How Should I Handle A Broken Or Fractured Tooth?

So, you’re going about your day, maybe chewing on something tasty or accidentally biting down on something hard, and suddenly, you feel that dreaded crack. Yup, it’s your tooth. You’re left wondering, “How should I handle a broken or fractured tooth?” Don’t panic, my friend! In this article, we’ll explore some practical steps you can take to deal with this unfortunate dental mishap and get you on the path to a healthy smile once again.

Table of Contents

Overview

When it comes to a broken or fractured tooth, immediate action is crucial. Understanding the difference between a broken tooth and a fractured tooth is the first step to effectively handling the situation. A broken tooth refers to a tooth with a visible chip or crack, while a fractured tooth involves damage to the tooth’s internal structure. Both can be painful and may require dental treatment, so it’s important to know what steps to take to alleviate pain and prevent further damage.

Immediate Steps to Take

If you find yourself with a broken or fractured tooth, here are the immediate steps you should take:

Rinse your mouth with warm water

Rinsing your mouth with warm water can help clean the area and provide temporary relief. Swish the water around, ensuring it reaches the affected tooth.

Control bleeding with gauze or a clean cloth

If your tooth is bleeding, apply gentle pressure with gauze or a clean cloth. This will help stop the bleeding and promote clotting.

Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling

To reduce swelling and alleviate pain, apply a cold compress to the affected area. This can be done by wrapping ice cubes in a cloth or using a cold pack. Apply it to your cheek near the broken or fractured tooth.

Take over-the-counter pain relievers if necessary

If you’re experiencing pain, over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen can help provide temporary relief. However, it’s important to consult with a dentist before taking any medication, especially if you have underlying medical conditions or are taking other medications.

Handling a Chipped Tooth

A chipped tooth is a common dental issue that can occur due to various factors such as trauma or biting on hard objects. If you find yourself with a chipped tooth, follow these steps:

Save any broken pieces

If a piece of your tooth has broken off, try to locate it and save it. Depending on the severity of the chip, a dentist may be able to reattach the fragment, so it’s important to keep it safe.

Rinse the mouth with warm water

Gently rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area around the chipped tooth. This will help remove any debris and reduce the risk of infection.

Cover sharp edges with dental wax

If the chipped tooth has sharp edges that could potentially cause injury to your tongue or cheeks, you can temporarily cover those edges with dental wax. This can be purchased at most drugstores and will provide a protective barrier.

Dealing with a Cracked Tooth

Unlike a chipped tooth, a cracked tooth involves damage to the tooth’s structure. If you suspect you have a cracked tooth, follow these steps:

Avoid chewing on that side

To prevent further damage to the cracked tooth, avoid chewing on the affected side. This will minimize pressure on the tooth and reduce the risk of worsening the crack.

Use a temporary dental adhesive or sugarless gum

If the crack in your tooth is causing discomfort, you can use a temporary dental adhesive or sugarless gum to hold the cracked portions together temporarily. This is a temporary solution and should not replace professional dental treatment.

Handling a Knocked-Out Tooth

A knocked-out tooth requires immediate attention and prompt action to increase the chances of successful reimplantation. If you find yourself with a knocked-out tooth, follow these steps:

Handle the tooth by the crown

When handling a knocked-out tooth, it’s important to avoid touching the tooth root. Ideally, only touch the tooth by the crown (the visible part that is normally exposed in the mouth).

Rinse the tooth with milk or saline solution

If possible, rinse the tooth gently with milk or a saline solution. This will help remove any dirt or debris while also keeping the tooth’s cells nourished.

Place the tooth back in its socket if possible

In some cases, a knocked-out tooth can be placed back into its socket. Gently try to reposition the tooth and hold it in place using gentle pressure. If this isn’t possible, the next best option is to transport it in milk or a saline solution to prevent it from drying out.

Addressing a Dislodged Tooth

A dislodged tooth refers to a tooth that has been pushed out of its original position, either partially or completely. If you experience a dislodged tooth, follow these steps:

Reposition the tooth gently

Using your fingers, try to reposition the dislodged tooth back into its original position. Apply gentle pressure and avoid forcing it into place.

Bite down on a clean cloth or gauze

Once you’ve repositioned the tooth, bite down on a clean cloth or gauze to hold it in place temporarily. This will help stabilize the tooth until you can see a dentist.

Managing a Split Tooth

A split tooth is one of the most severe forms of tooth damage, typically resulting from an untreated cracked tooth. If you suspect you have a split tooth, follow these steps: