Dental emergencies always seem to happen at the worst possible time. On top of that, they can be incredibly alarming and anxiety inducing when you don’t know what to do in order to handle them. If you chip your tooth, remember to act calmly and quickly for the best outcome. Read on to learn which steps you should take until you are able to see your emergency dentist in Fort Worth.
Clean Your Mouth
The first thing you should do immediately after your tooth chips or breaks is rinse your mouth out with warm water to clean the area. This will help to clear away any blood or dirt that may be in your mouth from the injury. If the part of your tooth that chipped off is in your mouth, this may help you locate it so that you don’t accidentally swallow or chomp down on it.
If your mouth is bleeding as a result of the trauma, you should apply steady pressure to the area with gauze or a clean towel. Don’t scrub the area because this can cause additional pain and bleeding.
Preserve the Tooth
If you are able, try to locate the part of the tooth that has chipped off. There is a chance that your dentist may be able to save a reattach it. Rinse it off and place it in a container of milk. Bring this with you when you go to the dentist.
Relieve the Pain
Use a cold compress to alleviate discomfort and reduce the swelling in your mouth. This works by slowing blood flow and numbing the area. If you’re still experiencing a lot of pain, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever. The most common nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen.
See Your Dentist
It is crucial that you see your dentist as soon as possible after chipping or breaking your tooth, even if you aren’t experiencing any pain. Leaving this issue untreated now can lead to infections and other dental problems down the road. Possible treatments for a chipped tooth include a filling, crown, root canal, veneer, implant, or bridge depending on the severity of the break and how quickly you are able to get to the office.
If you have a chipped or broken tooth, or another oral issue that needs immediate attention, give your dental office a call. In most cases, you can get a same day appointment for dental emergencies. Your smile will be as good as new in no time!
About the Author
Dr. Anil Patel is an emergency dentist serving patient at Studio Dental of Chisholm Trail in Fort Worth, TX. He earned his first dental degree at the Government Dental College Ahmedabad in Gujarat before moving to the United States and obtaining his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Southern California School of Dentistry in Los Angeles. Dr. Patel is a member of the American Dental Association and Texas Dental Association. For more information or to schedule an emergency appointment, visit his website or call (817) 717-6788.