Emergency Dental Treatment for a Fractured Tooth

If you have a cracked or fractured tooth, call your dentist as soon as possible. It is always recommended to seek immediate treatment for dental emergencies, including a fractured tooth. This will help prevent long-term problems or issues from becoming worse. Read on to find out how a dentist can treat your cracked or fractured tooth.

Cracked or fractured tooth

Not every dental problem is regarded to be a dental emergency. But problems that need to be addressed quickly to save a tooth, alleviate pain or stop heavy bleeding are all considered to be emergencies. Severe infections that can be life-threatening also fall in that category. But if a problem can wait until a patient can see a dental provider in a few days, it is not an emergency.

In some cases, dental problems that seem critical can wait for a day or so, as long as individuals take care of themselves. For example, a chipped or cracked tooth is considered to be an emergency if the fracture is immensely painful. This consideration also applies if it has left sharp fragments that cause trauma inside a person’s mouth. But if the tooth is chipped and a person does not feel pain, the patient can wait to see the dentist.

Steps to take

For a very serious or painful fracture, a person should call the dental office right away for an emergency appointment. In the meantime, a person should clean the mouth with warm water. A cold compress should be applied to the outside of the face to minimize swelling. A person may take acetaminophen for the pain, but the use of a pain reliever is not recommended. A pain reliever can damage the gums.

Treatment

An X-ray may be needed in order to determine the severity of the damage and the ideal course of action. If the tooth’s pulp is damaged, the tooth may need root canal treatment. Only a crown might be needed if the pulp is not damaged. A patient may have to wait for a few weeks for the permanent crown to be made and returned to the dentist’s office. While waiting, the patient may have to wear a temporary crown.

Once the permanent crown is ready, the patient will have to return for the second visit. During the appointment, the temporary crown will be removed before the dentist fastens the new crown to the tooth. For people with busy schedules or who do not want to wait, some dentists can make and install permanent crowns on the same day. If saving the tooth is not possible, a patient can opt for tooth-replacement options. This may include implant-supported restorations and bridges.

Takeaway

For any dental emergency, you should call your dentist immediately. If your regular dentist is not available, you will need an emergency dentist. But it is critical to get help as soon as possible. For a fractured tooth, you should always call your dentist right away. Following a few simple steps can increase the chances of a good outcome. The most appropriate treatment option will be determined based on the condition of your tooth.

Request an appointment here: https://hemetdentalcenter.com or call Hemet Dental Center: Brian Stiewel DDS, INC. at (951) 707-4366 for an appointment in our Hemet office.

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