When a tooth is chipped or broken, the injury and damage is obvious, so you know you need to see our team right away for dental emergency care. But when a tooth is fractured, the injury can be less obvious, but still pose a serious risk to your smile. In today’s blog, your Prairie Village, KS, dentist talks about emergency dental care for cracked teeth.
The Causes and Risks of a Fractured Teeth
You could crack a tooth by biting down on a hard object, such as a popcorn kernel. More than likely, this could occur due to an injury or accident. If you sustain an injury to your mouth and no dental damage is present, then consider an appointment with our team. While some fractures may be visible, others could be practically invisible to the naked eye. You need treatment because despite their small size, these cracks could still expose the sensitive inner tooth structure to harmful oral bacteria, which can lead to tooth decay and even infection. To protect your smile from discomfort and oral health complications, you need to see us for dental emergency care!
How to Respond to Your Fractured Tooth
When your smile is injured, you can rinse with warm water and then use a piece of cloth or a bit of gauze to stem any bleeding. To control facial swelling, consider an ice pack or cold compress to the side of your face. You can take an over-the-counter pain reliever as well. Give our team a call. If this occurs during our usual business hours, then we could potentially offer a same-day appointment., If this happens outside of our normal business hours, then leave a message and we will reach out to you quickly for an appointment time, so you can receive the care you need. In the meantime, avoid sugary foods and drinks, as the tooth will be very sensitive.
Repairing Your Smile with a Root Canal
With a dental fracture, this could potentially run down the length of the tooth and even beneath the gum line. Which means you may need more than a crown. We could conduct a safe and gentle root canal to address the damage and remove any infected or compromised tissues. We then cap the tooth with a crown, so that your tooth looks natural and is protected from the risk of decay or infection. If you have any questions about our approach to emergency dental care, then contact our team today to learn more.
Learn More About Emergency Dental Treatment
Our team is ready to take on your dental emergency, so reach out right away! To schedule an appointment to improve your oral health and your smile’s appearance, just contact Robert M. Browne DDS in Prairie Village, KS by calling (913) 901-8585.