Is your tooth feeling a little cracked up? There are several reasons why you could get a fractured tooth. For instance, you could bite down on something too hard by accident. In any case, a broken tooth is a dental emergency that requires immediate attention. Getting dental appointments may take some time, so you may wonder, “What to do with a broken tooth until you see a dentist?” Read this blog and learn!
How to Handle a Broken Tooth?
It is important to treat a fractured tooth as a dental emergency. As soon as you discover a fractured tooth, give your dentist a call and schedule an appointment right away. Your tooth is more likely to be saved the sooner you see your dentist.
But until you see your dentist, there are things you can do to save your oral health with a broken tooth, including:
Gently Rinse
Rinsing with warm water helps in removing any food particles or other debris that may exacerbate discomfort or even initiate the initial stages of infection or decay. Another way to lessen swelling is to add a little amount of salt to the water.
Apply a Cold Compress
If you experience swelling once your tooth breaks, you can lessen the discomfort and swelling by applying ice to the outside of your cheek. You may use a bag of frozen peas, an icepack, or even a cold compress; just be sure you use a light towel to remove anything frozen from your skin’s surface.
Take Over-the-Counter
Ibuprofen and other over-the-counter medications help relieve pain and reduce underlying inflammation.
Avoid Chewing With that Tooth
Teeth that have cracks get weaker, and if you bite or chew on it, the crack may expand or the tooth may fall off whole or in part. To avoid placing pressure on the tooth, try your best not to eat on that side of your mouth if your dental appointment isn’t until the following day.
Only Consume Soft Meals and Liquids
Since crunchy and chewy foods might exacerbate that crack, it’s best to stay away from them. Consume soft meals and liquids like soup, smoothies, or yogurt.
What a Dentist Can Do for Broken Tooth?
Your dentist will take an X-ray of the affected area. In this manner, the dentist can assess the tooth’s condition. For instance, there may be injury to the tooth’s soft tissue. In this case, a root canal is probably required for the tooth. However, if the pulp is unharmed, the patient might simply require a crown.
Summary!
What to do with a broken tooth until you see a dentist? Once you discover a broken tooth, your first action should be to book an appointment with your dentist. You can rinse your mouth with warm water while you wait for your dental appointment.
If you have further concerns about how to handle a broken tooth, consult our expert dentist, Rosita Hamidi, DDS, at Smile Time Dental Houston. Call (281) 245-0711 to book your appointment.