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Below is a list of the most common dental emergencies we treat:
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A dental emergency is an urgent dental problem, usually associated with the teeth and jaws, which may have symptoms that require immediate attention by a dentist. For example, a severe dental infection, a visible swelling, or a recent dental trauma are all considered emergency problems that require prompt, professional attention.
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Broken Teeth Dental Emergency
You may have fallen down, chewed something hard or have a tooth cavity which could result in a cracked or broken tooth. In spite of being strong, our teeth may crack or dislodge, which causes pain and can even hurt your tongue. A cracked or broken tooth may also cause damage to the nerve in roots that results in extreme discomfort because of exposure to air, hot or cold foods. Breaking a tooth is bad, however, all is not lost. To fix a broken tooth you need to see the dentist immediately.
There is no way to fix a broken tooth at home. A cracked tooth can cause nerve damage and also sensitivity when you eat something too hot or cold. Hence you need to rush to a dentist immediately. However, there are ways in which you can reduce pain until you get to the dentist.
- Rinse your mouth with lukewarm water.
- Stop the bleeding by applying pressure with a clean piece of gauze on the bleeding area for ten minutes. If this does not help, you can use a tea bag instead.
- Apply a cold compress on your cheek or area of your face where you feel the pain. This helps in reducing pain and swelling.
- Most broken teeth can be fixed if the piece is replaced within an hour of being broken. You can clean the tooth with warm water and seal it in a plastic bag, or maybe preserve it in a glass of milk to avoid deterioration.
- You can cover the area of the dislodged tooth by dental cement which can be found in a drugstore or take pain relievers.
Dental Treatments
A cracked or broken tooth may seem scary, but the right dental treatment can repair your teeth leaving you with a beautiful smile. You may have a minor chip, a deep crack, a split tooth, or a completely broken tooth caused by several reasons. The treatment depends on the type of fracture and its cause.
Filling & Polishing
Minor cracks are cracks on the tooth surface that can be polished. Minor chips can also be polished out, but the dentist may repair it with filling material to prevent the damage from worsening.
Crowns
If you have broken cusps, severe cracks, split tooth or a broken tooth, you may require a crown. A common restorative procedure, a crown is a cap that provides a strong covering for your tooth. They come in metallic as well as ceramic forms.
Root Canal
If the crack extends to the pulp or there is extreme cavity induced break, you would require a root canal procedure. The treatment involves cleaning the decayed matter or a damaged nerve. Usually a crown is placed to replace the tooth after the treatment.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are artificial roots placed in your jaw to support a replaced tooth or crowns. When the crack extends below the gum line, and the tooth can’t be saved, it can be replaced by a dental implant procedure.
While you cannot fix a broken tooth by yourself, there are ways it can be saved. A broken tooth can occur unexpectedly, and sometimes give warning signs after severe damage.
Hence, it is advisable to take emergency dental service if you notice a crack or experience a dislodged tooth.
