Have you ever bitten down while eating to realise that the hard particle you are chewing on isn’t from your plate but a cracked tooth? Now what? Don’t panic.
Tooth enamel, despite its resilience, has its limits. Aging, untreated cavities, facial trauma, or accidents can cause a tooth to fracture. Here’s a guide on what to do next:
When Is a Broken Tooth a Dental Emergency?
Distinguish the severity: A broken tooth is different from a chip or crack. Most chips and cracks can often be managed temporarily with over-the-counter remedies until you can see a dentist. However, a significant break, especially in molars, is a dental emergency usually accompanied by severe discomfort and excruciating pain.
A broken tooth almost always necessitates a trip to the emergency dentist. It can result from participating in sports, falling, or eating certain foods.
Related post: What Is Considered a Dental Emergency?
What To Do In The Event of a Broken Tooth
Seek emergency dental service. In the case where you have to wait for an appointment, try these self-care strategies:
- Take over-the-counter pain treatment if you have serious pain.
- If the break leaves a sharp edge, cover it with sugarless gum or a soft piece of cotton to prevent it from hurting.
- If you need to eat, stick to soft foods and avoid biting down on the damaged tooth.
How Do Dentists Fix a Broken Tooth?
The severity of a broken tooth determines the appropriate treatment. Here are the common procedures dentists use to fix a broken tooth:
Dental Filling or Bonding
For minor fractures, the dentist might use a tooth-coloured composite resin to fill the gap or reattach the broken piece. This dental filling procedure restores the tooth’s functionality and appearance.
Dental Cap or Crown
If a substantial piece of the tooth breaks off, the dentist may file or grind away part of the remaining tooth and cover it with a tooth-shaped cap or crown. This helps protect the tooth and improve its appearance. Crowns can be made from various materials, including porcelain, metal, or a combination of both.
Dental Veneers
Veneers are thin shells of a tooth-coloured resin or porcelain composite material that covers the entire front of the tooth with a thicker piece to replace the fractured area of the tooth.
Root Canal Treatment
If the tooth’s pulp (nerve) is exposed due to a chip or crack, a root canal may be necessary to prevent infection. During a root canal procedure, the dentist removes the dead pulp, cleans the root canal, and seals it. The tooth is then usually covered with a crown to restore its shape and strength.
Know Where To Turn For a Dental Emergency – Contact Rockingham Dental Centre
Any oral problem causing extreme pain is considered a dental emergency. This pain is a signal from your body that something is wrong and needs immediate attention. If you experience severe pain from a broken tooth or any other dental issue, you should seek urgent care.
Rockingham Dental Centre is available for emergency dental care. If you are in severe pain, you can contact them immediately at 08 9527 1093.
Contact Information: Rockingham Dental Centre For urgent dental care and expert treatment, call 08 9527 1093.
In the event of a broken tooth, stay calm and follow these steps to manage the situation until you can get professional dental care.
