A broken tooth can be a distressing and painful situation, but knowing how to act can make the difference between saving the piece of tooth or suffering major complications. From our dental clinic in Malaga we know that many people do not know what to do before the breakage of a piece, that’s why today’s article explain the steps you should follow if you find yourself in this situation, treatment options and how to prevent future dental damage.
What to do if you break a tooth?
As we have said many people do not know what to do when a tooth breaks, that is why below we show you what you should do:
What should we do first if we notice a broken tooth?
The first thing to do if you notice a broken tooth is to rinse your mouth with warm water to remove any residue and reduce the risk of infection. If there is bleeding, it is important to apply a clean gauze and press until it stops. To relieve inflammation and pain, it is recommended to use a cold paper on the affected area. Also, if you find the broken tooth fragment, it is advisable to store it in saline, milk or saliva and of course go to your dentist!
Treatment options for a fractured tooth
Treatment will depend on the severity of the fracture. If the tear is small and only affects the enamel, the dentist may perform a polishing or apply composite resin to restore the appearance of the tooth. In cases of deeper cracks, veneers can be used to restore functionality and aesthetics.
When the fracture reaches the dentine or pulp, endodontic treatment may be needed to remove the infection and preserve the piece. In more severe situations, where the dental structure is compromised, a dental crown or, in the worst case, removal and replacement with an implant may be chosen.
What if a tooth breaks can be painful?
Yes, a broken tooth can be very painful, especially if the fracture exposes the dentine or pulp where the nerves and blood vessels are located. In these cases, the person may experience severe pain, sensitivity to cold and heat, and even discomfort when chewing. Swelling in the area can also increase discomfort.
How is the root canal process?
When a broken tooth affects the dental pulp, endodontic treatment may be necessary. This procedure consists of removing the damaged pulp, cleaning and disinfecting the root canals and then sealing them with a biocompatible material. Once the root canal is complete, it is recommended to restore the tooth with a crown to protect it and restore its functionality. Root canal is a safe and effective procedure that allows the tooth to be preserved rather than removed.
How long is the recovery time of a dental implant?
The recovery time of a dental implant varies depending on the patient and the complexity of the procedure. The whole process can usually take between three and six months, because the implant needs to be integrated with bone in a process called osteointegration. During the first few weeks, it is normal to experience inflammation and tenderness in the treated area. It is essential to follow the dentist’s recommendations, such as maintaining proper oral hygiene and avoiding hard foods. Once the implant is fully integrated, the definitive crown is placed, returning functionality and aesthetics to the patient’s smile.
At Clínica Dental Gross Dentistas, we have specialists in dentistry who can help you to recover the functionality and aesthetics of your smile in case of a dental fracture. Do not wait any longer and contact us.
Ortodoncista especializada en el sistema de ortodoncia invisible, extensa trayectoria profesional y un gran número de pacientes satisfechos con los resultados obtenidos tras la finalización de su tratamiento.
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