When a tooth is damaged, then the risk of cavities and infections becomes more likely. Which means once you develop one, you should see your Astoria, NY, dentist for dental emergency treatment. In today’s blog, we’re going to explain what you should do when you sustain a chipped or cracked tooth, and how we restore your tooth.
The Dangers of Even Minor Chips
Our teeth are protected by a thin but powerful layer of enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. Beneath the enamel is the dentin, which makes up most of our tooth structure and is very sensitive, and at the center of our tooth is the pulp, the nerve center. When enamel is damaged, cracked or chipped in a dental emergency situation, this exposes the dentin to bacteria. A cavity could form, and once the decay reaches the pulp, a serious infection may arise that threatens the stability of your tooth.
Addressing an Emergency Issue
When you chip a tooth, rinse with warm water and use a piece of cloth or gauze to stem any bleeding. If you can recover any pieces of your tooth, please bring them to the office with you in a small sealed container. If not, don’t worry, repair is still possible. To prevent facial swelling, place a cold compress or ice pack against the side of your face. Taking a pain reliever is recommended too. Give our office a call and we will schedule a visit to see you soon. If you sustain an injury to the face or mouth and no damage is visible, consider an appointment anyway, as fractures are just as dangerous but often invisible to the naked eye.
Repairing Your Tooth
When you arrive, we will carefully examine your smile to assess the extent of your damage. From there, we can select a treatment option. With dental bonding, we have a unique cosmetic procedure that can repair minor damage in one visit. If you have more severe breakage or a crack down the length of the tooth, we may need to create and place a custom-made dental crown instead. Remember, treatment quickly helps prevent the onset of painful cavities and infection, and potentially saves your tooth. If you have any questions about our emergency treatment options, then contact our team today. If you would like to schedule a visit to use your remaining 2020 dental insurance benefits, feel free to do so soon!
Do You Have Questions About Our Emergency Treatments?
Our team wants to help you maintain optimal oral health, and can address damaged teeth with lifelike restorations. To learn more about our approach to emergency dental care and our restorative treatment options, then schedule a consultation by calling Jeffrey Leibowitz, DDS, in Astoria, NY, today at 718-728-8320.
