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Broken Tooth

If you find yourself or a loved one with a broken tooth, don’t panic. There can be a lot of stress from the pain, or even from the uncertainty of what will happen next. At Healthy Smiles Family Dental, located in Salem, Oregon, Dr. Na Xu, D.D.S., and Dr. Mark Thomas, D.M.D. are here to assist you during this turbulent time.


 


There are many things that might cause a tooth to break. Perhaps you bit or chewed on something too hard. Maybe you fell or experienced an injury that broke your tooth. You could even have a cavity inside the tooth that could cause it to break. Regardless, here are a few tips to reduce your pain while you wait to see the dentist.


 


-With some warm water, rinse out your mouth, collecting all the broken pieces of the tooth for the dentist to look at.


-Use gauze to stop any bleeding. Hold it there for about ten minutes or so, allowing the bleeding to stop.


-Use icepacks on the outside of the cheek or lips for 15-minute intervals. This will keep the swelling down.


-If you have to wait a few hours before your appointment, go to your local drug store and buy some over-the-counter topical medication. This can help numb the pain.


 


In terms of fixing a broken tooth, there are various options. At your appointment with Dr. Xu or Dr. Thomas, a plan of action will be created that best suits your needs. Dental veneers can be used to cover up the front of a broken tooth. Composite bonding gives your tooth back its natural shape by using a resin in the spot that broke off. Crowns are a great option for teeth that have more advanced breaks. The crown keeps your tooth together while still protecting it from lasting damage.


 


If you or a loved one are experiencing a broken tooth, contact Healthy Family Smiles Dental, located in Salem, Oregon. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Na Xu, D.D.S. or Dr. Mark Thomas, D.M.D. visit our website or call 503-385-1185.


 

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