A tooth injury can happen in a second, a fall on the ice, a bump during sports, or even biting a complex piece of candy. When you feel a piece of your tooth come loose, it is normal to feel a bit of panic.
However, knowing the right steps to take can save your tooth and stop a small chip from turning into a big infection. Staying calm and moving fast is the most important part of getting things fixed.
If you are looking for a holistic dentist in Calgary, you want a team that considers your overall health, not just your teeth. This is great for an emergency because they focus on using safe materials and keeping you relaxed while they fix the damage.
By treating the injury with your overall wellness in mind, you make sure your smile is fixed in a way that is healthy for your entire body.
What Should You Do Right After The Tooth Breaks?
The first few minutes are very important. While you look for a holistic dentist near you, follow these simple steps to protect your mouth:
- Find the Pieces: If you can find the broken bit, rinse it gently and keep it in a small cup of milk or even your own saliva.
- Clean Your Mouth: Rinse gently with warm salt water to wash away germs and any tiny bits of tooth.
- Stop bleeding: Use a clean cloth or gauze and press firmly on the area for about 10 minutes.
- Keep Swelling Down: Hold a cold pack against your cheek to ease pain and prevent your face from puffing up.
How Do Dentists Fix A Damaged Tooth?
When it comes to dental emergencies in Calgary, there are several ways to address the problem. Your dentist will check how deep the break is before picking a plan.
- Filling or Bonding: For minor chips, a tooth-colored material is shaped onto the tooth to make it look whole again.
- Veneers: If a front tooth is chipped, a thin cover can be placed over it to hide the chip.
- Crowns: If a large piece is missing, a custom cap is placed over the tooth to prevent further breakage.
- Root Canal: If the break goes deep into the nerve, the dentist will need to clean the inside to stop the pain.
How Quickly Do You Need To See A Professional?
If you are asking how long you need to wait before fixing a broken tooth becomes dangerous. It is best to see a dentist within 24 hours. Even if it doesn’t hurt, the inside of your tooth is now open to germs.
If you wait too long, you could get a painful infection called an abscess. Getting help right away allows the dentist to seal the tooth and keep you healthy.
What Can You Do For Pain While Waiting For Your Visit?
If you can’t get to the office right away, you can give yourself some emergency dental care for chipped teeth at home.
- Cover Sharp Edges: Use sugar-free gum or dental wax to cover any sharp edges so they don’t cut your tongue.
- Eat Soft Foods: Stick to things like yogurt or soup. Don’t chew on the side where the tooth is broken.
- Watch the Temperature: Avoid very hot or cold drinks, as they can hurt the exposed nerve.
- Keep it Clean: Gently brush the area to prevent food from getting stuck in the crack.
Can You Prevent Teeth From Breaking In The Future?
Accidents happen, but many teeth break because they were already weak. Getting regular dental checkups to prevent tooth damage helps your dentist find tiny cracks before they turn into big breaks.
They can also check old fillings to make sure they are still strong. A healthy, well-aligned bite ensures you aren’t putting too much pressure on just one tooth, keeping them all safer.
Fixing Your Smile And Feeling Better
A broken tooth is stressful, but it doesn’t have to be a permanent problem. Taking fast action and choosing a gentle team makes a world of difference. By focusing on a quick fix and your long-term health, you can get past the emergency and get back to your life with a smile that feels great.
At Maxwell Dental, we are here to help you through any dental emergency with kindness and skill. Our team cares about your whole-body health and wants to make sure you feel comfortable. We use safe materials and the best technology to make your repair look natural and stay strong.
If you have a broken tooth or want to ensure your smile stays healthy, give us a call today. We are ready to help you shine!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a chipped tooth grow back?
No, tooth enamel cannot grow back or heal itself like a cut on your skin, so a dentist must seal it to protect it.
What if my broken tooth doesn’t hurt at all?
Even if there is no pain, the protective layer is gone. This means germs can get inside and cause a bad infection later.
Will I have to get the tooth pulled?
Most of the time, no! Dentists have many ways to rebuild and save a tooth as long as you come in quickly.
Is a cracked tooth an emergency?
Yes, because a crack can spread down into the root very fast. It is best to get it looked at right away.
