What should you do when a tooth is avulsed (knocked-out) or broken? There are a few steps you can take right before seeing your dentist to ease discomfort and make the repair process easier. Fortunately, we can provide emergency care to address problems or injuries with the teeth and gums, returning your smile to optimal health and function.
Try our Quiz on Addressing Broken or Avulsed Teeth
- True or False: You should bring a knocked-out tooth with you.
- True or False: A cold compression can reduce swelling as a result of a broken tooth.
- True or False: A damaged tooth increases the risk of decay or infection.
Answer Key
- True. First, try and recover the tooth. We suggest picking it up by the crown, or visible portion, never touch the root. Gently rinse the tooth under water to remove dirt and foreign debris, but take care to leave any tissue in place. You can place the tooth in a glass of salt water or milk and bring it with you to the office. If possible, you can also put the tooth back into the socket, gently biting down to hold it in place until you see the dentist.
- True. If you chip or break a tooth, try to recover any pieces and bring them with you. If you can’t, don’t worry, we can still repair your tooth. A piece of gauze can stem any bleeding and a cold compress against the side of the face can reduce swelling.
- True. Even if the damage appears minor, you should still see the dentist. Often, a broken tooth exposes the sensitive inner structure to bacteria, allowing decay and eventually an infection to form. To safeguard your smile from decay and discomfort, don’t avoid treatment for a damaged tooth. If you have any questions or concerns about our emergency care, then please contact our team today.
Do You Need Emergency Care?
At Vi Mai-Truong, DDS, we can offer emergency dental care to address broken or avulsed teeth. For our patients who don’t speak English, our office is fluent in both Spanish and Vietnamese. To schedule an appointment, call our Garland, TX office today at (972) 530-0552.
