Even though a chipped tooth is embarrassing, is it really a dental emergency? Since even minor damage could expose sensitive inner tooth structure to bacteria, we consider any injury a dental emergency and recommend scheduling a visit. In today’s blog, your Garland, TX, dentist will look at how we treat dental emergencies.
Responding to Damaged Teeth
If you break, chip, or crack a tooth, then rinse with warm water and if you can recover any pieces of your tooth, bring them with you in a container or wrapped in tissue. You can take an over-the-counter pain reliever to ease discomfort, and then stem bleeding with cloth or gauze. To avoid facial swelling, place a cold compress or ice pack to the side of the face. Call right away to arrange a visit. Remember, damage could expose the inner dentin to bacteria, a complication that could mean the onset of tooth decay or even an infection.
Treatment Options
For a minor chip or crack, we may use dental bonding to repair the tooth. The procedure uses the same lifelike composite resin we employ in our tooth-colored dental fillings, and the entire process only takes one visit. For more substantial damage, we may design and create a crown that looks natural and blends with your smile, while providing greater levels of protection. To help prevent further injuries, be sure you wear a mouthguard when playing sports, as this limits the risk of chipped or cracked teeth. Be sure you continue to maintaining good oral hygiene too, as teeth free of cavities and weakened enamel are much stronger.
Other Common Emergency Treatments
A sudden and unexplained toothache could be a sign you have an infection that needs treatment. We also suggest a visit if your gums become injured, or if a crown or filling becomes loose or falls out. An injury that loosens or knocks a tooth out completely is also cause for an appointment. If an object is caught between a tooth and floss can’t remove it, let us know, too. We want to make sure you receive the care you need quickly, so you avoid worsening discomfort or serious oral health complications. If you have any questions about our approach to treating dental emergencies, or if you have concerns about protecting your smile from injury, then contact our team today. We can also repair past injuries that have left chips or breakage behind!
DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT EMERGENCY DENTISTRY?
We want to help you avoid the complications of an injured or loosened tooth. To learn more about our approach to emergency dentistry, then schedule a consultation by calling Mai Dentistry in Garland, TX, today at 972-530-0552. For our patients who don’t speak English, our office is fluent in both Spanish and Vietnamese.
