A chipped or broken tooth can be a painful and scary experience. Whether it’s from an accident or injury, dealing with a broken tooth can be overwhelming. But don’t worry, there are several steps you can take to address the issue and ensure that your tooth is properly cared for. In this blog, we’ll go over the signs and symptoms of a broken tooth, guidance on what you can do in an emergency, treatment options from an emergency oral surgeon, and how you can prevent a broken tooth in the future.
Signs and Symptoms of a Broken Tooth:
If you experience any of the following symptoms, you may have a broken tooth: pain when biting into food or drinking hot or cold beverages, tooth sensitivity, swelling or redness in the gums, or visible cracks or chips on the tooth. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s essential to visit an emergency oral surgeon, even if the discomfort goes away after some time. Delaying treatment can lead to infections, abscesses, and greater pain and discomfort.
What Causes a Broken Tooth?
A broken tooth can be caused by various factors. Common causes of a broken tooth include: trauma from an accident, chewing on hard objects such as ice cubes or nuts, grinding your teeth during sleep, and weakened enamel due to poor oral hygiene or consuming acidic foods.
What to Do in an Emergency:
If you experience a crack or chip in your tooth, here are some steps you can take: Rinse your mouth with warm water, apply a cold compress outside of your mouth to decrease swelling, and take over-the-counter pain medication. Avoid chewing on the affected tooth, and try to eat soft foods that don’t require excessive chewing. It’s crucial to see a dental surgeon in Barrie immediately in an emergency and get the proper treatment. They’ll try to save the broken tooth with a dental crown or a filling depending on the severity of the damage.
Treatment Options for a Broken Tooth:
A broken tooth can require different treatments depending on the severity of the injury, location, and size of the crack. For instance, if the tooth has just a minor fracture, a filling or dental bonding can be a viable option. Still, if the damage is more extensive, your emergency oral surgeon may recommend a dental crown or even restoration or extraction, which can affect your overall oral health and appearance. To ensure that your treatment is customized to your unique dental needs, it’s essential to visit a dentist.
Will a Broken Tooth Require Surgery?
In some cases, a broken tooth may require emergency oral surgery. If the fracture is so severe that it’s causing an infection or abscess, your dentist may need to perform a root canal to clean out any damaged tissue and restore your tooth. Additionally, if the crack is large enough and can’t be repaired with fillings or a crown, extraction may be the only option.
Preventing a Broken Tooth:
While it’s impossible to predict an accident that results in a broken tooth, there are preventive measures that can lower the risk of breaking a tooth. First off, avoid biting into hard substances like ice or popcorn kernels. Always wear a mouthguard if you play sports or high-impact activities. Lastly, schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings, and follow proper oral hygiene practices, including brushing and flossing twice a day.
Caring for a Broken Tooth After Treatment
Once you’ve received treatment for your broken tooth, it’s essential to follow any post-treatment instructions from your dental surgeon in Barrie. This may include taking pain medication and antibiotics as prescribed, eating soft foods, and avoiding certain activities such as smoking or chewing gum. Following these guidelines can help ensure that your tooth is properly cared for and the damage doesn’t worsen. It’s also important to maintain good oral hygiene practices, such as brushing and flossing twice a day and using mouthwash, to prevent future damage to your tooth or other teeth. Taking these preventive measures can help you avoid having to seek treatment for a broken down tooth in the future.
Visit Simcoe Family Dentistry in an Emergency
At Simcoe Family Dentistry, we understand how difficult dealing with a broken tooth can be. That’s why our experienced dentists and dental care team are here to provide you with the highest quality care and treatment options in an emergency. Our team has extensive experience handling all kinds of dental emergencies, so don’t hesitate to give us a call if you’re experiencing a broken tooth.
Broken Teeth in Summary
In summary, a broken tooth can occur due to various factors such as trauma and grinding your teeth during sleep. You should take immediate steps such as applying a cold compress to reduce swelling and taking over-the-counter pain medication if you experience a crack or chip in your tooth. Treatment options may include a filling, dental crown, restoration, or extraction depending on the severity of damage.
Surgery may be necessary in certain cases if the fracture is causing an infection or abscess. To avoid breaking your tooth, it’s important to practice good oral hygiene and follow preventive measures such as wearing a mouthguard during sports or high-impact activities.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, a broken tooth can be a painful experience that requires prompt attention and professional dental care. If you have any of the signs or symptoms of a broken tooth, it’s essential to seek dental care immediately. Taking preventative measures can also help reduce the risk of a damaged tooth. Remember to follow the guidance provided by your dentist and prioritize your oral health to help maintain healthy teeth and a confident smile.
At Simcoe Family Dentistry we strive to provide our patients with the best care and treatment options possible, so if you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact us. We look forward to helping you restore your smile!