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A broken tooth isn’t just painful, it can seriously damage your oral health, especially if left untreated. Because of the risks, it’s best to have broken teeth treated as soon as possible. By receiving prompt dental care, you’ll get proper treatment, speed up recovery, and avoid additional damage.
What to Do if You Break a Tooth
The term “broken tooth” can refer to several kinds of tooth injuries—from small cracks to split teeth. Because severe cases of broken teeth can easily become infected, patients should visit an emergency room before contacting their dentist for follow up care. Less severe fractures can be treated by most general practice and cosmetic dentists. Even if a fracture isn’t severe, patients should schedule a dental appointment to prevent further damage.
Patients that recover tooth fragments should store them in milk or a saline solution, as an emergency dentist might be able to re-bond them to the tooth. Patients should refrain from touching the broken tooth or trying to clean it, as this can damage the root further and lead to infection.
The Benefits of Visiting an Emergency Dentist for Broken Teeth
Whether a tooth is chipped, broken, or missing, scheduling an appointment for urgent dentistry will speed up the healing process and get patients on track for recovery.
Alleviate Pain
Broken teeth can be very painful. While over-the-counter medications can temporarily ease pain and inflammation, visiting a dentist for prompt treatment is the best way to get permanent relief.
Avoid Tooth and Gum Infection
When a tooth breaks, bacteria can enter the enamel and cause a tooth abscess or infection. Once this happens, the surrounding teeth and gums become prone to infection as well. If left untreated for too long, a root canal or extraction may be required.
Prevent Further Damage
Once a tooth is broken, it becomes far more likely to break again in the future. Further damage can mean costly surgery and extensive cosmetic dentistry. Visiting an emergency dentist soon after the break helps avoid extensive procedures in the future.
Schedule an Appointment with the Family Dental Center of Blair
Whatever your tooth emergency, visiting a dentist quickly will alleviate pain, prevent additional damage, and preserve your oral health. The friendly staff at the Family Dental Center of Blair can provide same-day treatment for broken tooth emergencies to restore your smile as fast as possible.
Make an appointment today!