If you have ever broken or chipped a tooth, you know that it can be a painful experience.
Not only is the injury itself sore, but you also may have to deal with the embarrassment of having a damaged smile.
What should you do if this happens to you?
In this blog post, we will discuss the steps that you should take in order to get your smile back to its former glory!
1. If the tooth is still in your mouth, try to find the chip or break and clean it off with water
So, you’ve broken or chipped a tooth. Now what?
If the tooth is still in your mouth, try to find the chip or break and clean it off with water.
If it feels sharp, you can try to cover it with wax paraffin or sugarless gum to protect your tongue and cheek from cuts.
You should see your dentist for cosmetic dentistry as soon as possible so they can assess the damage and decide on the best course of treatment.
The sooner you act, the better your chances are of avoiding more serious problems.
If the tooth has fallen out, find it and rinse it off with water. Try not to touch the root (the part of the tooth that was in your gums).
If possible, gently insert the tooth back into its socket. Hold it in place by biting down on a gauze pad or piece of clean cloth.
If you can’t put the tooth back in place, store it in a container of milk or saliva (your own or someone else’s).
2. Put a cold compress on the area to reduce swelling
In the event that you have chipped or broken a tooth, it is important to take action immediately in order to minimize any further damage.
One of the first things you should do is put a cold compress on the area to reduce swelling.
This will also help to ease any pain you may be feeling.
If possible, try to find the piece of your tooth that has broken off and bring it with you to the dentist.
This will give them a better idea of what needs to be done to fix the problem. In some cases, they may be able to simply reattach the piece of tooth.
3. If the tooth is loose, gently wiggle it back into place and hold it there with your fingers
If your tooth is still attached but has moved out of place, you can try to wiggle it back into its original spot. Once it’s in the right position, hold it there with your fingers until you can get to a dentist.
Do not force the tooth if it feels like it may break more.
If you’re unable to get the tooth back into place, see a dentist as soon as possible.
If the tooth is broken but still in your mouth, rinse your mouth with warm water.
Hold the broken tooth fragment in place and apply a cold compress to your cheek to help reduce swelling. See a dentist right away.
If you have extreme pain or uncontrolled bleeding, go to the hospital emergency room.
4. Call your dentist as soon as possible to make an appointment – don’t wait!
Sure, you may be able to tough it out until your regularly scheduled appointment, but it’s always best to err on the side of caution and get in to see the dentist right away.
When you break or chip a tooth, time is of the essence. The sooner you can get in to see your dentist, the better.
Your dentist will be able to evaluate the damage and recommend the best course of treatment.
5. Follow their instructions for taking care of the tooth until you can come in for a visit
In case of a dental emergency, always call your dentist first.
They will give you instructions on what to do next and how to take care of your tooth until you can come in for a visit.
If you have chipped or broken a tooth, try to find the pieces of the tooth and bring them with you to your appointment.
If you have chipped or broken your tooth, be sure to see your dentist as soon as possible.
Depending on the severity of the damage, they may be able to save your tooth with a simple filling or crown. However, if the damage is more severe, you may need a root canal or even an implant.
Don’t wait to get the treatment you need – your smile depends on it!
Thanks for reading.