Accidents happen, and sometimes, they can lead to unexpected dental emergencies like breaking or chipping a tooth. Whether it’s caused by biting into something hard, an injury, or weakened enamel, a damaged tooth can be both painful and alarming—but it’s important not to panic. If you’re in the Jefferson City, MO, area here’s what you need to do to handle the situation and protect your smile.
Step 1: Assess the Damage
The first step is to evaluate the severity of the chip or break. Is it just a small chip that isn’t causing pain, or is it a larger break exposing the inner part of your tooth? A minor chip may not feel urgent, but deeper damage could lead to sensitivity, discomfort, or a risk of infection. Regardless of the severity, it’s always a good idea to reach out to a dentist to prevent further complications.
Step 2: Rinse Your Mouth
If your tooth is chipped or broken, rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area. This will wash away debris and help prevent infection. If there’s any bleeding, gently bite down on a piece of gauze or a clean cloth until the bleeding subsides.
Step 3: Protect the Tooth
If the break has left sharp edges that could cut your tongue or cheek, cover the area with dental wax or sugar-free gum to provide temporary protection. Additionally, if your tooth is sensitive to temperature changes or pressure, avoid eating or drinking anything too hot, cold, or hard until you can see a dentist.
Step 4: Take Pain Relief (if necessary)
If you’re experiencing pain, over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can help reduce discomfort. Avoid applying aspirin directly on the gums near the damaged tooth, as this can irritate the tissue. You can also use a cold compress on the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling.
Step 5: Contact Jefferson City Dental Care
When it comes to chipped or broken teeth, time is of the essence. Reach out to Dr. Justin Johnson and the skilled team at Jefferson City Dental Care as soon as possible for an evaluation. Our office provides a range of services, including damaged tooth repair, to restore both the function and appearance of your tooth.
We’ll assess the damage and recommend the best treatment option, whether it’s smoothing minor chips, bonding, applying a dental crown, or another solution. Our goal is to make the process quick, efficient, and as comfortable as possible so you can get back to smiling with confidence.
Step 6: Preserve Any Broken Pieces (Optional)
If you can locate the piece of your tooth that has chipped or broken off, store it in milk or a saline solution and bring it with you to your dental appointment. While not always required, this can sometimes help the dentist repair.
Prevention Tips for the Future
While sometimes inevitable, tooth damage can often be prevented by adopting a few precautions:
- Avoid chewing on hard foods like ice or unpopped popcorn kernels.
- Wear a mouthguard during sports or physical activities.
- Stay on top of your regular dental check-ups to address issues before they lead to fractures.
At Jefferson City Dental Care, we take pride in providing exceptional care to our patients. From routine check-ups to emergency dental repairs, our team is here to ensure your oral health is in the best hands.
When it comes to chipped or broken teeth, don’t wait—your smile deserves timely and expert care!
