Ways to Deal with Braces Pain

Braces can be painful, especially if you just got them put on or they just got tightened. They can be agonizing and downright uncomfortable. It’s important to remember that this pain is normal and temporary and that it’s a small price to pay for a beautiful and straight smile. When wires are tightened or bent in a different way, it can cause extreme discomfort on your teeth and your gums. Dealing with this pain every day can become irritating but there are ways to help reduce and relieve some of this pain.

Here are some tips on ways to reduce the pain from your braces:

Use the Cold

Just like with any other injury or pain, an ice pack will work wonders. In addition to using an ice pack, try to eat colder foods such as ice cream and other cold foods and drinks. The coldness will help to reduce swelling and inflammation of the gums that can cause discomfort and pain in your mouth.

Eat Soft Foods

After your braces are tightened or adjusted, your gums with be extremely sore and swollen. The worst thing to do for that pain is to eat hard or crunchy foods that will only further irritate the teeth, gums and mouth. Soft foods will be much easier to eat and chew.

Utilize Over the Counter Pain Medicine

Being proactive for braces pain is key. If you know that your braces are going to be tightened or adjusted at your check up, taking some pain relief medication beforehand can be helpful. It’s important to talk to your doctor or dentist about the proper dosage to take. This should really be a last resort option as it’s not a good idea to take pain medication too often.  

Use an Oral Anesthetic

Oral anesthetics can be purchased in just about every drug store. Using these will help numb some of the pain that you are having in your mouth. These gels will help numb the pain in specific areas of your mouth and although they don’t taste the best, they will relieve much of the pain you’re experiencing from your shifting teeth and irritated gums. If you are unsure of what kind to use, consult with your dentist for the best oral anesthetic.

Orthodontic Wax

Sometimes when braces are adjusted, wires are left exposed and can cause pain to the inside of your mouth and tongue. The wax can be applied to the wire that is causing the damage inside your mouth to smooth it and cause less irritation. There’s nothing worse than feeling a metal wire poking into your cheek all day.

If the pain in your mouth persists even after trying these solutions, you may want to consult with your dentist for another resolution. Inflamed, sore, swollen and irritated gums are not good and if the pain continues it can affect your overall oral health. Your dentist will best be able to propose a solution for the pain.

Discovering The Truth When it Comes To Your Oral Health

Over time you have probably heard a lot of different things about teeth and oral health that sometimes seem too crazy to be true. Well that’s because some of them aren’t true and they’re just myths. So what facts about teeth and oral health are myths?

Here some some common oral health myths busted:

Myth #1: Sugar is causing most of your tooth decay.

Busted: While sugar definitely plays a role in tooth decay, it isn’t really the main cause. It turns out that consuming carbohydrates actually aids more in tooth decay. This is because tooth decay occurs when acids in our mouths combine with saliva creating plaque that builds up on our teeth. This process occurs more as we eat carbohydrates rather than sugars.

Myth #2: It’s ok if you have silver fillings.

Busted: Silver fillings, although much less common in recent years, can cause serious health risks. These fillings are often made with mercury which can be a very dangerous chemical to have in your mouth. The mercury from these fillings can seep into the mouth from grinding your teeth, chewing gum or even from drinking hot or carbonated beverages that wear away at the mercury. If you or someone you know still has silver fillings, these should be replaced by your dentist as soon as possible.

Myth #3: Brush your teeth right after every meal.

Busted: You should not be brushing your teeth immediately after you eat a meal. Brushing too soon after eating can actually weaken your enamel, especially if you ate anything that is high in sugar or has high acidity that is already harmful to your enamel. It is best to wait about 30 minutes after a meal to brush your teeth for the best oral health.

Myth #4: Your teeth are healthy as long as they don’t hurt.

Busted: Many people believe that pain in the mouth is the first warning sign that there is something wrong. This is not true. Pain is usually one of the last signs and this is why regular visits to the dentist are so important. Just because your teeth don’t hurt doesn’t mean you don’t have a cavity that can be taken care of in the early stages avoiding any pain at all.

Myth #5: It’s ok if your gums are bleeding, you probably brushed too hard.

Busted: Bleeding gums are not ok even if you did happen to brush a little too hard. When your gums bleed, your mouth is telling you that something is not right. Bleeding gums are a sign of an infection in your gums from a buildup of plaque in places your toothbrush can’t reach. This is where the importance of flossing comes in to help remove that plaque and decrease your chances of gum infections. If you begin flossing and the bleeding continues, it is best to make an appointment to see your dentist so they can get to the bottom of the problem.

Benefits of Using an Electric Toothbrush

When you think of the word toothbrush, you probably think of the standard plastic manual toothbrush that most people use daily. It’s important to know that these are not the only kinds of toothbrushes out there for you to use. There are also electric toothbrushes which make quick automatic brushing oscillations to clean your teeth. You may even know someone who uses an electric toothbrush and have asked yourself if it’s a better brushing alternative.

Here are the pros and cons of both manual and electric toothbrushes so you can decide whether or not to switch over to an electric brush:

Electric Toothbrush

• PROS:
  • Easy to use: Electric toothbrushes tend to be easier to use than manual brushes since the brush does most of the work. These brushes are also easier to use for people who find it difficult to hold and brush using a manual toothbrush.

• • Fun for kids: These brushes tend to be more fun to use for children than manual brushes. This is great because it instill good oral hygiene habits at a younger age since they will actually enjoy brushing with an electric toothbrush.

• • Built in timer: As your dentist has probably told you before, it is important to brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time. While using a manual brush, you may rush the process and find yourself brushing for less than two minutes. Many electric toothbrushes have built in timers that will automatically turn off the brush after two minutes. This ensures that you are brushing for the proper amount of time in order to keep your teeth, gums and mouth clean.
• CONS:
  • Expensive: Electric toothbrushes are generally pretty expensive and definitely cost more than the manual brushes. Since these brushes aren’t very cost effective, it may not be the best option for everyone.

• • Bulky: These brushes are also much larger and more bulky than a manual brush. This makes them a little more inconvenient to travel with.

• • Can break easily: Unlike a manual toothbrush, an electric brush is pretty fragile and can easily break if it is dropped. If it breaks you then have to pay a pretty penny to buy a new one.

• • Have to be charged: Another hassle associated with the electric toothbrush is the need to be charged. For many people this can be seen as an inconvenience especially if they are forgetful and often forget to charge their brush. This is also a hassle for traveling and now having to pack your bulky toothbrush and the charger as well.

Manual Toothbrush

• PROS:
  • More control: with a manual toothbrush, you’ll have much more control over your brushing and how you’re brushing. This is beneficial if you have sensitive areas in your mouth that are irritated when using an electric toothbrush.

• • Smaller: These brushes are significantly smaller than an electric brush making them more travel friendly and easier to pack anywhere without having a charger to worry about either.

• • Inexpensive: Manual toothbrushes are much less expensive than electric brushes. This makes them more cost effective and easier to replace when it is time.

• • Clean just as well: While many people think that your mouth can only be cleaned properly by using an electric brush, if you use a proper brushing technique and brush at least twice a day for two minutes with a manual brush, your teeth will be just fine.
• CONS:
  • Rely on the user: A manual brush completely relies on the user to get the mouth clean. Since it requires a bit more work than an electric brush, some people may not be getting the best clean.

• • Challenging for some to use: Some people such as elderly people and people with motor difficulties may find it harder to hold and use a manual brush and therefore are not brushing as well as they should be.

• • No timer: Finally, a manual brush does not come equipped with a built in timer like some electric brushes do. An easy solution for this is to bring a kitchen timer in the bathroom when you brush your teeth and set it for two minutes so that you know how long to brush for to ensure the deepest clean for your teeth.

Understanding Different Dental Tools

Do you get nervous every time you go to the dentist? Walking into the dentist’s office and seeing that tray of shiny metal tools next to the chair can cause some serious fear and anxiety in patients. To make patients feel more comfortable and less nervous while sitting in the dentist’s chair, it helps for them to understand what each tool is used for. Knowing the purpose of each tool and what to expect can really help to relieve some stress associated with the dentist.

Here are some of the basic dentistry tools to be familiar with before your next visit to the dentist:

The Mirror

This tool, although not a scary one, is very important and is used by the dentist in order to view the hidden and harder to see areas of the mouth. The backside of the teeth and gums are just as important as the front and there can be dental problems hiding back there that can’t be seen without the mirror. If they can’t be seen, these oral problems can go undetected and cause serious oral and health problems. The mirror is also used to keep your tongue in place while the dentist is working inside your mouth so that it doesn’t get in the way during your cleaning or other dental procedure.

The Sickle Probe

The sickle probe is the dental tool that looks like a sharp metal hook. This tool is used by the dentist to test the tooth’s hardness and to examine the tooth’s enamel. During a cleaning, this tool is used to scrape some tartar and plaque from the teeth as well as to test for cavities and gum disease. The sharp probe is stuck into the pockets of the teeth to test for cavities and if the probe sticks in the pocket, the dentist may want to further investigate for a cavity in that tooth.

The Scaler

A scaler is used to further remove plaque and tartar from the teeth. Plaque and tartar, if not removed during a cleaning at the dentist, can cause tooth decay which can lead to worse oral and health problems down the road. Although brushing and flossing can help to remove some plaque and tartar, more removal of plaque buildup is necessary at an annual dentist visit which is crucial for good oral health.

The Drill

The sound alone can make a patient squirm. The drill, although one of the most feared dental tools, for some patients is one of the most important. Drills can be used for many different dental procedures such as filling cavities, smoothing teeth after a chip, or removing tooth decay before filling in a cavity. These drills dispense water while in use to protect the teeth from the heat of the tool.

The Suction Device

This tool is very useful during any type of dental procedure or cleaning. While the dentist is working in your mouth, they usually need a dry surface to work with so the suction device serves to remove any excess saliva, water, blood or debris from your mouth. This tool may seem scary and may stick to your tongue or cheek from time to time but is nothing to be scared of.

What You Need To Know About Having A Crossbite

During a visit to the dentist, you or a family member may have been told that you have a crossbite, but what does that actually mean? Crossbites usually present themselves during childhood but if they are not properly corrected, can continue into adulthood and can cause some serious health effects including jaw pain, receding gums, and loose teeth.

What is a Crossbite?

Crossbite is “an abnormal relation of one or more teeth of one arch to the opposing tooth or teeth of the other arch, caused by deviation of tooth position or abnormal jaw position.” This simply means an abnormal bite. When your two rows of teeth don’t meet correctly, it is considered a crossbite and is something that needs to be corrected by your dentist. This problem can occur due to heredity and genetics, or can be situational. It is found that excessive thumb sucking or pacifier sucking can also cause a crossbite due to the action deforming the upper jaw.

There are Different Types of Crossbites:

1. Anterior – Similar to an underbite, when your top front teeth fall behind your lower front teeth when you bite down.
2. Posterior – When your upper teeth fall inside your lower teeth on one side when you bite down.

Effects of Incorrect Bite

An incorrect bite such as a crossbite will not only cause dental problems but can also lead to health problems. Crossbite can lead to:

• tooth decay
• tooth loss
• gum disease
• receding gums
• extra stress on the jaw muscles causing intense jaw pain
• teeth grinding
• and can even cause the face to appear asymmetrical due to abnormal growth.

If properly treated by a dentist at a young age before the growth of the jaw is completed, all of these negative effects can be prevented and the best results can be expected.

Treatment and Correction

Each crossbite case will be different and will require different treatments for correction but some of the most common include: maxillary expander, removable expander, braces, and in more serious cases surgery may be necessary. Often times dentists will recommend a combination of expanders and braces will be done so that everything is spaced and aligned properly. Since all cases are unique on a patient to patient basis, it is best to consult your dentist to come up with a treatment plan that is best for you.

What You Should Do During A Dental Emergency

A tooth can be knocked out, become cracked, chipped or broken, or a toothache can occur at any time. Dental emergencies are never convenient, but it’s important to see your dentist as soon as possible in order. What happens if your dental emergency occurs when your dentist is closed?

Scott Kupetz, D.M.D offers 24 hour emergency dental care in Wappinger Falls and Pawling, NY, so no matter what time of the day or night you need dental care, you can count on us to help you.

What is a Dental Emergency?

A dental emergency is any situation that occurs with your teeth that needs to be treated immediately. Though they may affect the way your mouth looks, dental emergencies aren’t just cosmetic, rather, they are serious issues that can permanently impact the health of your mouth if they are not treated immediately.

Some of the most common dental emergencies include the following:

• A displaced tooth. When a tooth has been knocked into the mouth and becomes displaced within the gums, it has to be put back into its proper location as quickly as possible. There’s a possibility that the roots could be exposed and if the tooth is not treated, the roots can die, which will ultimately cause the entire tooth to die. If your tooth becomes displaced, you can try to put it back into its original position with light pressure; however, do not force it, as doing so could cause more damage and pain.
• A knocked out tooth. When a tooth is suddenly knocked out of the mouth, emergency dental care is a necessity. The blood vessels, tissues and nerves that surround the tooth could be damaged and if it is not addressed immediately, the tooth could be permanently lost. However, with emergency dental care, there is an increased likelihood that the tooth can be saved. If your tooth is knocked out, rinse it off and gently place it back into the socket, holding it in place until you see the dentist. If you cannot put the tooth back in place, put it in a container and bring it with you to your emergency dental appointment.
• Lost filling or crown. A filling or a crown can fall out for a number of reasons, and when it does, the tooth can become very sensitive, which can cause a great deal of pain. With emergency dental care, the filling or crown can be replaced, which will ease the pain and prevent any further damage from occurring. Avoid biting down and take an over-the-counter pain reliever (not asprin) to ease any pain.
• Cracked or fractured tooth. If a tooth becomes cracked or fractured, it can cause significant pain and the tooth can become permanently damaged if immediate dental care is not provided. Gently rinse out your mouth with warm water. If there is any pain, apply a cold compress to the site and take acetaminophen to ease it.
• Tissue damage. Any injury inside the mouth that causes bleeding and pain, such as a puncture wound to the gums or a laceration on the inside of the cheek, is also a dental emergency. These types of injuries can cause severe bleeding, pain and damage to the mouth, which is why emergency dental care is needed. Gently rinse your mouth with warm water and apply pressure to the bleeding with a piece of gauze.
• A loose adult tooth. When an adult tooth becomes loose, an emergency dentist can determine the cause of the problem and treat it to help avoid permanent loss. Try to hold the tooth in place, but be careful not to apply too much pressure, as doing so can cause even more damage.

What to Expect During an Emergency Dental Appointment

During your appointment, Dr Kupetz will conduct a thorough assessment of the problem area. He will diagnose the problem and perform the necessary procedures to repair any damage as quickly as possible, saving the tooth, relieving pain, stopping bleeding, or all three.

Once the emergency has been addressed, Dr Kupetz will schedule a re-evaluation for his existing patients. For new patients, he will schedule a comprehensive follow-up exam.

If you experience any type of dental emergency, contact Dr Kupetz as soon as possible. Offering emergency dental services 24 hours a day, Dr Kupetz and his team will provide you with the care that you need, whenever you need it.

The Difference Between Dentures and Dental Implants

Your adult teeth are meant to last a lifetime; however, for many people, that isn’t the case. Decay, infection or injury can lead to loss of adult teeth. If this happens, it’s important to have the missing tooth or teeth replaced. This is important so that you can continue to eat and speak normally. It’s also vital for your oral health, for your appearance, your self-esteem and your overall well-being.

Dentures and dental implants are both acceptable options for replacing lost adult teeth; however, dental implants offer many more benefits than dentures.

What Are Dentures

Dentures are a replacement for missing adult teeth and the tissue that surrounds them. There are two different types of dentures: complete and partial.

Complete are designed to be used when all of the teeth are missing, and they can either be immediate or conventional. The former are made prior to having teeth removed and can be put into place immediately after the teeth are removed, while the latter are made after the teeth have been removed and are put into place once the gum tissue has healed. The benefit of immediate dentures is that you don’t have to go without teeth after they are removed; however, as the gum tissue heals, they will likely require several adjustments. Since conventional dentures are put into place after the gum tissue heals, they do not require as many adjustments.

Partial dentures are used when some of the adult teeth are missing and some of the natural adult teeth are still present. Also known as a bridge, they typically consist of a plastic basic which is colored pink to resemble the gums, which replacement teeth are attached to.

Both complete and partial dentures can be removed.

What Are Dental Implants

Dental implants are replacement roots for missing adult teeth. They can be made of either zirconium or titanium, both of which are strong, durable metals. The implants are surgically placed into the jawbone just below the gums. Once they are in place, they fuse to the jawbone, forming a permanent replacement root for the missing teeth. After the implant heals, an artificial replacement tooth is secured to them; usually a bridge or a crown.

How Do Dentures And Dental Implants Compare

Both dentures and dental implants have their benefits and drawbacks. Below is a look at some of the pros and cons of each replacement tooth option:

• Pros of Dentures
  • More affordable than dental implants
  • Offer a quicker replacement option
  • Unless the remaining teeth need to be removed for a specific reason, there usually is no need for surgery
• Cons of Dentures
  • They can slip or fall out
  • The can cause discomfort if they sleep or if they are not properly fitted
  • You may have to deal with food restrictions, as you might not be able to eat certain foods with them (corn on the cob, steak and other dense foods that require forceful chewing)
  • They can be difficult to maintain, which can lead to poor oral hygiene
  • They often have to be replaced several times throughout a lifetime
• Pros of Dental Implants
  • They offer a more durable, permanent tooth replacement solution
  • They look more like your natural teeth
  • They won’t slip, slide or fall out
  • No food restrictions; since they act like your real teeth, you can eat whatever you would like without any issue
  • They are easier to maintain, as they can be brushed and flossed just like your real teeth
  • They’re more comfortable
  • They prevent gum erosion and bone loss
• Cons of Dental Implants
  • It takes time to have them installed
  • Surgery is necessary to have them installed
  • You have to be a candidate for implants, meaning that you must meet certain criteria in order to have them installed
  • They cost more than dentures

After comparing the pros and cons of both dentures and dental implants, it is clear to see that dental implants are a more effective tooth replacement solution. If you are missing teeth and you are interested in learning more about dental implants and whether or not you are a candidate for this tooth replacement option, please contact our office today. We offer a variety of options to meet your needs and will be happy to provide you with the best solution possible to replace your teeth and restore your smile.

Get The Smile You Want For Your Wedding Day

You’ve got the most beautiful gown in the world, you have chosen an incredible hairstyle, you know exactly how you want to wear your makeup; you’ve put so much time and effort into how you will look on your wedding day, but there’s one thing that you might be overlooking: your smile.

From greeting your soon-to-be husband as you walk down the aisle to taking dozens of pictures, you’re going to be doing a lot of smiling on your wedding day. Just like booking the venue and choosing a photographer, visiting a cosmetic dentist should be something on your list of things to do before the big day. If your teeth are discolored, crooked, chipped or cracked, cosmetic dentistry can help you get a gleaming smile that will let you show off the joy you’ll be feeling on your big day.

Here’s a look at some of the most popular cosmetic dentistry treatments that brides choose to achieve a picture perfect wedding day smile.

Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is one of the most commonly requested cosmetic dentistry treatments among brides. This treatment is simple, painless and depending on the color of your teeth, can make your smile brighter and several shades whiter with just one visit to our office.

To whiten your teeth, a protective substance will be placed over your gums and a whitening agent will be applied to your teeth. The substance in the whitening agent will be activated with a laser and the treatment will last between 30 and 90 minutes. If your teeth are severely discolored, a few treatments may be necessary, or you can have a tooth whitening mouthpiece created so you can continue whitening your teeth at home.

No matter how discolored your teeth are, we will help you achieve the brightest, whitest smile for your wedding day.

Dental Bonding

If you are unhappy with the shape of your teeth, dental bonding is an affordable and simple cosmetic dentistry treatment that you might want to consider.

Bonding involves applying a composite resin to the surface of the teeth. Once applied, it is shaped and polished to create a natural, yet beautiful look for your teeth. It can be used to improve the appearance of chipped or discolored teeth, change their shape, or even close gaps. To apply the composite resin, your teeth will be slightly abraded, a conditioning liquid will be applied and a putty-like tooth colored resin will be placed on your teeth. The resin will be molded to create a natural shape and it will be hardened with a laser or an ultraviolet light. Once hardened, the resin will be trimmed, shaped and polished to create a beautiful, natural looking smile.

Generally, the entire process takes about an hour to complete; however, if you are having several teeth bonded, a few treatments may be necessary.

Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are another cosmetic dentistry treatment that could help to improve the look of your smile for your wedding day.

Veneers are essentially thin shells that are made of either porcelain or composite material. The veneers are applied to the outer surface of your teeth and bonded in place. Not only do they improve the look of discolored, cracked or chipped teeth, but they can also strengthen your teeth. Veneers can be used to change the color, the shape, the size and even the length of your teeth.

The application of veneers begins by taking an impression of your tooth, which will be used to create the porcelain or composite shell. The tooth is thoroughly cleaned and the veneer is applied with a strong adhesive material. Once in place, any excess material will be removed and the veneer will be polished. The entire process is usually completed in one or two visits to our office.

Invisalign

If your teeth are crooked, Invisalign can help to straighten them out. Unlike traditional braces, which most people find unsightly, embarrassing and even painful, Invisalign uses a series of clear, BPA-free plastic aligner trays to gently shift the teeth and place them in the proper position.

Invisalign is a quicker, more convenient, more comfortable and more subtle way to straighten crooked teeth.

These are just a few of the cosmetic dentistry treatments that can improve your smile. It’s important to remember that it does take time to achieve the benefits of many of these treatments, so make sure you contact our office several months before your big day so you have enough time to make sure your smile will be picture perfect.

Consequences of Smoking for Your Oral Health

The effects of smoking on your lungs and heart are widely known but your dental health is often forgotten. Loaded with tons of chemicals, cigarettes and even chewing tobacco both have extreme negative effects on dental health which can lead to increased problems with your overall health. These effects can all be unsightly, painful, and expensive to treat but can be deterred or avoided by talking to your dentist about taking steps to reverse or repair any damages already done.

Stained Teeth

One of the most visible and obvious effects of smoking is tooth discoloration. There are certain chemicals in cigarettes that adhere to your teeth causing a yellowing or browning discoloration of the teeth. Whitening products can be used to temporarily prevent this problem but long term smoking can have irreversible effects on the color of your teeth.

Bad Breath

Often times you can tell if someone is a smoker by the smell of their breath. This is because particles of the cigarette and the smoke are left lingering in the mouth long after you are done smoking the cigarette. The increased bacteria from smoking leads to gum disease and possible oral sores also largely contributing to bad breath.

Quickened Tooth Decay

Smoking deters your mouth from fighting off bacteria. This makes it easier for bacteria to grow and damage teeth leading to decay and possible loss of teeth. Due to the inability to fight off bacteria, this tooth decay occurs much faster in people who smoke or chew tobacco. Chewing tobacco can also rub away your tooth enamel leaving them unprotected to the harmful effects of bacteria and plaque.

Gum Disease

The bacteria from your teeth can easily spread to your gums since smoking impairs your ability to fight off bacteria. This bacteria can cause several problems with your gums including periodontitis. This is a gum disease that damages the soft tissue in your mouth and destroys the bone that supports your teeth. This damage can cause loosened teeth or even the loss of teeth.

Hindered Immune System

Smoking lessens your immune response making you more prone to infections. This can cause you to find it more difficult to get rid of a cold or a minor illness that non smokers don’t see as a concern. A weakened immune system can lead to respiratory infections, prolonged illness, and fewer antioxidants in the body.

Oral Cancer

Antioxidants help to fight free radicals which are the cells that cause cancer. When you smoke, it is harder for your body to fight these cells off because of the fewer antioxidants found in your body. Often times, in people who smoke, this leads to oral cancer. Symptoms of oral cancer include red or white patches in the mouth, numbness in the jaw, and difficulty swallowing or chewing. The sooner you see your dentist to address these issues, the more effective the treatment can be.

How To Fix A Broken Tooth

Of all of the dental traumas you can experience, a broken front tooth is by far one of the worst. Not only does it impact the way that you look, making you feel embarrassed, but it also impairs your ability to speak and to teat.

There are a lot of reasons why a front tooth can break; a sports-related injury, a trip and fall, or even hitting a cup into it while taking a drink. No matter what the cause, it’s important you know how to properly deal with the issue so that you can avoid even further damage and have your tooth properly prepared.

What is a Broken Tooth?

A broken tooth occurs when a large piece of the tooth has been knocked off. Unlike a chip, which occurs when only a small portion of the tooth has been knocked off, a break can expose the root and pulp of the tooth.

When a tooth breaks, not only will you likely be in a significant amount of pain, but you decay or an infection may also occur. For these reasons, a broken tooth is considered a dental emergency, which means that you need to get to the dentist as soon as possible.

How to Handle a Broken Front Tooth

If a large piece of your front tooth has broken off, it’s important to understand how to deal with the situation.

The first thing you should do is schedule an appointment with your dentist. Your dentist will be able to assess your tooth and determine the extent of the damage and make the necessary repairs, which will not only improve the look of your smile, but will also allow you to avoid a more serious situation, such as an infection.

Until you can get to your dentist, there are things that you should do to ease the pain.

• Thoroughly rinse your mouth out with warm water. Doing so will remove any small pieces of the tooth that may remain in your mouth and will help to remove bacteria that could collect on the tooth and cause further damage.
• If you are experiencing any bleeding, use a piece of gauze to apply pressure to the tooth until the bleeding stops. If the gauze doesn’t work, try applying pressure to the tooth with a tea bag.
• To reduce swelling and pain, hold an ice pack on the external portion of the affected area; your lips.
• Take an over-the-counter pain reliever to alleviate any pain.
• If you can, avoid eating, but if you have to eat, choose only soft foods and try not to bite down on the affected tooth.
• If the tooth is jagged or sharp, place a piece of sugarless gum over it to prevent it from cutting the inside of your mouth.

What Your Dentist Will Do

The treatment for this dental trauma depends on the severity. Your dentist will thoroughly assess your tooth to determine the extent of the damage and how best to repair it.

Treatment for a broken front tooth may include:

• A dental cap or crown. This involves filing the damaged tooth and covering it with a tooth-shaped cap or crown. The cap or crown will not only protect the tooth from further damage, but it will also improve the appearance of the broken tooth.
• Veneers. If the damage to the affected tooth isn’t extensive, a dental veneer may be used to repair it. Made of porcelain, a veneer is bonded over the front of the tooth, restoring its appearance. With proper care, a veneer can last for years without an issue.
• A dental implant. If the damage is extensive, your dentist may need to remove the tooth. If that’s the case, a dental implant could replace the tooth. An implant serves as a root for a replacement tooth, securely affixing an artificial tooth to your jaw.

If you ever experience a broken front tooth, don’t despair. Your dentist will be able to provide you with the proper treatment to restore your tooth and your smile.