No one can anticipate when a dental emergency might occur, but unfortunately, that doesn’t stop them from happening. If you’ve just chipped a tooth, you might think it’s not a big deal especially if there’s no pain or bleeding. If you’re under the impression that it’s not something to be worried about, you might not contact your dentist right away. If you wait, though, you risk further damage to your smile because your tooth’s structure is compromised. Keep reading to learn 4 steps you can take if you ever find yourself in this unhappy circumstance!
Step #1: Call Your Dentist
Even if the chip looks minor, it can jeopardize your oral health. You might have a hairline fracture or other issue that your dentist will need to address. Plus, they have the experience and instruments necessary to take appropriate images and determine the full extent of the harm done.
Many providers offer same-day appointments in urgent situations. Give them a call and they’ll be sure to schedule you to come in as soon as possible. They’ll also gather information from you about exactly what happened to share instructions about how to care for yourself until you arrive.
Step #2: Find the Broken Piece
Your dentist might be able to repair your tooth using the piece that broke off, so if you can, try to find it. Once you have located it, you can store it in a container or plastic baggy with some of your saliva or milk. This will preserve the cells, so they remain viable. Then, place it somewhere easy to find so you will remember to take it with you to your dental appointment.
Step #3: Rinse Your Mouth
You don’t want any dirt or germs to permeate your vulnerable grin, so rinse your mouth out with warm water. This will help clear away any blood or other unwanted particles. Be cautious about any jagged edges that might be damaged by accidentally biting down and do your best not to swallow any pieces of tooth that might still be in your mouth.
Step #4: Alleviate Pain
If your tooth was injured because of a blow to the face, then you might experience some swelling and discomfort. Thankfully, you don’t need to wait to be seen by a professional to address it. Typically, it’s safe to take over-the-counter meds like Tylenol or ibuprofen to provide some relief. You can also try holding a cold compress to the side of your face that was impacted to reduce inflammation.
If you have a damaged tooth, it’s wise to get help sooner rather than later. Once you arrive at the dentist’s office, they’ll examine your condition and provide potential solutions based on their findings. They have several options to safely restore your beautiful smile!
About the Author
Dr. George A. Hoop has more than 30 years of experience helping patients improve their dental health to enhance their daily quality of life. His undergraduate years were spent at both Northwestern University and Emory University. From there, he pursued his Doctor of Dental Surgery at the Emory University School of Dentistry. He provides a full range of services, including emergency care. He offers same-day appointments and multiple options for sedation so that you don’t have to wait for relief. If you’ve chipped a tooth and need help, you’re welcome to contact the office on the website or by calling (239) 939-7299.