Chipped, fractured, or broken tooth usually isn’t serious. But immediate action is crucial to saving the tooth.
Your dentist should be able to help if they see you as soon as possible.
Book an emergency dental visit today. Read below for tips on what to do if it happens outside of practice hours.
Why does the tooth chip or break?
The enamel is one of the hardest tissues in the body. But even so, it isn’t immune to breakage.
The damage can affect the exterior part of the tooth or the enamel, or it could also break the tooth and expose the dentin and pulp.
The latter can be extremely painful as bacteria can reach the exposed nerves. Changes in temperature or exposure to air can trigger sensitivity.
A tooth can break due to a traumatic fall, blow to the face, or an accident. A vehicular accident, biting down on hard or chewy food, teeth grinding, or opening packages with your teeth are all potential causes of a chipped or broken tooth.
Your dentist examines the damage and recommends the best treatment to fix it and prevent long-term issues.
Risk factors for broken tooth
Who is more likely to experience a broken tooth? You may be at an increased risk if:
- You’re playing contact sports.
- You’re active in outdoor activities, such as skiing and hiking.
- You like biting down on hard objects, such as pens or ice.
- You use your teeth for tearing or opening packages.
- You’ve had your tooth broken before, which makes it more vulnerable.
- You’re diagnosed with tooth decay and cavities.
- You’re past the age 50, as aging can weaken the enamel.
What should you do with a broken tooth
A broken tooth needs immediate examination and treatment. It’s a dental emergency, but if you’re unable to see your dentist right away, here are some steps you can follow for relief:
- Pick up tooth fragments. Be sure not to touch the root of the tooth. Place it in a container with milk. If the tooth has dirt or debris, rinse it using lukewarm water before storing. Don’t brush or scrape it.
- Rinse your mouth. Keep your mouth clean and free of any deposits. Rinse and brush as usual. If the damage left jagged edges, cover them with a dental wax to avoid injuring your tongue or cheeks.
- Try to reinsert the tooth fragment. Try to put the tooth fragment back into the socket. If you cannot reinsert it, proceed to submerge it in milk.
- Control bleeding. Bite down on a clean cloth or gauze to control bleeding in the area.
- Contact the emergency. If the incident is serious, head to the emergency room for immediate medical attention. But if the damage is limited to the tooth or mouth, get in touch with your dentist for an appointment.
- Take over the counter medication. If you’re unable to book a same day appointment or the office is closed, take over-the-counter medication for pain relief.
Fixing a broken tooth at the dental office in Quebec
Do you have a chipped, fractured, or broken tooth?
Ease any discomfort and restore your smile. See your dentist as soon as possible. Depending on the damage, your dentist can still repair and even make the tooth look better after treatment.
There are various ways to fix a broken tooth. If you need assistance, contact our dental office today.