It can be quite alarming when you experience an injury to one of your teeth. Physical trauma can cause a painful break or chip in your tooth’s surface and expose its insides to the outside harm of oral bacteria. Sometimes plaque and tartar formations create severe cases of tooth decay that can greatly alter the shape of your tooth. When you injure one of your teeth, it is important to visit your preferred dentist as soon as possible to prevent it from becoming worse. By visiting your dentist early enough, you give yourself a better chance at maintaining the rest of your tooth and avoiding the need for an extraction.
At your Garland, TX, dentist’s office, we help restore function and beauty to your smile with the placement of dental crowns. These restorations “cap” the top of your tooth above the gum line to seal off a damaged tooth’s exposed insides and return the appearance of a full healthy member of your mouth.
Responding to a Broken Tooth
Breaking one of your teeth can be quite a painful experience, but by acting quickly to minimize the damage and seek treatment, you can prevent further complications. If you believe your injury to be life-threatening or have bleeding that you cannot get under control, dial 911 or head to the emergency room of your nearest hospital. Otherwise, take the following steps to prepare for an emergency dental visit.
Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area and remove any debris and blood. If you are experiencing pain, consider taking an over-the-counter pain pill like ibuprofen. Call your dentist, even after hours, to arrange a visit and receive additional instructions. In the meantime, apply a cold compress to your cheek to reduce swelling, and try to avoid eating hard foods until you can see your dentist. Do not try to repair the broken tooth yourself, as this can cause further damage!
Placing A Dental Crown
To repair your injured tooth, we will place a dental crown over the damaged or decayed area to restore its shape, size, and appearance. Your restoration will also improve the function of your tooth to withstand the normal pressure of your bite and protect any exposed nerves from sensitive interaction. To care for your crown, continue practicing proper oral hygiene by brushing and flossing your teeth to prevent future cavities or gum infections. When properly cared for, a dental crown can last many years before requiring replacement.
Speak With Your Garland, TX, Dentist About Repairing Your Tooth With A Dental Crown
To learn more, or to schedule your next appointment, call Mai Dentistry in Garland, TX today at (972) 530-0552. For our patients who do not speak English, our office is fluent in both Spanish and Vietnamese.
