Do you have a chipped tooth, or one with major breakage or a fracture? If so, then you needed treatment to avoid painful complications down the road. In today’s blog, Dr. Robert M. Browne talks about how we help smiles of all ages with urgent care dentistry, so we can repair teeth and prevent issues like tooth decay and infection.
The Causes of a Broken Tooth (and How to Respond)
How do you break a tooth? For some, this injury could occur due to biting down on something like a popcorn kernel or a peach pit. Chewing on ice could also risk injury! You may have a tooth weakened by decay that is more likely to become injured. You could also break or crack a tooth on the court or field, including sports, boxing, or practicing martial arts. When this happens, you need to see us right away for emergency dentistry!
In the meantime, you can control bleeding with a piece of cloth or some gauze, and ease facial swelling with a cold compress to the side of the face, or an ice pack. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever to ease discomfort too. If your tooth is broken and you can, try to recover any pieces and bring them with you. Avoid very hot or cold foods and drinks or too much sugar until we can see you, as the tooth will be very sensitive.
Seeing Our Team for Treatment
Call us right away! We will try to see you same-day if possible. If we are closed, then leave a message so a team member can reach out soon to discuss possible appointment times. We will also discuss ways to correct your tooth until we can see you and offer repair.
Repairing Your Tooth
If your breakage is minor, we may be able to treat it in only one visit with dental bonding, using a lifelike and durable composite resin that bonds with the tooth. If you have a fracture or a more substantial injury, we could instead cap the tooth with a custom and lifelike crown, restoring function, health, and beauty in as little as one to two visits. Our team could also discuss creating a custom mouthguard for better protection if you play sports or engage in other activities that risk dental damage.
If you have any questions about how we help smiles with urgent care dentistry, or if you are ready to seek treatment for a cracked, chipped, or broken tooth, then reach out to our team today to get started and save your smile!
Dr. Browne, DDS, Provides Urgent Care Dentistry
When a tooth is broken or knocked-out, see us right away for care. To find out more about treating common dental emergencies, or to schedule an appointment, please call Dr. Robert M. Browne, D.D.S. in Prairie Village, KS at (913) 901-8585.
