Breaking a tooth can be a frightening time for anyone, and not knowing whether to seek emergency dental care for the broken tooth or wait for the regular office to open can add to the stress. The good news is that broken teeth are often resilient and can usually be restored to their normal function, but to do so, you should be informed about the best steps to take.
When a tooth breaks, the first thing to do is identify whether the situation is an emergency, especially if the break happens outside of regular office hours. From there, you can either apply temporary measures or locate an emergency dentist near you.
When a tooth breaks, assessing the situation quickly is priority number one. Not all broken teeth are an emergency, though all should be seen as soon as possible.
The first step after a tooth has broken is determining whether the break requires an emergency visit. If there is bleeding, the patient is in severe pain, or the break encompasses a large portion of the tooth, it is wise to seek emergency dental treatment.
Conversely, if a small chip is all that is missing and no other symptoms are present, it is often safe to wait until the dentist’s office opens the next day. Still, patients should not delay and should call as soon as the office opens.
Regardless of the severity of a tooth break, the patient must try to find any pieces of the teeth that have come loose, as these can often be reattached. Place any tooth fragments in the patient’s mouth (if they are not children who might be prone to swallowing them) or in a cup of milk to help preserve any living tissues until the dentist can properly reattach the pieces. Try not to touch the tooth pieces (or the exposed tooth area where it is still attached to the gums) more than necessary, to avoid introducing bacteria.
If the patient cannot find the pieces of the tooth or if they have been safely stored for transport, rinse the mouth with warm water to clear away bacteria from the vulnerable opening in the tooth. Do not eat using that tooth. If a person is experiencing pain, they can take acetaminophen to reduce their discomfort. However, they should not take aspirin because it can interfere with how the dentist may need to treat the break later.
If there is bleeding, use gauze or latex gloves to apply pressure and seek medical attention promptly. Try to avoid swallowing the blood, as it can prompt vomiting.
A broken tooth is a severe dental situation that often requires emergency care. If you are experiencing a tooth break and need emergency dental treatment, or if you are not sure, do not hesitate to contact us. We can advise you on what to do next to preserve your tooth.
Request an appointment here: https://omaha.advancedendotherapy.com or call Advanced Endodontic Therapy at (402) 506-7111 for an appointment in our Omaha office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Restorations in Omaha, NE.
Identifying a tooth abscess early prevents a painful infection from spreading and protects the long-term health of the smile and the surrounding jawbone. This type of dental concern often creates intense pressure, making it nearly impossible to focus on daily work or get a good night's sleep. That is why a professional evaluation remains the…
A natural, healthy smile is one of the most important aspects of maintaining oral health and personal confidence. Endodontics offers a way to preserve a natural tooth even when it becomes severely damaged or infected. Typically, an endodontist accomplishes this through root canal therapy. Whether you have been referred by a dental provider or are…
Wondering how serious cracked teeth are and how to prevent them? Read on to learn more. Addressing cracked teeth often involves a comprehensive approach combining corrective and preventive measures. Cracked teeth present a predicament that goes beyond mere aesthetics, affecting functionality and sometimes worsening into persistent discomfort or pain. An endodontist specializes in diagnosing and…
A pulpectomy is a common endodontic procedure that treats infected or damaged tooth pulp, often performed when a root canal treatment is necessary. During the procedure, the endodontist removes this infected pulp tissue from the tooth and then cleans and seals the space. While a pulpectomy can effectively alleviate pain and save a tooth from…