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Aug 21, 2024
Dental emergencies are the last thing anyone wants to experience in their lifetime. However, it can come uninvited and catch you unaware. It is better to be prepared for this mishap that can be detrimental if neglected. Most people panic and take the wrong steps, which can damage their teeth further. Increasing your knowledge about different dental emergencies and how to deal with them is prudent. One of the common situations is a chipped or broken tooth. It can happen to anyone if they take a fall, eat hard food or get hurt in a sport.
People who get into an accident or fight can also be left wounded and with a broken tooth. Dental problems are painful and need immediate attention, like all other injuries. It is best to find a dentist in Hope Island as soon as possible and follow your practitioner's instructions about dealing with such situations. Here is how to deal with a chipped or broken tooth emergency. It will give you the confidence to face the problem without anxiety.
How to Deal With a Chipped or Broken Tooth?
It is vital to take precautions until you reach the dentist for an emergency visit. The first reaction in this situation is mostly of fright and worry about the extent of damage. Thus, it would be best if you stayed calm because an expert practitioner can take care of every problem. Depending on the damage, they have several treatment options to fix the tooth. In the meantime, they must follow these tips:
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Take A Painkiller
If the appointment with the dentist will take time and you are in severe pain because of an injury or blow, it is recommended to take an over-the-counter painkiller. In addition, you can rinse your mouth with warm saline water to eliminate bacteria and reduce the risk of infection.
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Avoid Eating
While avoiding solid foods until you get treated is best, you can opt for a liquid diet. Chewing and eating with a broken tooth can cause further damage. Visiting your reliable dentist in Hope Island within 24 hours of the injury is best. Do not drink extremely hot or cold beverages, and stay away from sticky and sugary foods during this period.
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Cover the Broken Tooth
If the broken tooth has become sharp and has a protruding edge that is grazing the inside walls of the cheeks or the lips, you must cover it with sugarless gum. It will help to keep the inside of your mouth safe from scratches and scrapes.
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Stop Bleeding
Sometimes, a broken tooth may start bleeding after an accident or mishap. To help the blood clot, you must place wet gauze over the tooth and hold it in place for ten minutes. You can also use a wet teabag instead of the gauze.
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Use A Cold Compress
A broken or chipped tooth can cause swelling and discomfort. The situation can be handled with a cold compress that must be placed on the side of the face where it hurts for 20 minutes and then removed for ten minutes to be placed again. It helps reduce swelling and inflammation.
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Keep the Chipped Part Safe
Find the broken or chipped part of the tooth and hold it from the top to rinse it with lukewarm water for just a few seconds. Do not try to clean it. Put it in a small container with whole milk to be replaced back to its original place if possible.
How Dentists Treat a Chipped or Broken Tooth?
Your dentist in Hope Island will examine the extent of the damage. A crack on the surface may appear to be small but can go deep without showing a visible sign of damage. The practitioner will get a dental X-ray to evaluate the injury and provide the appropriate treatment.
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Dental Veneers for Broken Teeth
Veneers are usually used for the front teeth. They are very thin shells made from porcelain or resin composite that hide the anomalies in the front teeth. The procedure begins with a slight removal of tooth enamel, and then the veneer is fixed to the front teeth with special cement. It is fixed in its position with a special light that hardens the cement.
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Dental Bonding for Chipped Tooth
Bonding can restore a cracked, chipped, or broken tooth. This procedure involves covering the damage with a composite resin material. The affected surface is roughed with a liquid or gel, and then the tooth-coloured resin is attached to it with an adhesive material. The bonding is fixed to the tooth with ultraviolet light.
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Dental Caps or Crowns
A dental cap is a tooth-shaped covering that fits over the damaged tooth and covers it completely to protect it from further damage. It appears like a natural tooth and is made from porcelain, resin or ceramic. It is usually needed when the entire top part of the tooth is broken, or decay has reached the root and needs a root canal treatment.
Wrapping Up
Dental emergencies can leave you shocked and confused if you are not aware of the consequences. Understanding that a chipped or broken tooth does not result in tooth loss is vital. It can be repaired by visiting your dentist in Hope Island on time and following some precautions.
