How Do You Deal with a Chipped or Broken Tooth?
Dec 07, 2020
Teeth are the hardest substances in the human body. They have the most considerable mineral composition of about 96%, with hydroxyapatite taking the larger portion. No matter how hard your teeth are, they can still break or crack. Sudden chipping or breaking of a tooth could be an anxious experience.
Anyone can be a victim of a dental accident, irrespective of the individual’s dental health. In case you end up in a traumatizing situation in your mouth like a broken or chipped tooth, consider practicing the following to prevent permanent damage and manage the pain.
Immediately after breaking or chipping your tooth, rinse the mouth using warm salty water. It is necessary to ensure that the area is clean and clear of any dirt or blood. Besides, there is a high chance the broken piece of tooth is still within your mouth and will get eliminated by immediate rinse. The objective is to prevent further destruction of other teeth if you accidentally bite it. A quick rinse is also necessary so that you don’t swallow the broken piece of tooth.
In case bleeding accompanies a broken or chipped tooth, it is necessary to exert pressure on the affected region using a clean gauze or towel as fast as possible. It will assist in stopping the bleeding and minimize the chances of swallowing the blood. As you apply pressure using the gauze or towel, take enough precaution not to irritate or scrub the region. Irritation may result in further bleeding and worsen the pain.
Maintain constant pressure on your gum or broken tooth as you avoid or minimize unnecessary movement. In case the bleeding persists, contact your family dentist for help or rush to the nearest emergency room. Excessive bleeding could be an indication of a severe medical condition and not only about the damaged tooth.
You will probably experience dizziness in case the dental accident resulted from head trauma. Consider seeking affordable dental care Scottsdale to assist you manage the underlying condition.
In case your tooth separates from the mouth, locate it immediately. In most instances, the family dentist could save it through replacement. If you find the tooth, rinse it immediately, then dip it into a solution of saline or milk. If you lack the preferred solutions, use clean water to keep your tooth. The urgency through which you reach out to the dentist may boost the survival chances of your tooth.
If the tooth is not completely separated from the socket but appears loose, consider leaving it inside the mouth. Do not try to get the tooth out by yourself. The attempt may predispose you to infections and excessive bleeding.
Cold compressing the damaged area minimizes swelling and leads to pain relief. The cold leads to constriction of blood vessels, and the resultant effect is the reduced flow of blood to the oral region. It reduces the rate of inflammation, numbs the damaged area, and terminates the bleeding process. If it is unfortunate that you lack a cold pack in your freezer at the time of the accident, you may apply a zip-lock bag containing ice.
If you experience severe pain, take over-the-counter (OTC) analgesics to relieve the discomfort before reaching out to the dentist. The NSAIDs will not only counter the pain but also minimize the inflammation. The popular OTC Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications you may use include naproxen, aspirin, and ibuprofen. In case you have underlying peptic ulcer disease, take acetaminophen for pain management instead of aspirin.
A quick visit to the dentist is the best step to take after breaking your tooth. Even in the absence of any severe pain, do not assume that all is okay. Note that even the tiniest fractures will weaken the tooth, predisposing you to various dental infections and chronic dental complications later.
Prior contact with the dentist allows them to prepare for your procedures and act promptly with hints of what they should do. Remember to bring with you the tooth you soaked in water, saline, or milk solution. If much time has not elapsed, the dentist will be in a position to save your tooth.
Your dentist will treat a chipped or broken tooth based on the severity of the damage. The following are the various options that your dentist could consider:
In case you break just a tiny piece of enamel, your dentist may choose to correct the damage by filling. If it involves the front tooth, or the tooth is visible as you smile, the dentist will prefer bonding, which entails resin use. The bonding process is straightforward and doesn’t need numbing. Your dentist will apply ultraviolet light to harden the composite resin so that it protects your teeth.
It is the most suitable method if a significant piece of your tooth breaks. Your dentist will grind the remaining tooth then use a crown to cover it. Ceramic, resin, porcelain, or metals are the materials considered in making permanent crowns. Resin and porcelain crown will resemble your original tooth. Crowns protect the underneath sensitive nerves.
Your dentist may select a tooth canal if the upper part of your tooth breaks completely, but the root remains stable. During the therapy, the dentist will place a post within the canal. They will then establish a structure upon which the crown will lie. Root canal therapy is critical in eliminating any infection before the dentist can place a dental crown.
For a chipped or broken frontal teeth, dental veneers will make them appear healthy and whole again. Dental veneer comprises of resin or porcelain composite. It covers the entire front tooth with a thick section for replacing the chipped portion of your tooth.
They are gaining popularity fast because they act, feel, and look like your natural tooth. If you are to extract your teeth, the implant is the most suitable method of treatment.
Note that the treatment options will differ from patient to patient, and your dentist will decide the most suitable method based on your condition.