Welcome to my site! My name is Verity. I work as a receptionist in a dentist office. Every day for the past 20 years, I have come in to the office, worked on paperwork, and greeted patients. I love my job, because it has helped me meet a lot of really wonderful people. I have seen families grow up! But an added benefit from my job is that I have also picked up some small information about dentistry. I'm not one of the dentists, but I do know quite a bit about simple procedures and basic dental hygiene. Hopefully this blog can teach you something, but remember to always consult with your actual dentist for real professional advice!
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What Can You Do For A Broken Tooth?
Eleanor Crawford
No matter how well you care for your teeth, you can still suffer a broken tooth. When your tooth breaks after the dentist's hours, there are several steps you need to take until the office is open. Once your dentist is open, there are a few ways he or she can fix the broken tooth. If you have a broken tooth, here is what you need to know.
What Should You Do Immediately Following the Break?
One of the first steps you need to take following a break is to rinse your mouth. The broken tooth leaves you vulnerable to infection, which can cause considerably more pain. To help alleviate any discomfort you are experiencing already, use salt water instead of plain water to rinse your mouth.
A broken tooth can sometimes result in a sharp edge. If the sharp edge is causing you to bite your tongue or cheek, you can cover it with a piece of dental wax. Sugarless chewing gum can also be used.
If the pain continues, you can use an over-the-counter pain reliever. Ibuprofen is preferable over aspirin. Aspirin acts as a blood thinner than can cause your blood pressure to rise.
If you already have high blood pressure or are borderline, the elevation in your blood pressure could impact your dental care. When the blood pressure levels are too high, it puts you at risk of a cardiac event. To avoid this, your dentist might be reluctant to remove the tooth.
What Will the Dentist Do?
Your dentist will examine the broken tooth and determine what the best course of action for repairing it is. One possible method of treatment is a filling. The filling can be capped with a porcelain, metal, or resin crown. To fit the cap on your tooth, the dentist might have to file part of the tooth down.
A root canal is also an option. The root canal is typically used if the root is intact, but the tooth has broken off. With a root canal, the dentist will use a post in the empty canal and create a structure on which he or she can place a crown. The crown will be cemented into place and you should not have future problems with it.
Depending on where you live, emergency care might be possible for the broken tooth. Check for emergency dentists in the area if your own dentist does not perform after-hour procedures. For more information, contact local professionals like Family First Dentistry LLC.
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