How to Handle a Broken Tooth Until You See Dr. Vandehaar

Seeing a tooth break from the root is alarming to everyone. The common reaction of people is to panic when watching the broken tooth. But knowing how to act in the moment can make a difference in the treatment. Whether the broken tooth is an outcome of an accident, biting down on too-hard foods, or an unnoticed crack, how to deal with the situation or the broken tooth determines how you manage pain. It also plays a role in the prevention of further damage until you can see a professional like Dr. Vandehaar.

Let’s check out what you should do when you have to deal with such an emergency. In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to make sure your condition doesn’t worsen before you can see an emergency dentist in Chippewa Falls.

Step 1: Assess the Damage

How you handle the broken tooth makes a difference. Not all broken teeth are the same. The first thing you should figure out is how severe the break is. This will help you map your next steps and decide if you need to seek immediate care. Here’s what to look for:

• Minor Chips: A small chip may not cause much pain. You can likely handle this at home until you visit Dr. Vandehaar.
• Large Fractures: If the broken tooth exposes the inner pulp, you shouldn’t ignore the pain and get immediate attention from an emergency dentist.
• Loosening: If the tooth feels loose or if it’s been completely knocked out, see an emergency dentist as soon as possible.

Step 2: Control Any Bleeding

If you are bleeding from a broken tooth, focus on how you can stop it quickly. The first step is applying gentle pressure on the site with a clean piece of gauze or a damp cloth to stop bleeding. If you keep bleeding even after 10 minutes, seek immediate help.

Step 3: Relieve Pain

The pain from a broken tooth can be intense. If the fracture is deep enough to expose the sensitive nerve endings inside the tooth, only an emergency dentist in Chippewa Falls can protect you from further damage. To manage pain until you can see an emergency dentist:

• Cold Compress: Apply a cold compress to your cheek or the outside of the mouth near the broken tooth. This will help reduce swelling and numb the pain temporarily.
• Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be effective for managing pain. Avoid placing aspirin directly on the tooth, as this can irritate the gums.
• Avoid Triggering Foods: Until you see Dr. Vandehaar, avoid eating hard, hot, or cold foods that may worsen the pain. Stick to soft foods and be mindful not to bite directly on the broken tooth.

Step 4: Protect the Broken Tooth

If the break is massive and part of the tooth is jagged or sharp, it can cut your mouth, tongue, or gums. To protect yourself until your appointment:

• Cover the Tooth: You can cover the jagged edge with dental wax or a piece of sugar-free gum to keep it from cutting the inside of your mouth.
• Save the Fragments: If any pieces of your tooth break off, save them in a small container with milk or saliva. This will help Dr. Vandehaar determine the best course of action for restoration.

Step 5: Avoid Further Damage

Do your best to avoid further damage to the broken tooth. Keep your mouth clean, but be gentle when brushing or rinsing. Additionally, try not to touch or play with the broken area with your tongue or fingers, as it could worsen the break or let bacteria seep into the tooth.

Step 6: Visit Dr. Vandehaar

Once you’ve managed the pain and protected the broken tooth, it’s time to visit Dr. Vandehaar for professional treatment. An emergency dentist like Dr. Vandehaar will provide the proper care to restore the tooth or recommend alternative solutions like crowns, bonding, or root canal therapy, depending on the severity of the break.

Dealing with a broken tooth can feel overwhelming, but with the right steps, you can handle the situation effectively until you get the necessary professional care. Remember to assess the damage, control any bleeding, relieve pain, protect the broken tooth, and avoid further damage.