What To Do With a Broken or Chipped Tooth and Its Pain

What To Do With a Broken or Chipped Tooth and Its Pain

A broken or chipped tooth can happen unexpectedly, whether from biting down on something hard, an accidental fall, or a sports injury. Such incidents can be painful and distressing, but knowing what to do right away can make a significant difference. At George Street Dental Surgery Bathurst, we’re here to guide you through the steps you should take if you experience a broken or chipped tooth and to provide the care you need to restore your smile.

What to Do Immediately After Chipping or Breaking a Tooth

1. Rinse Your Mouth
   • Start by rinsing your mouth gently with warm water. This helps to remove any debris and keep the area clean, reducing the risk of infection. If the broken piece is still in your mouth, be careful not to swallow it.
2. Stop Any Bleeding
   • If there’s bleeding, apply gentle pressure with a piece of gauze to the area for about 10 minutes or until the bleeding stops. If bleeding is persistent, a damp tea bag can also help due to its natural clotting agents.
3. Use a Cold Compress
   • Applying a cold compress to the cheek outside the affected area can reduce swelling and help numb the pain. Keep the compress on for about 10 minutes at a time.
4. Preserve Any Tooth Fragments
   • If possible, try to locate the broken piece of tooth and bring it with you to your dental appointment. Keep the fragment in a small container with milk or saliva to preserve it, which may aid in the repair process.
5. Take Over-the-Counter Pain Relief
   • For immediate pain relief, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen. Avoid applying pain reliever directly to the gum as this may cause irritation.
6. Contact Us Immediately
   • A broken or chipped tooth requires prompt attention, even if it isn’t causing severe pain. Call George Street Dental Surgery Bathurst as soon as possible to schedule an emergency appointment. Our team will assess the damage and provide the appropriate treatment to prevent further complications.

Treatment Options for a Broken or Chipped Tooth

At George Street Dental Surgery Bathurst, we offer a range of treatments depending on the extent of the damage:

1. Dental Bonding
   • For small chips, dental bonding is a quick and effective solution. A tooth-colored resin is applied and shaped to match your natural tooth, restoring its appearance and function.
2. Dental Filling or Crown
   • If a larger part of your tooth is broken, a filling or crown may be recommended. Fillings are used to fill in small areas, while crowns cover and protect more extensively damaged teeth, restoring their strength and appearance.
3. Root Canal Treatment
   • When a crack or break extends into the pulp of the tooth, it may cause severe pain and increase the risk of infection. In these cases, a root canal treatment can save the tooth by removing the damaged pulp and sealing it to prevent further issues.
4. Veneers
   • For front teeth that are chipped or broken, veneers offer a cosmetic solution that provides strength and a natural appearance. Veneers are custom-made shells that cover the front of the tooth to enhance its look.
5. Extraction and Replacement Options
   • If the tooth is too severely damaged to repair, extraction may be necessary. In such cases, we provide several replacement options, including dental implants and bridges, to restore your smile.

Managing Pain from a Broken or Chipped Tooth

Pain from a broken or chipped tooth can be uncomfortable, especially if the nerve is exposed. Here are some additional tips to manage the pain while waiting for your dental appointment:

• Avoid Hot or Cold Foods: Extreme temperatures can increase sensitivity and cause more discomfort.
• Steer Clear of Hard Foods: Chewing on the broken tooth can worsen the pain and damage it further. Stick to soft foods until your dentist can examine the tooth.
• Use Clove Oil: Clove oil has natural numbing properties. You can apply a small amount with a cotton ball to the affected area to ease the pain temporarily.

Prevention Tips

While accidents can happen, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of chipping or breaking a tooth:

• Wear a Mouthguard for Sports: If you play sports, a custom-fitted mouthguard can protect your teeth from sudden impact.
• Avoid Chewing on Hard Items: Refrain from biting into ice, hard candy, or other hard objects that may put stress on your teeth.
• Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Keeping your teeth healthy and strong through regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups can reduce the risk of damage.

Why Choose George Street Dental Surgery Bathurst?

At George Street Dental Surgery Bathurst, our skilled team is dedicated to providing prompt, compassionate care for all dental emergencies, including broken or chipped teeth. We offer same-day appointments for urgent cases and will work with you to find the best solution to restore your smile, relieve pain, and prevent further issues.

Contact Us for Emergency Dental Care

If you’re dealing with a broken or chipped tooth, don’t wait. Call George Street Dental Surgery Bathurst immediately for assistance. We’re here to provide the care you need and restore your smile as quickly and comfortably as possible.