Tips From an Emergency Dentist on Handling a Broken Tooth

A broken tooth can be an incredibly stressful and painful experience, and it often requires a prompt trip to the emergency dentist. Such incidents usually happen at an unexpected time and can lead to pain and concerns of not knowing how to handle the situation. While everyone should take precautions to prevent breaking a tooth at all, it is good to know how to handle the situation if it does occur.

How to handle a broken tooth

If you have a broken tooth and need quick insights on what to do, simply scroll down. The following is a four-step guide explaining how to handle a broken tooth and the importance of visiting the emergency dentist for prompt and effective treatment. 

Rinse the mouth

The first thing to do if someone breaks a tooth is to stop any bleeding that may occur and reduce the risk of an oral infection. It is recommended for the patient to rinse their mouth out with saltwater. If saltwater is not available, then plain warm water will work as well. The faster the patient can rinse their mouth out the better. Additionally, if the broken tooth is chipped, cracked or knocked out, then try and find the tooth or tooth fragments as quickly as possible and place them in a clean and dry container, such as a plastic baggie. 

Apply a cold compress

After locating the tooth and rinsing the mouth out with either saltwater or a cold compress, there will likely still be some discomfort. Fortunately, those who have a broken tooth can keep the pain at a tolerable level before arriving the emergency dentist by applying a cold compress. If there is no cold compress on hand, there are other things that can be used, such as a bag of ice or frozen vegetables. If there is still bleeding, hold gauze on the affected area until the bleeding stops. 

Visit the emergency dentist

Once the initial bleeding and swelling is under control and any parts of the tooth that were knocked out have been located, it is time to visit the emergency dentist. If possible, it is recommended to have someone else give the emergency dentist a call to let them know that a patient is on the way. Be sure to bring along any parts of the tooth that were knocked out. 

The dentist can then treat the issue in various ways and help the patient deal with the pain. The emergency dentist may also educate the patient on ways to prevent damage in the future, such as by wearing a mouthguard and practicing good oral care. 

Talk to an emergency dentist today

If you have a broken tooth and need prompt treatment from an emergency dentist, then give us a call today. We can promptly and effectively broken teeth and other issues through various means. We understand how stressful the situation is, and we are here to make the process easier. 

Are you considering an emergency dentist in the Coral Gables area? Get more information at https://www.gablesexceptionaldentistry.com.

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