How to Save a Damaged Tooth: Dentist-Approved Tips

If you have a damaged tooth, don’t worry – there are ways to fix it! In this blog post, we will discuss some of the best tips for saving a damaged tooth from Dr. Kevin Varley and Stonebrook Family Dental. Damage can occur for many reasons, such as trauma, decay, and infection. If left untreated, damage can lead to tooth loss. So don’t wait – read on for tips on how to save your damaged tooth!

Causes of a Damaged Tooth

A damaged tooth is one that has been cracked, chipped, or otherwise damaged. There are many reasons why a tooth can become damaged. Some of the most common causes include:

• Trauma: A fall, blow to the mouth, or other accident can damage your teeth.
• Decay: When plaque and bacteria build up on your teeth, it can cause decay (cavities).
• Infection: A tooth infection can damage the tooth and surrounding tissues.
• Grinding: Teeth grinding (bruxism) can wear down your teeth over time.
• Clenching: Clenching your teeth can put extra stress on them and cause damage.

Is a Damaged Tooth a Dental Emergency?

If you have a damaged tooth, it’s important to see a dentist right away. In some cases, we can fix damage with a simple filling or bonding. However, more serious damage may require a root canal, crown, or even extraction.

So how do you know if your damaged tooth is a dental emergency? Here are some signs to look for:

• Pain: If your tooth is causing you pain, it’s a good idea to see a dentist right away.
• Bleeding: If your tooth is bleeding, it could be a sign of infection.
• Sensitivity: If your tooth is sensitive to hot or cold, it’s often an indicator something is wrong.
• Swollen gums: If your gums are swollen, it could be a sign of infection.
• Knocked-out tooth: If your tooth has been knocked out, it’s a dental emergency.

If you’re not sure whether or not your damaged tooth is a dental emergency, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and see a dentist right away.

How to Save a Damaged Tooth

There are many ways to save a damaged tooth. The best course of treatment will depend on the severity of the damage. Here are some common treatments for a damaged tooth:

• Filling: A filling can treat a small cavity or chip.
• Bonding: A bonding can repair a small chip or crack.
• Root canal: A root canal can save a tooth from decay or infection.
• Crown: A crown can repair a cracked or broken tooth.
• Extraction: In some cases, the best way to save a hurt tooth is to remove it.

At Home Tips for a Damaged Tooth

If you have a damaged tooth, there are some things you can do at home to help. Here are some tips:

• Rinse your mouth: Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean it out.
• Use salt water: Swish salt water around in your mouth to help relieve pain and swelling.
• Take over-the-counter medication: Take over-the-counter pain medication, such as ibuprofen, to help with pain and swelling.
• Apply a cold compress: Apply a cold compress to your cheek to help with swelling.

What to Do if a Tooth is Knocked Out

If a tooth is knocked out, it’s important to see a dentist right away. In some cases, the tooth can be replanted and saved. To increase the chances of success, it’s important to follow these steps:

• Find the tooth: Look for the tooth and pick it up by the crown (the white part). Avoid touching the root (the part that goes into the gums).
• Rinse the tooth: Rinse the tooth off with warm water. Do not scrub it or use any soap.
• Try to replant the tooth: If possible, try to replant the tooth in its socket. Hold it in place and bite down on a piece of gauze to keep it in place.
• If you can’t replant the tooth, put it in milk: If you can’t replant the tooth, put it in a cup of milk. This will help to keep the tooth alive and increase the chances of success. Do not put the tooth in water.
• Get to the dentist: Get to the dentist as soon as possible. In most cases, you will need to see a dentist within 30 minutes for the best chance of saving the tooth.

Preventing Fractured Teeth

You can’t prevent every tooth fracture. But you can reduce the risk of a cracked tooth with good dental practices:

• Avoid chewing hard foods or ice.
• Practice good teeth and gum care.
• Wear a mouth guard made by your dentist if you play sports or grind your teeth at night.
• See your dentist regularly.

Save Your Smile with Stonebrook Family Dental

If you have a damaged tooth, don’t wait to see a dentist. At Stonebrook Family Dental, we offer emergency dental care for patients with damaged teeth. We also offer a wide range of preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dental services. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, contact us today.