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.
Filed Under: Best Way To Floss
