Uh-oh! You’re biting into a snack, and suddenly—crunch—you feel something that definitely shouldn’t be there. You’ve chipped, cracked, or even broken a tooth. First things first: don’t panic! While a broken tooth can be alarming and even painful, there are steps you can take to minimize the damage and discomfort until you can get professional help. Here’s what you need to do when faced with a cracked or broken tooth, and how our team at Austin Dental Plus in Forest Hills, NY, can help you get back to smiling with confidence.
1. Assess the Damage
The moment you realize your tooth is damaged, stop chewing! Check your mouth to assess the situation. Did a piece of the tooth break off, or is it just a crack? If you’ve broken off a larger chunk of your tooth, you’ll want to find the piece if possible. This can be helpful for your dentist, and in some cases, the tooth fragment can even be reattached.
2. Store the Tooth in Milk
Here’s a trick that might sound a little odd: if you’ve completely broken off part of your tooth, store it in a glass of milk. Yes, milk! This helps to preserve the tooth fragment and keeps it moist until you can get to the dentist. If you don’t have milk available, placing the tooth in your mouth between your cheek and gums (without swallowing!) or in a saline solution works as well. Avoid water, as it can damage the cells in your tooth and reduce the chances of it being reattached.
3. Rinse and Apply Ice
If you’re experiencing any bleeding or swelling, gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water to clean the area. Then, apply a cold compress or an ice pack to the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling. This will also help numb the pain and keep inflammation down. Be gentle with the injured area to prevent further damage.
4. Call Austin Dental Plus Right Away!
Once you’ve taken the immediate steps to protect your tooth, the next thing you should do is call us at Austin Dental Plus. We’re located at 11074 Queens Blvd, Forest Hills, NY 11375, and you can reach us at (718) 544-5055. Let us know what happened, and we’ll get you in as soon as possible to evaluate the damage and provide treatment.
At Austin Dental Plus, we know that dental emergencies can be stressful, but we’re here to make the process as smooth and painless as possible. Our experienced team will determine the best course of action for your situation, whether it’s bonding, a crown, or another treatment option to repair the damage.
5. Avoid Using the Damaged Tooth
While you’re waiting for your appointment, try to avoid chewing with the damaged tooth. Stick to soft foods, and if the tooth is sensitive, avoid anything too hot or cold. Protecting the tooth until you can get to us is important for minimizing any further damage.
Emergency Care at Austin Dental Plus
A broken or cracked tooth can happen to anyone at any time, but knowing what to do can make all the difference. If you experience a dental emergency, call Austin Dental Plus at (718) 544-5055, and we’ll take care of you. Our priority is to get you back to feeling comfortable and confident in no time.
At Austin Dental Plus, we treat every patient like family, and we’re ready to provide top-notch care when you need it the most. Don’t hesitate—reach out, and we’ll fix that tooth right up!
