A chipped, cracked or fractured tooth can be a serious cause for concern. In many cases it comes with pain, and can even damage the root of the tooth which could result in even more serious problems. There are some times when the damage to the tooth doesn’t expose the sensitive dentin layer within. Even if you don’t immediately experience you should still have your dentist look at the tooth before tooth decay has an opportunity to exploit the area.
If damaged tooth includes severe pain or bleeding, you need to call us immediately so we can advise you and schedule an appointment.
If for some reason you can’t call us immediately there are a few things you can do to help manage pain, discomfort or swelling.
If a blow to the face causes bleeding, you can rinse your mouth with salt water to wash away blood and soothe the gums. You should avoid rinsing your mouth with antiseptic mouthwash, as this can irritate injured tissues.
If you have swelling in the area, you can lightly hold a cold compress to your cheek for 15 minutes at a time. Topical oral anesthetic rubbed on the gums to help reduce the pain until you arrive at our office.
If the damage only affects the enamel of the tooth without exposing the sensitive pulp layer, your dentist might be able to restore the tooth with cosmetic bonding. This procedure involves filling and sculpting the area with a resin material that can be color matched to the natural enamel of the tooth.
If you have a cracked, chipped or fractured tooth, you should call us immediately at 334-745-6393 to schedule an appointment.