hard piece of candy can cause a broken tooth.
Most of the time, sudden pain will accompany a broken tooth. Each tooth inside the mouth is an individual living feature with its own blood supply and nerve endings. When a tooth is severely damaged, intense pain will be one of the tell-tale signs. If a tooth has a part that is broken off that does not reach the nerve (typically the front teeth), it may not cause intense pain. Any time you have dental pain, it is critical that you contact your dentist for immediate evaluation and treatment.
If you have a broken tooth, there are specific steps that you need to take to help restore your smile.
- Find the broken piece, or pieces, from your tooth.
- Place the piece in a cup with a small amount of milk or your own saliva.
- Call your dentist right away.
- Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater.
- Place a cold compress on your face to reduce swelling.
It is crucial that you go into a dental situation knowing that your natural tooth may not be saved. Your dentist will do everything in his/her ability to save your natural tooth, but a tooth extraction may be necessary to save your entire smile. Knowing this ahead of time can help you prepare for any outcome that may occur.
In many cases, a root canal will be a necessary treatment for a broken tooth that occurs in one of the back teeth. A root canal is a painless procedure where the natural tooth is restored so that it can stay inside your mouth. The inside, damaged area of the tooth will be removed and replaced with a special substance, but the tooth will not have to be extracted from the mouth.
At Smile Structure Dentistry & Braces, our practice is dedicated to providing our patients with the highest standard in dental care. If you have a broken or damaged tooth, please contact us right away. We are here for you!
Posted on behalf of