what to do when you break a toothNo one ever wants to break a tooth but it is a fact of life. It can happen at any time. For some people, it happens in the most unexpected of moments. For others, it can happen while playing sports or another activity. If something like this does happen to you, it is important to know know what your options are and how to handle the situation.

Options When You Break a Tooth

What Should You Do if the Tooth is Loose

Your tooth may have what is called a concussion. If it is loose, a concussion is usually the result of a hit to the mouth. Along with it may come some bleeding and pain. However, if it is loose but still intact, then you may think that the damage is not so bad. However, depending on a variety of factors, you may have some root damage or jaw damage that is not easily seen. If this happens to you, you should seek out an emergency dental treatment to examine the concussion and determine the best course of action.

What Should You Do if Your Tooth is Broken

If you have actually broken the tooth, then it is possible that the roots and pulp are also showing. Whether almost the entire tooth was knocked out or only part of it was broken off, you will likely in more intense pain. The roots and pulp will look like a mixture of red, white, and dark areas. If you see this, then you need to get to your dentist as soon as possible. You want to get this treated as soon as possible to help with pain but also prevent infection, further swelling, and an even more serious medical emergency.

What Should You Do if Your Tooth is Knocked Out

When a tooth is completely knocked out of your mouth, this is known as tooth avulsion or dental avulsion. This type of injury will also have the most blood associated with it. When this happens, you will want to apply pressure to the area to help stop the bleeding. If you cannot stop the bleeding within 30 minutes, you will want to go to the emergency room.

Additionally, if you have a history of blood clotting, you will want to go to the emergency room. If you are able to find the tooth, you will want to put it in some milk until you can get to the dentist. If you do not have milk available, make sure that you put it in water or saliva. You also do not want to touch the root of the tooth or attempt to scrub it in any way. If the tooth can be salvaged, you will want it to be in the best possible condition.

No one wants this kind of thing to happen but if it does, it is good to know what to do. As soon as you have a dental injury like this, you will want to stop in to see us at Smile Rockford so we can take a look at the tooth and explore your options.

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