A broken tooth can be distressing, especially if you do not know where to turn when it happens. However, if a broken tooth is not an emergency, your general dentist can fix it in several ways. These professionals are skilled in restorative and cosmetic dentistry, which are important for repairing teeth.
If the affected area has bleeding, significant damage, or pain, this is likely a sign of a dental emergency. In this case, waiting for your regular dentist to fix a broken tooth may not be an option. A knocked-out tooth is always an emergency, and damage to molars is more likely to require emergency intervention.
Sometimes a broken tooth may not show obvious symptoms of being an emergency when, in fact, the damage is more serious than the patient realizes. For this reason, a patient's first step should be to call their regular dentist to discuss the situation. If the dentist decides it is an emergency, they will either try to get the patient in right away or refer them to an emergency dentist.
Even if a broken tooth is not an emergency, it does not mean it is purely a cosmetic concern. Even minor chips or cracks can leave a tooth more vulnerable to decay, worsening damage, and impairing the way you speak and chew. In addition, it can feel rough to the touch and irritate the surrounding soft tissue. Therefore a general dentist may recommend repairing it in one of the following ways:
If the dentist decides the broken tooth is not an emergency, they will do their best to get you in as soon as possible. However, in the meantime, they will advise on caring for your tooth before the appointment. A general dentist will likely tell you to avoid chewing on the side of the mouth with the broken tooth and to cover any rough, jagged edges with dental wax or sugarless gum. Sticking to softer foods is helpful, and patients can usually manage any discomfort with an over-the-counter pain reliever.
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We hope this article has been helpful. Knowing what you will do when the unexpected happens makes managing a situation easier. This is especially true when dealing with dental issues such as broken or damaged teeth. Call our team today to learn how a general dentist can fix a broken tooth.
Request an appointment or call Davis & Dingle Family Dentistry at 803-567-1804 for an appointment in our Columbia office.
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