You only have one set of adult teeth, and they need to last until you are 80, 90, or beyond. The actions you take towards your teeth today will either benefit you or harm you in the future. Of course, good dental care starts with seeing a dentist regularly. You should go in for cleanings and checkups, and any other time you think something might be amiss with your teeth. Education is important when it comes to any aspect of your health, so start reading the articles on this website to educate yourself about dentists and dental care. We promise that when you're 80 and you still have your teeth, you won't regret the time spent.
The Tooth of the Matter: A Dental Blog
Do You Have A Broken Tooth? 4 Tips To Handle Dental Emergencies Before Visiting A General Dentist
Sofia Curtis
Accidents sometimes happen when you least expect them. Perhaps you fell down the stairs or got hit during boxing practice, and one of your teeth chipped or broke. What do you do after such an accident to improve your chances of saving your tooth? This piece will provide important tips to help you handle a dental emergency.
1. Determine If the Situation Needs Urgent Intervention
The first and most important thing to do after discovering that your tooth is broken is to determine if the situation is an emergency. If you can manage the situation and wait to see your dentist during regular hours, you could wait until your next appointment. However, if you are bleeding profusely, experiencing pain, or swelling, consider this an emergency and seek help immediately. If you cannot wait to see the dentist, visit a general dentist for emergency treatment.
2. Try to Manage the Pain and Swelling
The bleeding, pain, and shock that hits you after the accident will probably be the worst part of the experience. However, you'll need to find ways to manage the swelling and inflammation before visiting a general dentist. For example, you can take some painkillers to manage the pain. You can start by calling your dentist to recommend a reliable painkiller since some pain relievers are blood thinners and may only accelerate bleeding. You can apply ice packs to the affected area to control swelling.
3. Preserve the Broken Fragments
If the tooth has fallen out, you certainly need emergency treatment. Consider calling your general dentist for an urgent appointment. The expert might recommend soaking the tooth in water or milk. Ensure the tooth is well preserved to improve the chances of successful reattachment. You can also put it in your mouth under the cheeks if you don't have water nearby.
4. Rush to the Nearest Dental Office
Some general dentists are always available 24/7 to help patients facing urgent dental problems. If you don't seek dental help immediately, the socket might get infected, or the pain could worsen. Delaying treatment might also cause long-term damage, reducing your chances of successful treatment. The specialist might recommend installing a crown to restore your tooth's shape if you don't come in with fragments of the broken tooth.
Regardless of your dental emergency, these tips can come in handy. Therefore, if your tooth is broken in an accident, visit a general dentist near you for emergency care. The dentist will examine your situation and find the most effective solution to your problem.
Contact a general dentistry practice for more information.
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