When a person chips or breaks their tooth, it can be scary and hard to know what to do. Sometimes there might be pain involved but mostly, panic begins to set in. However, it is important that people are aware of what to do when this happens so that the tooth can try to be salvaged.
In this article, we will discuss what a person should do if and when they chip or break their tooth. Read more below, as we go over the necessary steps to take!
A chipped or broken tooth
While the teeth are said to be extremely strong, they are also delicate in their own way. A chipped tooth may occur due to a sports-related injury or just a physical impact to the face. It’s important that a person guards their teeth as repairing them after a break or chip can be difficult.
What to do if you chip or break your tooth
Rinse
One of the most important things to do if you chip or break your tooth is to immediately rinse your mouth out. Often times, when a person chips or breaks a part of their tooth, there are small pieces that become detached. These detached pieces can be harmful if they are swallowed.
A salt water rinse can be used to ensure that the area stays clean as well as rinsing the mouth free of any broken tooth pieces.
Medication
Sometimes the chip or break in the tooth can cause pain or discomfort. Over-the-counter medication can be taken to reduce the pain as well as any swelling that may have occurred from the injury itself. It’s best to take medication with food so that one doesn’t begin to feel sick.
Get to the dentist
If the chipped or broken tooth is severe then a person should immediately get to an emergency dentist’s office or an emergency room. Sometimes chipped or broken teeth can cause extreme pain, sharp edges or bleeding. When this happens, it is important to visit an emergency institution in order to have treatment began.
On the other hand, if a person’s tooth is only minorly chipped or broken then the situation may not be emergent. But, it is still important that they visit their dentist as soon as possible. Scheduling an appointment with a general dentist will be necessary in order to determine how to treat the tooth.
Treatment options for chipped or broken teeth include - dental bonding, veneers, dental crowns or even a filling. Treating a broken or chipped tooth can be done so long as a person visits their dentist as soon as it happens.
Chipped and broken teeth can cause inconveniences with eating, brushing and even with one’s appearance. It’s always best to ensure that the mouth is free of any broken pieces and then visit their dentist as soon as they can.
If you have questions about broken or chipped teeth and what you should do then reach out to our office today so that we can help you. Give us a call or stop in today!
Request an appointment here: https://www.gablesexceptionaldentistry.com or call Gables Exceptional Dentistry at (305) 203-4132 for an appointment in our Coral Gables office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: What Should I Do If I Chip My Tooth.
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