The next thing you know, you’re looking in the mirror to find out that you’ve got a chipped or fractured tooth. If you trip and fall or accidentally bite anything hard, you might chip or break a tooth. Here are some steps recommended by a Palm Harbor, FL dentist to help you repair your damaged teeth.
Look at the Damage
The initial step in treating a fractured tooth is to assess the severity of the injury. Gently applying pressure to a bleeding tooth or gums can stop the bleeding. If you can’t tell where the damage is in your mouth, wipe the exterior with a damp towel to stop the bleeding. As soon as you notice the bleeding has stopped, rinse your mouth out with warm water to get rid of any blood and other debris. Swelling can be reduced by applying a cold compress or ice pack wrapped in a soft, clean cloth to the affected area.
Go to an urgent care center for help if you are experiencing severe pain, showing signs of a concussion, or having difficulties controlling bleeding from an injury.
Tooth-Chip Repair Procedures
Even while a broken tooth might not qualify as an emergency that necessitates a trip to the ER, you should, nevertheless, call your dentist and swish warm water in your mouth as soon as possible. Depending on the circumstances, you might or might not be able to locate the missing tooth fragment. You should take the shard of glass to the dentist wrapped in damp gauze if you can locate it.
Actions to Take if a Tooth is Knocked Out
The preceding triage and first aid steps should be carried out immediately after a tooth is knocked out. When a tooth is knocked out (avulsed), it may be the entire tooth, or it may break off at the gum or bone level. If you can, replace the tooth in its socket without touching the pulp at the tooth’s root. If that’s not possible, then it’s most important to maintain the tooth wet at all times. The tooth can be stored between the cheek and gum, in milk, or with a “Save a Tooth” package purchased from your local pharmacy. Please see a dentist as soon as possible about the pain you’re having in your tooth.