How to save a damaged tooth before it’s too late

In Australia, dental emergencies require immediate attention as it is the race against time to save your teeth. Dentists will always try to save a tooth when it is possible, but it may be too late to save it if the tooth is too severely damaged.

It is important to see a dentist as soon as possible if you notice a problem with any of your teeth, as teeth can be cracked, fractured or knocked out altogether for various reasons such as sporting injuries, trips and falls, motor vehicle accidents, and fights.

Knocked out tooth

A knocked-out tooth is a medical emergency, and it should be put back into place as soon as possible. If an adult tooth is knocked out, hold it by the crown and try to put it back in place, then go to a dentist immediately. If you cannot put it back into place, place it in milk and contact your usual dental practice. However, do not try to re-insert a baby tooth; take your child to a dentist immediately [2]. If a tooth is just chipped, it can wait until the dental surgery is open.

Broken Tooth

If you have broken your tooth, try to find the fragment, store it in milk, and see a dentist as soon as possible during working hours. The dentist may be able to glue the fragment back on to the tooth, or if the tooth is badly broken and the nerves are exposed, it may need a filling or a crown.

It is best to keep in mind that a damaged or broken tooth is a dental emergency. Contact your dentist immediately for advice and to book an appointment depending on your situation. Remember, the sooner you act, the better the chances of saving your teeth.

Baby tooth mishap

If your little one has knocked out a baby tooth, it’s best to leave the re-implantation to the experts. Trying to put the tooth back in yourself may cause damage to the adult tooth growing underneath, leading to a real dental drama. Instead, head straight to your friendly neighbourhood dentist.

At the dentist, the doc will take an X-ray to ensure the tooth is in the right spot. If you’ve already put the tooth in milk, the dentist will numb the area and reposition it before splinting it to the surrounding teeth for two weeks. This temporary attachment, called splinting, will help keep the tooth securely in place.

But what if the tooth is nowhere to be found? Don’t fret. The dentist can fill the gap with a denture, bridge, or implant, depending on your preference and budget. These treatments can work wonders for your smile and boost your confidence, but remember that not everyone needs a replacement tooth. Chat with your dentist to weigh your options and decide what’s best for you.

Now, what if you’ve got a broken or chipped tooth? No dramas. Try to find the fragment and store it in milk before heading to the dentist as soon as possible during working hours.

If you can’t find it, don’t sweat it. Your dentist can use a tooth-coloured filling material to rebuild the tooth or place a crown (also known as a cap) on a back tooth. If the nerves are exposed, you may need root canal treatment, but don’t let that scare you off. It’s a common procedure that involves removing the nerve and filling the root.

Remember, prevention is key, so make sure to practice good dental hygiene and protect your teeth from potential mishaps. But if an accident does occur, don’t hesitate to seek professional help from your trusted dentist.

If you are experiencing a dental emergency, Molonglo Dental Surgery caters for after hours emergency. Call 0457123000 to book after hours emergency. In the event of a medical emergency, call your treating Doctor or 000 immediately.

 

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