If you have a broken tooth, seeing a dentist as soon as possible is important to prevent further damage and potential infection. Here are some steps you can take in the meantime:
- Rinse your mouth: Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area around the broken tooth.
- Apply pressure: If the broken tooth is bleeding, gently apply a clean piece of gauze or cloth until the bleeding stops.
- Reduce swelling: Apply a cold compress to the outside of the mouth or cheek near the broken tooth to help reduce swelling.
- Take pain relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help to relieve pain and reduce swelling.
- Protect the tooth: If you can’t see a dentist immediately, cover the broken tooth with dental cement, available at most drugstores, to help protect it from further damage.
- Avoid hard or crunchy foods: Until you see a dentist, avoid hard or crunchy foods that could further damage the tooth.
How to fix a chipped or broken tooth?
It is essential to see a dentist as soon as possible for treatment. Depending on the extent of the damage, the dentist may recommend a filling, crown, root canal, or extraction. In some cases, the dentist may be able to bond the broken piece of the tooth back onto the tooth. The sooner you see a dentist, the more likely the tooth can be saved and the less likely you will experience pain or complications.
Here are some common ways to fix a chipped or broken tooth:
- Dental bonding: For minor chips or cracks, your dentist may use dental bonding to repair the tooth. This involves applying a tooth-coloured resin to the damaged area and then shaping and polishing it to match the surrounding teeth.
- Dental veneers: If the damage is more extensive or affects the front teeth, your dentist may recommend dental veneers. These are thin, custom-made shells bonded to the front of the teeth to improve their appearance.
- Dental crowns: A dental crown may be necessary for more severe damage. A height is a cap that covers the entire tooth, restoring its shape and function.
- Root canal: If the damage has reached the tooth’s pulp, a root canal may be necessary to remove the damaged tissue and prevent infection.
- Tooth extraction: In some cases, if the tooth is severely damaged and cannot be saved, it may need to be extracted.
See a dentist as soon as possible if you have a chipped or broken tooth, as delaying treatment can lead to further damage or infection. Your dentist on the Gold Coast or Brisbane from Amazing Smiles can evaluate the extent of the damage and recommend the best treatment option for you.