Dental emergencies are a serious cause for concern. A tooth that has been fractured or cracked can cause pain, or even lead to other problems. If you have a tooth with damaged enamel you should call us immediately so we can help determine the best course of action and schedule an appointment.
If you can’t call us immediately there are a few things you can do to help manage pain, discomfort or swelling.
In some cases, the enamel of a tooth might be fractured from a blow to the face without actually exposing the pulp or root of the tooth. Even If there is no pain associated with a crack or fracture, you should still call us to schedule an appointment. These areas can be extremely prone to tooth decay.
A blow to the face might also come with bleeding, debris in the mouth and swelling. If this is the case you should avoid rinsing your mouth with antiseptic mouthwash. Rinsing with lukewarm salt water can clear your mouth and soothe injured tissues.
A cold compress held lightly to your cheek for 15 minutes can help reduce swelling. You should avoid holding the cold compress to your face for longer than 20 minutes, as it can injure the skin.
If you have some topical dental anesthetic on-hand, you could rub a little on the gums to help reduce the pain until you arrive at our office.
If you have a cracked or chipped tooth you should call us immediately at 810-985-3301 to schedule an appointment.