Dental emergencies are scary, and you may not know what to do when the unexpected happens. That’s why the dental team at M. Shah, DMD & Associates offers emergency dental services. Because dental emergencies often occur at inopportune times, we can provide guidance and advice until you can make it to our dental office.
Although there are many different types of dental emergencies, broken teeth are among the most common. So, what should you do when you break a tooth? Keep reading to learn more.
What to Do When You Break a Tooth
If you accidentally break your tooth, following these steps can help until you can reach our dental office:
Rinse Your Mouth
Use warm water to rinse your mouth; not only will this clear away any dirt or blood, but it may also keep you from swallowing your tooth.
Stop the Bleeding
If you have injured your mouth to the point that it’s bleeding, apply pressure to the area with gauze or a towel. The sooner you can stop the bleeding, the better. If you are bleeding excessively, call 911 or go to the emergency room.
Preserve the Tooth
It’s essential that you locate your broken tooth if at all possible. If your entire tooth has been knocked out, there is a chance your dentist can save it. Place your tooth in a glass of milk or inside your cheek and call your dentist immediately.
Apply a Cold Compress
If you have pain or swelling, place a cold compress on your face to constrict the blood vessels and numb the area.
Take Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
If you are in pain, taking an anti-inflammatory NSAID pain reliever such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin is a good idea.
Call Your Paoli Dentist
Make sure to call your dentist right away if you break a tooth. Even if you aren’t bleeding or in pain, you should seek dental treatment immediately.
Do You Have Broken Teeth in Paoli, PA?
If you have sustained a dental injury and need emergency dental care, the expert dental team at M. Shah DMD & Associates can help! We want to help relieve your pain quickly and work to save your teeth. Call our dental office at (610) 647-1666 to schedule an emergency appointment.