Your day was going just fine – until you broke your tooth. Now what do you do? They don’t exactly teach you what to do about this very specific scenario in school!
Fortunately, that’s what your dentist is for. When you call them about your chipped pearly white, they can help walk you through first-aid and arrange for an emergency appointment. If you’d like to know what other actions you can take in this situation, keep reading.
Rinse Your Mouth
Often, a tooth becomes chipped due to some sort of accident or injury. If this is the case, there could be a little bit of blood in your mouth from small wounds or cuts. Plus, it’s possible that tiny fragments of your broken tooth have splintered off. To wash all this potential debris out, rinse your mouth with lukewarm water. Adding salt to the liquid can help neutralize bacteria and promote healing.
Staunch Any Bleeding
If you do notice active bleeding, it’s best to control it by applying gentle pressure to the area. Find a clean cloth or gauze, dab it with water, and hold it to the bleeding spot. It’s a good idea to periodically check the area; bleeding that doesn’t stop within five minutes requires a trip to the emergency room!
Find And Secure Your Tooth
It’s not always possible to locate and retrieve the shattered fragment of your tooth, especially if the chip was rather small. However, your dentist may be able to put the pieces back together and restore your pearly white. If you find them, put them in a safe container, and fill it with milk or a saline solution to keep the fragments healthy. Don’t forget to take the container to your appointment!
Take Additional First-Aid Steps
With immediate concerns taken care of, you can focus on relieving any aches or pains you might be feeling. Apply a cold compress to your injuries can help reduce swelling and numb the area, while over-the-counter pain relievers can work to alleviate additional discomforts. If you have multiple options available, take ibuprofen, as it tends to be better at decreasing inflammation.
Let Your Dental Team Take Care of You
When it’s time to head to your appointment, try to relax. That can be a tough thing to do during a dental emergency, but your dental team has your back. They’ll quickly and thoroughly examine your mouth to make sure nothing else is amiss, and keep you updated about your chipped tooth. Depending on the extent of the damage, they might recommend restoring it with dental bonding or a crown, but either way, you can trust them to help you determine the best course of action for you and your oral health!
About the Author
Dr. Girish Chaudhari has over a decade of experience in the field of dentistry, and knows how important communication is during a dental emergency. If you’ve chipped or broken your tooth, he’ll see you as soon as possible, review his findings with you, and help you form your best fit treatment plan. To request a same-day emergency appointment, contact Dr. Chaudhari’s office at 972-899-7990.