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A broken tooth can be a dental emergency, but it depends on the severity of the break. A broken tooth can cause pain and lead to other dental problems. If you have broken, chipped or cracked teeth you should see a dentist right away.
Why Does A Tooth Break?
There are reasons why a tooth may break. One of the most common reasons is when a person bites down on something hard, such as a piece of candy or a nut. Other reasons for a tooth breaking may include:
- Grinding your teeth (bruxism)
- A blow to the mouth or face
- Chewing on ice
- A dental infection
- Poor dental hygiene
If you think your tooth may have broken, it is essential to visit your dentist as soon as possible. A broken tooth can cause a great deal of pain and may lead to further dental problems if not treated.
What To Do If You Break A Tooth?
If your tooth breaks, the most important thing is to find a dentist as soon as possible. A broken tooth can cause further damage to your teeth and lead to infection.
If you are experiencing pain, you can take ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help relieve the pain. You can also use a cold compress to help reduce the swelling.
Try to remove any debris from the tooth with a toothbrush or cotton swab.
If you cannot find a dentist right away, you can try to place a temporary filling in the tooth yourself. To do this, you will need:
- a piece of wax
- a toothpick
- a cup of cold water
- a small amount of cloth
- a flashlight
- a mirror
Then follow the steps below:
- Put a piece of wax over the broken tooth to protect it.
- Use a toothpick to remove any debris from the tooth.
- Put a cup of cold water over the tooth to keep it clean.
- Wrap a small piece of cloth around the wax.
- Use a flashlight and mirror to see the tooth.
- Use the toothpick to place the filling in the tooth.
How An Emergency Dentist Treats Broken Teeth
When a tooth is broken, the first step is determining how severe the break is. If the tooth has been completely shattered, it will likely need to be removed. If the tooth is cracked but still intact, a temporary fix may be possible.
1. If the tooth is still in the mouth, the dentist will clean the area around the broken area to remove any debris. The dentist may also give the patient a local anesthetic to numb the area. If the tooth is broken at the gum line, the dentist may need to perform a root canal to save the tooth.
2. However, if the broken area is below the gum line, the dentist may need to perform surgery to remove the broken piece of the tooth. The dentist will then replace the tooth with a dental implant or a bridge.
3. If the tooth is broken and has been lost, the dentist may need to perform a tooth extraction. The dentist may then replace the tooth with a dental implant or a bridge.
How to Avoid Potential Dental Emergencies
Most people don’t think about dental emergencies until it’s too late. And by then, it may be too late to avoid some serious pain, swelling, and other discomforts. So, it’s important to be proactive and learn how to prevent potential dental emergencies in the first place.
Here are some tips on how to do just that:
1. Brush and floss your teeth regularly – This is probably the most important thing you can do to avoid dental emergencies. If plaque and bacteria are allowed to build up in your teeth, it can cause cavities, gum disease, and other problems. So, make sure you brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss once a day.
2. Avoid sugary drinks and snacks – Sugar is bad for your teeth and can cause plaque and bacteria to build up. So, try to avoid sugary drinks and snacks as much as possible.
3. See your dentist regularly – It’s essential to see your dentist at least once a year for a checkup and cleaning. This can help identify potential problems early on and prevent them from becoming more significant issues.
4. Wear a mouthguard when playing sports – If you play sports, it’s important to wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth from getting injured.
5. Avoid chewing on ice cubes – Chewing on ice cubes can cause your teeth to crack or chip. Also, visit your dentist if you have bruxism. Constantly grinding your teeth will cause them to shatter.
6. Handle dental emergencies properly – If you experience a dental emergency, make sure you handle it properly. This means seeking timely dental care and following your dentist’s instructions.
Conclusion
Broken teeth shouldn’t be taken for granted, especially if it is almost completed gone. Leaving the teeth unattended for a while can cause severe infections in your mouth. The conditions can be excruciating and require oral surgery if needed.
Act fast by visiting a respected dental clinic to get your teeth checked immediately. My Emergency Dentist offers quick dental checkups, counselling, and treatment for all kinds of damaged teeth and oral problems. Book an appointment to get started on your healthy dental journey right away.
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