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://www.cosmeticdentistoffice.com or call Rachel Cole DDS PC at (503) 248-1114 for an appointment in our Portland office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Emergency in Portland, OR.
Looking into your Emergency Dental Care options? Dental emergencies are often scary, and all too many people visit the emergency room as they are not prepared when it comes to how to treat this type of immediate concern. However, it is often best to visit the emergency dentist for emergency dental care as they can…
It is important to repair a chipped tooth promptly to prevent the issue from worsening or symptoms of the chipped tooth from lingering for longer than what is necessary. When seeking prompt care for a chipped tooth, the treatment is often less invasive and more affordable for the patient as well.When visiting a dentist for…
Suffering a broken tooth can be scary. However, there are several effective ways that dentists can promptly treat a broken tooth and restore its health and appearance. It is important to know the proper way to handle a broken tooth once it occurs, as well as the available treatment options to consider from your dentist. The…
If you've knocked out a tooth, it's an emergency dentistry situation, and you should call your dentist immediately. If they can't see you right away, an emergency dentist can help you in the meantime by putting the tooth back in place and providing emergency dental care until you can get to the dentist's office. Read…
Periodontics is a branch of dentistry that focuses on studying, diagnosing, and treating issues that affect the gums and the bone structures that support teeth. Periodontal disease is the leading dental problem that periodontics focuses on.Periodontal disease is an infection of gum tissues caused by the bacteria in plaque and tartar getting below the gum…
As you will discover, there are many differences between an endodontist and a general dentist. Seeing the right dental professional is the first step to taking good care of your teeth. Keep in mind that some general dentists perform the same procedures as an endodontist. However, not all do.The easiest way to think of an…