Breaking a molar is classified as a dental emergency. It is one of those things most people would rather not deal with, but it can occur regardless of how healthy one's teeth are.
First off, a broken tooth should not be confused with a chipped or cracked one. Most chips and cracks do not require immediate emergency treatment. The person simply needs to be careful about the type of foods they bite into while one of their teeth is damaged. It is best to avoid hard foods and extreme temperatures when dealing with a cracked or chipped tooth. Over-the-counter medication can be used to manage any pain associated with the injury while the patient waits for a dental appointment.
A broken molar is a more serious issue that requires immediate treatment. It can be caused by a tooth being weakened by a cavity or a blow to the face.
While getting ready to head out to the emergency dentist, rinse the mouth out with saltwater or warm water. Use a cold compress to reduce any inflammation that accompanies the injury. Apply gauze to the area to stop any bleeding, or a wet tea bag can be used if gauze is not available. The bleeding should stop within 10 minutes. Over-the-counter pain medication can be taken as needed
Patients who have a severely broken tooth are advised to see a dentist within a day of the injury occurring. If that is not possible, the patient should use dental cement to cover up the broken tooth while waiting for an appointment.
If a tooth is completely knocked out, patients are advised to store the lost tooth in a container with warm milk or saliva. The tooth should be handled by grabbing its crown and not its root. Just as with a broken tooth, a knocked-out tooth requires immediate treatment.
In many cases, the tooth can be successfully reattached if the patient gets treatment within a few hours of the injury occurring. Ignoring a knocked-out tooth should never be an option since it can lead to severe nerve damage. If the dentist is unable to reattach the tooth, it might be replaced with a dental restoration like an implant.
Dentists and patients have a few options to choose from when it comes to treating and repairing a broken tooth:
A dental emergency like a broken molar should not be left for a regular dental appointment. Seek immediate care to deal with pain and prevent the issue from worsening.
Request an appointment here: https://muhlenbergdental.com or call Muhlenberg Dental Associates at (610) 844-9825 for an appointment in our Reading office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Emergency in Reading, PA.
Any oral issue that leaves you in severe pain counts as a dental emergency. Toothaches are your body’s way of letting you know something is wrong in your mouth. A severe toothache is a good indicator that the problem in your mouth is serious enough to require urgent care.A dental emergency requires immediate care. Waiting…
Looking for an emergency dentist in case your child experiences a dental emergency? It is a good idea to plan ahead of time. While some pediatric dentists offer emergency dental services, not all do. However, those who do, understand the importance of providing emergency dental care services, especially when the emergency has to do with…
Wondering what an emergency dentist can do for you if you ever happen to experience a dental emergency? When you experience some type of trauma to your mouth, like breaking one of your teeth or even losing a tooth, the sooner you are treated, the better chance you have of a positive outcome. When you…
Do you know when to visit an emergency dentist instead of your regular care provider? In the event of a dental emergency, seeing your regular dentist may come at a high cost.Many dentists are not available on an emergency basis after hours. While most injuries can wait a day or so, there are some that…
Looking for an emergency dentist in case your child experiences a dental emergency? It is a good idea to plan ahead of time. While some pediatric dentists offer emergency dental services, not all do. However, those who do, understand the importance of providing emergency dental care services, especially when the emergency has to do with…
Finding out that you need a root canal can be nerve-racking. Caring for the treated tooth can be even more stressful. Knowing what to do after the treatment can help you prepare well for it. Here are some tips for a smooth and quick recovery after your root canal.The patient must wait to eat as…