Having a broken or chipped tooth can be an extremely surprising and stress-provoking event. Dental injuries, be it due to an accident or fall, or as a result of biting down on something hard unexpectedly require immediate fixing from your Boynton Beach emergency dentist because if not taken care of in time they could lead you to more danger with worse conditions. Dealing with a broken tooth that has cracked or chipped is not only painful but can often leave us in shock, unsure of what to do next.
Understanding How Significant It Is?
Broken or chipped teeth vary in severity with not all damaged teeth are equal. While some chips may just hurt the enamel, which is only the exterior of your tooth, other folks can perforate the more sensitive structure in teeth and induce extreme aches. Additionally, when a very large piece of that tooth breaks off or fractures in an unsalvageable way.
What to do Right Away After Breaking or Chipping a Tooth
Rinse Your Mouth
To clear the site and remove anything that may have been in there, rinse your mouth gently with warm water Avoidance of infection and good wound evaluation will result.
Control Any Bleeding
If your mouth is bleeding, place a piece of gauze or clean cloth on the area and apply pressure to stop the flow. The bleeding should stop within minutes. And if there is none, it’s time to head for the dentist.
Preserve Any Tooth Fragments
If a piece of your tooth has broken off, locate and save the fragment. Use milk or saliva to keep the tooth fragment moist until your appointment. In case your dentist can reattach the piece, this may be useful.
Manage Pain and Swelling
OTC pain relief such as ibuprofen to help manage symptoms and reduce inflammation You can also use an ice pack on the outside of your cheek near the area that is affected to to help reduce swelling and relieve discomfort.
A Broken Or Chipped Tooth Needs Treatment
The course of treatment for a broken or chipped tooth will depend on the severity of the damage:
1. Dental Bonding or Filling
For smaller chips or cracks, your dentist might suggest dental bonding. This is done by a tooth-colored resin filling onto the area, which is cured instantly using UV light and shaped and polished till it mimics your natural tooth. A filling may be used to fix some larger chips and strengthen the structure of a tooth.
2. Dental Crown
A dental crown may be needed if a large enough portion of the tooth is broken A crown is a cap that is made especially for the individual tooth and covers it entirely protecting it while providing functionality in addition to looking normal.
3. Root Canal Therapy
If the break or chip exposes your tooth pulp containing nerves and blood vessels. It is a process that starts with the removal of damaged pulp tissue, and then cleaning out the affected area before sealing it up so infection cannot get in.
4. Veneers
Dental veneers may be an option in cases of chipped-away front teeth. Porcelain or resin composite laminates (veneers) are then bonded to these in order they have a ‘new’ external look.
An oral injury causing a broken or chipped tooth in Boynton Beach is considered an emergency for which prompt treatment can prevent further damage and poor results. Following these steps and addressing dental needs promptly can help keep your teeth healthy and give you a great smile. When a dental emergency occurs, make sure to reach out to your nearby dentist for the needed care and treatment.
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