Whether you slip and fall, get hit in the face while playing sports, or just chew a hard piece of food or accidentally bite a non-food object like a piece of bone, you may end up chipping or cracking your tooth.
And if this happens, it’s important to know what to do next. A chipped or cracked tooth is a serious dental emergency, and requires immediate care from a Baltimore dentist like Dr. Dawn Merguerian. So read on, find out what to do if you chip or crack your tooth, and be prepared!
It’s best to start by rinsing out your mouth to get rid of any food particles, blood, or other debris that may be near the damaged tooth. This will also let you see how deep the crack or chip is.
Any chip or crack is a serious problem, but if the damage looks really deep or the tooth sharp, jagged edges, you definitely need to see a dentist as soon as possible to restore your tooth.
This isn’t always necessary, but if you can, recovering the tooth fragments may make it easier for Dr. Merguerian to repair your tooth in some situations. If you’re able to recover them, put them into a small baggie or container of milk to keep them cold and moist, and bring the fragments to your appointment.
A chipped or cracked tooth is a serious dental emergency. Even if you’re not experiencing a lot of pain or discomfort, damage to your tooth leaves it susceptible to future issues like decay or a tooth infection.
So make sure you contact an emergency dentist like Dr. Dawn Merguerian right away. We offer same-day care in Baltimore. Call us at (410) 505-0551 to speak with our team and get the help you need right away.
If your tooth hurts, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or naproxen. Orajel or a similar topical treatment can also help with discomfort.
If your mouth is bleeding, you should use a piece of clean gauze, a paper towel, or a cotton ball to apply gentle pressure to the site of the injury. This will help slow down the flow of blood.
Finally, you can use an ice pack to help numb the area and control swelling. Apply the ice pack to the outside of your cheek near the affected area for up to 10 minutes at a time.
Depending on the severity of the chip or crack, Dr. Merguerian may recommend dental bonding, a crown, or even a root canal to clean out the tooth and prevent infection. Once you’ve come into our office for your appointment, she will discuss all of your options and ensure you choose the one that’s right for your situation.
At Waterfront Dental, Dr. Merguerian always has space set aside for same-day emergency appointments. If you have cracked or chipped your tooth and need help, just contact us at (410) 505-0551. We’ll see you ASAP, and ensure you get the expert dental care you need to save your tooth and resolve the issue.
