Experiencing a broken, chipped or cracked tooth is incredibly common. If you face this problem, it is best that you visit your nearest dentist immediately. A broken or chipped tooth is not only vulnerable to the spread of bacteria but also to further structural damage. If left for too long there is a possibility of pulpal irritation (nerve and blood supply) resulting in severe pain. Once you’ve realised you have a broken or chipped tooth, it is best to seek advice as soon as possible.

To reduce your discomfort before visiting your dentist, here’s what you can do:

• Avoid irritants ie. foods or liquids that are too hot or too cold as extreme temperatures will cause severe pain.
• If you are eating or drinking, avoid chewing on the side of your mouth where you’ve broken or chipped your tooth.
• Avoid hard foods, sugary or sticky foods. A diet of softer foods is recommended.
• Take pain medication.

During your appointment, your dentist will be able to access the damage and determine whether your tooth can be repaired. In some cases, the tooth may need to be extracted. If an emergency extraction is required, you will require follow-up appointments to restore the condition of your smile, with an artificial tooth or additional dental work. For example, cosmetic dental bonding or a dental crown can help to restore the appearance of a chipped tooth. A missing tooth can be replaced with “denture“, “bridge“, or “implant“. 

For this emergency dental situation, fast and proper treatment can play a major role in saving the tooth. When a tooth gets knocked out, you should first locate the tooth. The remaining necessary steps differ for adults and kids, as follows:

For adults: The best solution is if it is still in your mouth, try to reinsert it into the socket. If it doesn’t stay, keep it under your tongue or in a cup of saliva/milk.

For kids: DO NOT attempt to reinsert the tooth, and do not place it in the kid’s mouth. Store in a glass of milk.

Time is important for the survivability of the tooth. Should you face such a situation, contact us immediately for trauma management.

Tooth pain, or toothache, can be caused by a cavity, a fractured tooth, a damaged nerve or even an infection. In the situation where the pain prevents you from being able to chew without discomfort, or if the pain is constant, you may be facing a dental emergency and should visit your dentist immediately. Fast and accurate treatment will help to prevent further problems. To determine whether you will receive a dental filling or any other treatment, however, will be dependent on your dentist’s assessment and the cause of the pain.

Some of the steps for teeth pain relief include:

• Avoiding known irritants ie. cold drinks, hot drinks, sugary foods.
• Proper oral hygiene such as brushing and flossing to remove any food debris.
• Take an over-the-counter medication to reduce pain.

While these steps may relieve some of the pain, you should still schedule a visit with your dentist as soon as possible, and to avoid putting unnecessary pressure on the affected area.

In severe cases, where the infections can be potentially life-threatening, it is best to go to a local emergency hospital for immediate treatment.

Whether you have a broken or missing tooth, an infection or just experiencing severe teeth and gum pain, immediate dental treatment will help to increase the chances of a successful outcome. Receiving treatment as soon as possible can prevent additional pain or damage.

It is also essential to understand that in this regard, you cannot protect yourself 100% against any injury to your teeth but it is possible to take precautions.