Breaking a tooth can lead to serious discomfort, which can put an abrupt stop to your day. If this happens to you, or you experience any type of injury to your smile, it’s important to know what to do so you can best manage the situation. Dr. Browne and his team in Prairie Village, KS, are equipped to handle many dental emergencies, from chips and cracks to knocked-out teeth.
Know When It’s An Emergency
Do you know when you should see your dentist urgently, and what can wait until your next appointment? It’s important to know what classifies as an emergency so you can get the necessary care as soon as possible if needed. In general, if you have injured a tooth or are experiencing long-lasting discomfort that is not relieved with over-the-counter medications, it’s likely a dental emergency. You should call your dentist as soon as possible for care instructions and an urgent appointment. If you have experienced a change in your oral health, but have not sustained an injury, you may be able to wait until your next checkup. If you are unsure, always call your dentist.
Chips Vs Breaks
Cracked and broken pearly whites are fairly common injuries. While these types of damage can be similar, it’s important to know the difference so you know what to do in this situation. If you have chipped or cracked a tooth, a small part of the structure may have broken off. This can cause slight discomfort and can often be treated with dental bonding or a dental crown in the future. If you have broken one of your pearly whites, a more significant amount of the tooth may have come off. This will likely hurt more than a crack. To care for the area, keep it clean with gauze and take over-the-counter pain reducers to relieve your discomfort.
If You Knock Out A Tooth
Losing a tooth as an adult is often the result of a health condition or injury. If you have knocked out one of your pearly whites while rough-housing or getting hit while playing a contact sport, we are here to help. First, save the tooth if you are able. Pick the structure up by the crown, not the root, to avoid any further damage. You can reduce any bleeding that may occur with gauze or a cloth. After this, call your dentist as soon as possible to treat the injuries. When you come in for your appointment, we’ll examine the area and decide on the best treatment to help you. If we are unable to reimplant it, we may offer replacement prosthetic options like a bridge or implant.
Talk To Our Team To Learn More
Our team is here to help you if you injure your smile over the holidays. To learn more, call Dr. Browne’s team in Prairie Village, KS, today at 913-901-8585.