GetHealthAccess.com | Tooth Repair 101: How to Fix a Broken or Cracked Tooth | Tooth repair is a time-sensitive process, so you need to be prepared in case of a chipped tooth. When some people experience a cracked tooth, they don’t think it’s a big deal and aren’t in a rush to call their dentist. These are the same people that end up with teeth that can’t be saved or end up with an infected tooth.
In this article, we discuss how to fix a broken tooth. Continue reading if you want to be prepared and minimize the damage caused by broken teeth.
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Collect Pieces
If you have a chipped tooth or several broken teeth, the first step toward tooth repair is to collect the pieces. Be as gentle as you can with the pieces because there is a chance these can be reattached to your teeth. Further damage may result in the fragment becoming unusable.
If the teeth have any dirt or debris on them, rinse them in warm water for a few seconds. Avoid using any liquids like hydrogen peroxide or alcohol. Also, refrain from cleaning them with a brush or other tool.
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Re-Insert or Store Properly
If a large portion of the chipped tooth has fallen out, you can put it back in place and bite down around some gauze. Make sure to rinse your mouth with warm water first to rinse out any remaining fragments or debris. Avoid touching the root of the tooth as much as possible to avoid damaging it further.
If you aren’t able to reinsert the broken tooth, make sure to store the pieces properly. You can either store broken pieces in your cheek or in whole milk. This prevents them from drying out.
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Manage Pain
A broken tooth is painful and may bleed, and you’ll need to get these under control to minimize discomfort. You can use sterile gauze or a clean cloth to apply pressure to the area and allow a clot to form. Use cold water, a cool compress, and/or an anti-inflammatory to minimize pain from your cracked tooth.
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Know What NOT To Do
For the best possible outcome, it’s important to know what not to do in case of a chipped tooth or broken tooth because you can actually make the problem worse. You should never try tooth repair by yourself. Avoid trying to do any treatments or extractions on yourself or others and leave it to the professionals.
Also, don’t underestimate a cracked tooth. It may not look like a big deal to you, but it could go deeper than you realize. Left uncared for, a chipped tooth can result in infection.
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Call Your Dentist
Your dentist will know how to fix a broken tooth properly and they should be your first call once you’ve gotten any bleeding under control. Dental offices like memorial dentistry can help you with tooth repair through their emergency and after-hours services. If it’s not an emergency, they can help you set up an appointment and advise you what to do until they can advise you on how they repair a tooth.
Know What To Expect When It Comes To Tooth Repair
Be prepared when it comes to tooth repair by following the above steps. Acting fast is what could potentially save your broken tooth. Remember, that you should always seek out care for broken teeth even if it’s a cracked tooth that doesn’t look that bad. Your dentist will be able to advise you on the process to repair a tooth.
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