You might’ve been going through your day when life threw a curveball at you. Maybe you had an accident or bit into a hard food, but now you are left with a broken tooth. It’s easy to worry about your smile, but it’s essential to act quickly to prevent further harm. The first thing you should do is take a deep breath, then follow this easy guide on how to handle a broken tooth.
How Should I Deal with My Broken Tooth?
Once you’ve relaxed and calmed down from this sudden situation, take a moment to assess your mouth. If you notice that the break is only minor, then it may just be a cosmetic issue.
While your grin may not be in any immediate harm, it’s still important to call your dentist. There may be a sharp edge that can cut your cheek or tongue, so you can cover it with sugarless gum or dental wax. As you wait for your visit, don’t eat on that side of your mouth to avoid further damaging it.
However, if you notice that the break is more severe where inner pulp is exposed, then here’s what you need to do:
- Find and rinse the broken piece of your tooth and put it in a clean container.
- Gently swish warm salt water to get rid of any debris. There may be tiny parts of your tooth lingering around, so try not to swallow them. By doing this, you can also remove any harmful bacteria while reducing inflammation!
- You may be in some pain, so take over-the-counter medication or use an ice pack to help reduce it and swelling.
- Like with a minor break, call your dentist! Explain the situation and let them know if you see any yellow dentin or red pulp.
What Can My Dentist Do About My Broken Tooth?
When you get to your appointment as soon as possible, your provider will first ensure you are comfortable. They’ll take steps to relieve any pain you’re in, then do an oral examination. With this and X-rays, they can see the extent of the damage and come up with a treatment plan for you.
In some cases, you may need a tooth-colored filling for minor chips or a dental crown for more major cracks. If your inner pulp was exposed to bacteria, then having a root canal can help get rid of them while preserving the natural structure as much as possible.
There is a rare scenario where the damage is so severe that it renders your tooth unsalvageable. An extraction can be best in avoiding any more harm to your smile, but your dentist will exhaust all other options first!
Although you might’ve been worried about this dental emergency, follow the steps above! Your dentist is here to get you back to a pain-free smile you feel confident in.
About the Author
Dr. Xhelo Shuaipaj earned his dental degree from The Loyola University College of Dental Surgery. With over 25 years of experience helping the community, he is here for his patients throughout their oral healthcare journey. Although a broken tooth might’ve left you panicked, Dr. Xhelo offers same-day appointments and conscious sedation to get you the relief you deserve. If you found yourself in this sudden situation, the fastest way to schedule an appointment is by calling his Downers Grove or Lemont office.