There are various occasions that a tooth may run the risk of becoming cracked or knocked out of socket, including chewing hard candy or ice, or playing contact sports.
And while no one can predict a dental emergency, it is wise to be aware of the actions you should take if you ever find yourself in the situation of a cracked tooth or a tooth that gets knocked out.
Read on for more on this important topic.
Recommended steps for a chipped tooth
Suddenly chipping a tooth can be cause for alarm since it is unexpected. However, if you experience trauma to the mouth resulting in a chipped or cracked tooth, here are the steps you should take immediately:
-Rinse your mouth with water
-Apply pressure to any areas of bleeding (if bleeding is excessive, call for help)
-Apply cold compress to areas of swelling or pain
-Take over-the-counter pain reliever to easy any discomfort
-Call us as soon as possible to schedule treatment
There are a variety of options for treating a chipped tooth, depending on the case. These include a dental filling, crown, veneer or implant, as well as a dental bridge or root canal.
Recommended steps for a tooth that is knocked out
In the case of a tooth that is knocked out, time is of the essence. If a tooth is put back into the socket within minutes, chances are it can be saved. Here are some steps you should take in this situation:
-If you still have the tooth, do not touch the root, only the tooth’s surface
-Rinse your tooth if it is dirty, no scrubbing
-Place the tooth back in socket right away
-If placing back in socket is not an option, go to the dentist immediately or the emergency room
-In the meantime, place the tooth in a small dish of milk or in the mouth close to the cheek to keep its root moist
If the tooth cannot be salvaged, a denture, bridge or implant are possible treatments. If the tooth can be salvaged, it can be splinted into place for two weeks. After two weeks, it will be examined to see if it has been implanted properly.
Preventative measures
Keeping your teeth strong and healthy is key to avoiding any dental issue. And, of course, wearing protective facial gear when playing sports can go a long way to protect your smile.
All-in-one dentist in Birmingham, MI
Dr. Milan is a highly acclaimed cosmetic dentist in metro Detroit who can handle not just your cosmetic needs, but all of your dental needs.
He and his staff are equipped to treat nearly any dental woe — from chipped teeth to yellowing teeth to crooked or gapped teeth and even gum problems. In fact, they have been restoring smiles back to healthy and functioning for over 20 years.
Whether you are searching for a new dentist with accolades for your bi-annual visits, or if you are looking to learn more about the latest and greatest cosmetic dental treatments, we invite you to schedule an appointment.
We look forward to helping your smile look and be its best!