The teeth are made up of strong bone material, which is very difficult to break easily. However, severe trauma can cause the teeth to get broken or chipped. Trauma from vigorous activities such as participating in sports activities or accidents can be the reason for having broken teeth. A cracked or broken tooth requires immediate attention.
Booking an appointment with a dentist nearby is the first thing to do if you have a broken tooth. But, adopting a few measures can help reduce the pain and discomfort until you visit the dental office.
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What Should You Do Immediately After You Chip Or Break A Tooth?
The best dentists in Frisco have come up with practical tips to follow right after you break or chip a tooth. Go through them and follow as much as possible in time of need.
1. Rinse With Warm Water
It is advisable to rinse your broken tooth with warm water to clean it. Rinsing with warm water prevents the bacteria from entering the affected tooth, which can be the reason for infection.
2. Keep The Broken Or Chipped Piece
If you can find a broken or chipped piece of the tooth, wrap it carefully in wet gauze and bring it to your dentist. He/she will examine the piece and determine if it can be bonded back to your tooth.
3. Apply A Cold Compress
Applying a cold compress to the affected area will help reduce inflammation. The compress will constrict the blood vessels and, in turn, slows the blood flow to that particular part of the mouth. This is a great way to minimize swelling, numb the area, and stop bleeding. If you do not have a cold pack in the freezer, fill ice cubes in a ziplock bag and wrap them with a towel before applying them to the affected area.
4. You Can Take Over-The-Counter Pain Relievers
Taking over-the-counter pain medication before visiting the dentist can be a wise decision if you suffer from immense pain. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) do not just relieve pain but can also reduce swelling. The most common NSAIDs are naproxen, ibuprofen and aspirin. Acetaminophen can also be taken for pain management.
5. Visit Your Dentist As Early As Possible
Seeing your dentist immediately is the most crucial thing to do if you have a broken or chipped tooth. Just know that even if you do not feel any pain, visiting a dental office as early as possible is still important. Even the smallest of fractures in a tooth can weaken it and lead to lead to infection or other complicated issues in the days to come.
What Are The Treatment Options Available For Chipped Or Broken Teeth?
There are numerous treatment options available to resolve the issue of broken or chipped teeth. Your dentist will recommend a particular treatment based on your requirements and the severity of the problem.
1. Dental Filling
The tooth filling is often enough if only a small piece of your tooth has broken off. As the name suggests, this treatment involves filling the hole with a composite resin that hardens and protects the teeth.
2. Dental Crown
Dental crown treatment is recommended if a broken or chipped tooth cannot be treated with dental fillings. The dental crowns conceal broken teeth and also protect the sensitive nerves underneath.
3. Root Canal
In some cases, the dental pulp can get infected when a tooth is broken or fractured. Your dentist can then perform a root canal treatment to remove the infected pulp before placing a dental crown on the tooth.
4. Dental Veneer
Dental veneers are a perfect option to restore your smile if your broken tooth is in front of the mouth or in a highly visible spot.
Final Words
We hope you know the steps to follow if there is a broken or chipped tooth and the treatment options available. Here at North Frisco Dental & Orthodontics, our dentists use modern equipment and the best-quality dental treatments to help fix chipped or broken teeth. So if you are looking for effective dental care in Frisco, TX, visit us without any further hesitation.
