Lakewood Broken or Chipped Tooth Repair

Broken, Chipped or Cracked Teeth

If you have broken, chipped, or cracked teeth, you should see your dentist as soon as possible. Significant tooth damage is extremely painful, and a broken tooth can expose the nerve pulp to bacteria, which can cause infection. If left untreated, the infection could lead to tooth loss.

But making an appointment with Lakewood Smiles could save your tooth, and minimize the pain you experience. Don’t live with the damage! Learn more about what you should do.

What Should I Do If I Break A Tooth?

If your tooth is damaged – whether it’s broken, cracked, or only slightly chipped – you need to get dental help immediately. Your first step should be to contact Lakewood Smiles for a dentist appointment. We can usually treat you within 12-24 hours of your emergency.

After you have scheduled your dental appointment, there are some steps you can take to preserve your tooth and minimize pain. Here’s what to do if you break a tooth:

• Rinse your mouth – Rinsing your mouth with warm water will help remove debris and and blood that may have built up in your mouth
• Deal with bleeding, if present – Your tooth and the surrounding tissue may bleed quite a bit, especially if you have suffered from an impact injury. Ideally, you should use medical gauze to apply pressure to your damaged tooth. However, clean paper towels can be used in a pinch. The bleeding should stop within 10-30 minutes. If your tooth continues to bleed for hours and shows no sign of stopping, go to the emergency room.
• Use a cold pack to treat swelling – Applying a cold pack to the cheeks and exterior of the mouth can help relieve pain and swelling.
• Take pain relievers – Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen and ibuprofen can help reduce inflammation and pain. Do not use aspirin. Aspirin is a blood thinner, and can prevent blood from clotting properly.
• Consider using temporary dental cement – If you cannot see a dentist within 24 hours of damaging your tooth, you can use temporary dental cement to cover the affected tooth and protect it from exposure. You can purchase this product at your local drugstore.

What Are The Most Common Causes Of Broken Teeth?

The most common cause, by far, is impact injury. A dental injury can take place during an accidental fall, during a contact sport like football or hockey, or even during an auto accident.

However, broken and cracked teeth can also be caused by tooth decay. As the structure of the tooth deteriorates, it may crack when you’re eating – causing serious pain. A tooth broken in this manner may require root canal treatment.

Teeth grinding (bruxism) can also cause broken teeth. The pressure placed on your teeth can cause them to crack or chip. But it’s important to treat the underlying cause of bruxism along with the symptoms. Consult your dentist for a treatment plan if you suspect you’re grinding your teeth at night.

Lakewood Smiles – Serving Lakewood With Professional Emergency Dentistry Services!

If you suspect you may have a broken, cracked or chipped tooth, don’t wait. A quick response is critical to preserving your tooth, and minimizing pain. Dr. Nancy William can ensure that your tooth is treated quickly and effectively. Contact Lakewood Smiles for an appointment today at (562) 866-0406, or visit our office at 5220 N. Clark Ave. Suite 435, Lakewood, CA.