Are you wondering what to do when you break a tooth?
Broken teeth seemingly occur overnight, often without any violent incident.
Sometimes teeth simply crack, chip, or shatter after years of wear and tear. Other times a blow to the mouth or an impactful fall breaks a tooth.
Broken teeth can cause a lot of worries. After all, a broken tooth isn’t something to take lightly. Keep reading to learn what to do if you break a tooth.
Assessing the Damage
If you have broken teeth, it is important to assess the damage and seek medical attention if necessary. If the break is small and does not result in pain or bleeding, the damage may not be that serious.
However, if the break is large or if you are experiencing pain or bleeding, you should have it checked soon as possible. If the break is severe, you may need to have the tooth extracted.
When Seeing a Dentist
When you see a dentist about a broken tooth, you should ask about the extent of the damage. You should also ask what they need to do to repair it.
The dentist may suggest a filling, crown, or other treatment. Be sure to ask about how long the procedure will take and what the recovery time will be.
You should also ask about the cost of the treatment and whether your insurance will cover it. This will help you prepare and avoid surprises later on.
At-Home Care
There are a few things you can do to ease the pain of a broken tooth until you can see a dentist. Rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling.
If the pain is severe, you can try using clove oil. Soak a cotton ball in clove oil and apply it to the affected area.
If you somehow managed to get rid of the pain, don’t relax yet. You should see a dentist as soon as possible to get the tooth repaired.
Long-Term Treatment
There are a few things you can do to ease the pain and discomfort of a broken tooth long-term. First, avoid eating hard or crunchy foods. Chew on the other side of your mouth to take the pressure off the broken tooth.
You can also try over-the-counter pain relievers to help with the pain. If the pain is a bit more severe, you may need a prescription from your dentist.
If the tooth is infected, you may need antibiotics. In some cases, root canals or dental implants may be necessary. The most important thing you can do is to see your dentist as soon as possible.
Dealing with a Broken Tooth
It is important to deal with a broken tooth as soon as possible. This is because it can lead to infection, pain, and other complications. If you have a broken tooth, you should see a dentist as soon as possible.
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