Breaking a tooth can be an upsetting experience, but knowing what to do immediately after a tooth fracture can make a significant difference in protecting your smile and preventing further damage, like tooth loss.
As a leading endodontist practice in New York City, Compassionate Endodontists New York/NYC offers the most advanced treatment options for traumatic tooth injuries and other urgent care needs, including tooth fractures. In this post, our team provides a few simple but critical tips so you know what to do if you break a tooth in the future.
This simple step is probably a lot harder than it seems, especially if you’ve lost your tooth due to a traumatic injury like a fall or car accident. But staying calm is important for enabling you to assess the damage to your tooth and to plan out what to do next.
Most types of traumatic tooth damage — fractures, cracks, and even tooth loss — benefit from a gentle rinse with warm or room temperature water. Rinsing gets rid of dirt and debris that could cause irritation or infection, and it also helps you see the damaged area more clearly. Rinse very gently, and stick to water, not mouthwash.
Some tooth breaks involve bleeding, even though some of the tooth remains in the socket. Use a clean piece of gauze, a clean cloth, or a damp paper towel to help reduce bleeding. Just be sure not to press too hard — steady, gentle pressure is all that’s needed.
If you can, try to salvage any pieces of your tooth that have broken off. Place the pieces in a container with some saliva or milk to keep the pieces moist.
In some instances, we may be able to repair the tooth using those broken pieces. In any case, bringing the pieces with you to your urgent care visit can help us determine the most appropriate course of action.
Tooth fractures typically involve at least some discomfort. To manage pain, take acetaminophen and use a cold compress or ice pack on the outside of your cheek. Don’t apply ice directly to the tooth.
The sooner you seek care, the better your chances are of saving your broken tooth and avoiding complications like infection. Call the office right away to be seen the same day. Our office offers seven-day-a-week coverage for situations just like this.
Even tiny breaks, chips, or cracks provide plenty of room for bacteria to enter the tooth, significantly increasing your risk of serious infections and significant pain. Seeking treatment right away is essential for avoiding complications and protecting your beautiful smile.
If you have a fractured tooth or any type of urgent care need, call 929-229-0255 or book an appointment online at Compassionate Endodontists New York/NYC in New York City today.
