If an injury leaves a portion of your tooth broken off, it can be hard not to feel some pangs of panic. What you should remember in this situation is that your Prairie Village, KS dentist is ready to act by providing emergency dental care. You can be brought in with little advanced notice to have the tooth closely evaluated. Once we have surveyed the tooth, we can recommend treatment to restore your smile. The goal when treating a dental injury is to save as much of the tooth structure as possible. Extracting a tooth will only take place when no other treatment options are available. With that said, you should know that we are prepared to safely remove and replace a tooth if necessary.
Is There Any Way To Save A Broken Tooth?
It is often possible to save a broken tooth. With that said, putting off treatment can lower your odds of treatment that does not involve an extraction. Damage to your enamel will make you vulnerable to an infection. If this occurs, bacteria have the opportunity to harm the nerves within the tooth, and even to travel through the tooth’s roots and spread to other areas. This can leave a tooth in such poor health that saving it ceases to be possible.
Taking Care Of Yourself And Your Tooth Before You Arrive
Before you arrive for treatment, you may need to do something about bleeding and pain caused by your broken tooth. Make sure that you only use clean gauze or cloth to stop bleeding that is occurring, and that you only apply pressure gently. To deal with discomfort, use an over the counter pain reliever. Carefully applying an ice pack or cold compress may also help. We understand that an injury can be both painful and scary, and we can work with you to make sure you are in our practice and receiving care as soon as possible.
How Treatment Leads To A Restored Smile
If a tooth can be saved, a procedure that involves root canal therapy and the placement of a dental crown can take place. These steps will ensure that bacteria are fully removed from the tooth, and that the remaining tooth structure is safe from further harm. If the damage is too severe, we can perform a safe extraction, taking care to minimize discomfort as work is done. You can be relieved to know that a tooth can be replaced with a lifelike dental prosthetic that matches the appearance of your lost tooth, so your smile can be preserved!
Your Prairie Village, KS Dentist’s Office Can Help You Take Care Of A Broken Tooth
If you find yourself in a situation that calls for emergency treatment, Dr. Browne is prepared to help! To find out more about our emergency services, call our Prairie Village, KS office at 913-901-8585.