Asking a general dentist what to do when experiencing any type of dental problem is a great idea! General dentists are primary care dental providers, which means they treat a wide variety of dental problems. Ready to understand what to do after cracking a tooth?
When it comes to cracked teeth, many individuals are eager to learn how to prevent them from happening. Prevention is key, as once someone cracks one of their teeth, professional dental care is necessary to remedy the problem. A few ways to avoid cracking a tooth include avoiding eating hard foods, avoiding the act of clenching or grinding, wearing appropriate gear when playing sports and making regular dental check-up appointments with a general dentist.
Depending on the severity of the cracked tooth will ultimately determine the type of treatment a general dentist will use to restore it. Below is information on what a patient should do if they happen to crack one of their teeth before getting to the general dentist for treatment.
As soon as a crack happens, it is necessary to check for any bleeding. If bleeding is present, individuals need to apply firm pressure to the area using clean gauze. While any bleeding should subside within a couple of hours, many people will stop bleeding within 10 to 15 minutes. It is important for dental patients to understand that bleeding is common when cracking a tooth and as long as the bleeding can be stopped using gauze, it should be fine until seeing a general dentist.
Using an ice pack will help to reduce any swelling that is present. Ice packs also help to alleviate any pain someone is experiencing due to the crack in their teeth. The coldness of the ice pack reduces any swelling because the cold works to minimize the blood vessels in the area affected. The coldness will also help numb the area, which helps those who are experiencing any pain feel less of it. Ice packs should only be held against the painful area for 20 minutes at a time.
Not everyone who cracks one of their teeth will experience pain, although most people tend to experience some degree of discomfort. For those who do experience pain, taking a pain reliever to help minimize the pain is suggested. This includes taking over the counter pain relievers, as well as natural pain relievers. Natural options for relieving pain include swishing the mouth with warm salt water, or using essential oils, like peppermint or clove.
A general dentist is the best resource to utilize when a cracked tooth occurs, however, the tips above can be used to remedy any symptoms that immediately occur. Reach out today to find out more about dealing with cracked teeth.
Request an appointment here: https://peoria.voguedental.com or call Vogue Dental at (309) 306-8888 for an appointment in our Peoria office.
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