Did you know that enamel is the hardest substance made by the human body? It’s even stronger than bone, but that doesn’t mean it’s invincible. A twice-daily dental hygiene routine can avoid oral issues, like decay and disease, but unfortunately, there’s no guarantee that you’ll never have a dental emergency.
For example, you might bite into something too hard or sustain an injury that cracks or breaks a tooth. These types of issues can be intimidating, but acting quickly can potentially improve your prognosis. Continue reading to learn 4 steps to take to protect your dental condition!
Step #1: Find the Pieces
Depending on what happened, there’s a chance your provider can repurpose the pieces of your tooth, so it can be helpful to locate any pieces that may have broken away. However, keep in mind that they may still be in your mouth, so be careful not to swallow them.
Then, you can gently rinse them to clear away any blood or debris and store them safely in a dry container to take with you to your dentist’s office.
Step #2: Clean Your Mouth
Athletes and others who participate in close-contact activities are prone to injuries, such as sustaining a blow to the face, that can damage or dislodge their teeth. If you’ve been hurt or are bleeding, it’s important to keep your mouth clean to avoid an infection.
You can do this by rinsing gently with water to remove any bacteria, dirt, or other contaminants that might contribute to disease.
Step #3: Address Discomfort
It’s normal to feel somewhat sore and swollen if you’ve just been hit in the face or have bitten into something so hard that it broke a tooth. Thankfully, it’s usually safe to take over-the-counter pain medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to help reduce symptoms.
You can also try holding a cold compress or ice pack to the tender side of your face for about 15 minutes for a temporary numbing sensation that can provide a much-needed reprieve.
Step #4: Call Your Emergency Dentist
Finally, if you have not already taken the time to do so, you should contact your emergency dentist to let them know what happened. Depending on your circumstances, they’ll schedule an appropriate time to see you and may also provide additional self-care instructions over the phone to follow until you arrive. For example, they might ask that you avoid biting or chewing anything with your injured tooth until your appointment.
Thankfully, many providers offer same-day visits and options for sedation for urgent scenarios so you won’t have to wait long for relief if you’ve broken a tooth!
About the Practice
Patients at Creekview Family Dentistry benefit from a team of dentists eager to help them build and maintain beautiful, healthy smiles. They share decades of combined experience and collaborate to offer a comprehensive menu of services to meet your needs under one roof, including emergency appointments and dental sedation. Their compassionate approach is combined with advanced technology to provide accurate, comfortable results intended to last. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (972) 459-1100.