What To Do With A Broken Tooth

Your smile is one of your most personal attributes. If something happens to damage it, you may be devastated. Your permanent teeth are meant to last a lifetime, but that is not the case for everyone. Teeth can become severely damaged in many ways, and if you experience damage to a tooth, it is imperative that you seek treatment right away to increase your chances of saving your tooth.

A tooth can be broken from a traumatic accident where you are struck in the face, or it can occur from a seemingly innocent incident like biting your nails or chewing on a pencil. Poor oral health can also contribute to a tooth being damaged because it will be weakened and damage easily.

If you have a broken tooth, there are steps that you can take to help save your tooth. It is crucial to understand that not all broken teeth can be saved, but your smile can still be restored. It is just helpful to go into an emergency situation knowing the possibilities to better prepare yourself for the outcome. The following steps will give you the best chance at saving your tooth:

1. Find the broken piece (or pieces) from your damaged tooth.
2. Place a small amount of milk or your own saliva into a cup, and put your tooth in the cup.
3. Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater.
4. Call your dentist immediately.
5. If you are in intense pain, ask your dentist about taking an over-the-counter pain reliever.
6. Stay calm.

A broken tooth can often be bonded, where the broken piece is reattached to the natural tooth. The bonded portion of the tooth will be color-matched to your tooth so that any repair work is virtually invisible. If a tooth has been damaged down to its root, frequently, an emergency root canal will be necessary. This procedure will help save the natural portion of the tooth, and the broken portion will be repaired and built up to fit inside your mouth.

At Montevallo Family Dentistry, we understand how devastating it can be to incur damage to your smile. We are here for you, and we can provide the best dental care that you need. Please contact our practice right away if you have a dental emergency.

Posted on behalf of Montevallo Family Dentistry