Accidents happen, as they say, and some of the most stressful ones involve breaking a tooth. Whether you bit down too hard on a lollipop, got hit in the mouth with a fly-ball, or took a tumble on an icy walkway, damaging your smile can be traumatic. Here’s what you should do if the unthinkable happens, and how your emergency dentist can help restore your smile in the nick of time!
I Broke My Tooth! Now What?
Picture it: you just got comfortable on your favorite spot on the couch and shoved what should have been a big, satisfying mouthful of popcorn into your mouth. But instead of experiencing the familiar crunch of your salty snack, something else cracks instead: your tooth! Now what? First, don’t panic. Next, follow these steps to protect your mouth from further injury:
- Wipe out or spit out any food that is still in your mouth and set it aside to locate any broken pieces once you have stabilized the tooth.
- Rinse your mouth well with warm water or saltwater. Once all bits of debris are clear, you can get a closer look at the injury.
- Assess the damage; if you have any sharp edges visible, cover them with orthodontic wax or sugarless gum.
- If your tooth hurts, you can alleviate any discomfort with an OTC pain reliever and/or a cold compress over the area.
- Now that your mouth is stabilized, clean off any broken bits of tooth and store them in a dry container to bring to your dental appointment.
- Contact your emergency dentist as soon as possible. While you may not need to come in immediately, once your dental team has a clearer understanding of the nature of the injury, they will schedule your visit as soon as necessary.
What Happens at An Emergency Dentist Appointment?
When you arrive at your emergency dental appointment, your dentist will likely want to X-ray the injured tooth and determine how severe the damage is. If you are nervous or anxious, you can discuss sedative options with the dentist to address your anxiety. Be sure to pre-arrange a ride home from the appointment with a friend or family member if you are using an oral sedative (no rideshares or cabs allowed).
Once your X-rays are captured, your dentist will perform a physical examination on the tooth and formulate a treatment plan for a later date if it isn’t possible during your emergency visit.
Treatment Options for Broken Teeth
There are a variety of treatment options available for broken teeth, depending on the type of tooth and the severity of the break. For minor chips, you may be able to restore the structure with dental resin bonding. Using the same durable, lifelike materials your dentist creates tooth-colored fillings with, he can rebuild it so it both looks and feels like it did before it was injured.
For more severe damage, you may need a dental inlay, onlay or crown. These can be made of things like Emax, zirconia and porcelain, and will be created at a nearby dental laboratory in about two weeks. In the meantime, your dentist will prepareyour tooth, take impressions, and fit you with a temporary crown to wear until your permanent one is ready to be attached.
Remember, breaking a tooth can be understandably scary, but the good news is that thanks to your emergency dentist, there’s nothing to worry about! So, if you suffer from accidental damage, don’t despair. Take a deep breath, follow the above steps, and your healthy, pain-free smile will be back to its original glory in no time!
About Dr. David
Dr. Reed David earned his undergraduate degree at East Tennessee State University and his dental doctorate at the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry. A lifelong student, he is passionate about continuing education and regularly clocks about 100 hours each year! He is a proud, active member of the American Dental Association, and is a current student at both the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology and The Institute for Biological Dentistry. If you are experiencing a dental emergency, don’t wait to get help. Call Elevate Dentistry Charleston directly for urgent service at 843-571-3560.