A tooth is broken, what should I do? Don’t panic and don’t “finish off”… Experts say that most often this is a fixable matter
CrimeaPRESS reports:
First, about something very sad: according to statistics, in recent years, dental problems have been the main health-related sadness for the majority of Russians. Both adults and children. Nutrition, water, ecology, careless attitude — there are many reasons why we often cannot boast of a Hollywood smile. So the question is — a tooth is broken, what should I do? — far from specific. But let’s say right away that there are definitely no clear answers to this question. The good news is that there is a field of dentistry and therefore specialists who can help in such situations.
And this is dental traumatology: a field of dentistry that specializes in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of injury and damage to the teeth, jaws and surrounding tissues in the oral cavity. This specialty of dentistry deals with both traumatic injuries, such as jaw fractures or tooth loss due to accidents, and injuries caused by dental procedures, such as tooth extractions or orthodontic procedures.
Dental traumatologists, or dental traumatologists, have specialized training and experience in diagnosing and treating traumatic injuries and rehabilitating patients who have experienced dental trauma. Their work may include:
- diagnosis and classification of traumatic injuries of teeth and jaws.
- management and treatment of jaw fractures.
- restoration and restoration of lost teeth.
- removal of fragments or foreign bodies that have entered the oral cavity.
- assessing and treating the effects of traumatic injuries, such as damage to the dental pulp or bleeding.
- orthodontic treatment after injuries.
- consultation and rehabilitation of patients who have experienced dental injuries.
Dental traumatology is an important part of dentistry as it helps restore oral health and functionality to patients who have been exposed to trauma. Specialists in this field work in collaboration with other medical specialists such as surgeons, orthopedists, radiologists and anesthesiologists to provide comprehensive treatment and rehabilitation to patients.
Algorithm of action if a tooth is broken
If you have a broken tooth, it is important to take appropriate measures to minimize discomfort and the effects of the injury. The simplest algorithm of actions is as follows:
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Calmness and assessment of the level of trauma:
- Assess the degree of tooth damage. If only the enamel (the outer layer of the tooth) is broken, the damage is less serious than, for example, a tooth root fracture.
- try to remain calm. In the case of a broken tooth, panic will not help.
- Mouth flushing:
- Gently rinse your mouth with clean water to remove blood and small tooth fragments.
- Stop bleeding:
- If there is bleeding from the gums or soft tissue, apply a soft newspaper or cotton swab to the bleeding area and hold it gently for a few minutes to stop the bleeding.
- Save the pieces:
- If a tooth is broken, try to collect and save all its fragments, as some of them can be restored. Store broken pieces in a damp cloth or sterile solution.
- Pain and swelling:
- if there is pain, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever according to the directions on the package.
- To relieve swelling, apply an ice pack or cold compress towel to the face near the injury site for 15-20 minutes.
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Consultation with a doctor:
- See your dentist as soon as possible for diagnosis and treatment. The specialist will determine what actions are necessary to restore the tooth, including possible restoration of fragments or other procedures.
The degree of damage to the tooth, the condition of the root and the possibility of saving it are determined using x-ray examination. Based on its results, the dentist chooses a treatment and restoration plan for the tooth. If the root is broken, it must be removed. When only the top of the tooth is damaged and the root remains intact, a crown restoration can be performed by placing a post in the root canal and creating a composite crown. It is important to understand that a broken tooth may require various treatment methods, including restorations, crowns, and sometimes even extraction. Therefore, it is important to consult a specialist for an accurate diagnosis and treatment to avoid further complications.,” explain the specialists of the Center for Dental Traumatology “Iceberg” (Moscow).
A tooth is broken, but is it always necessary to see a doctor?
In the vast majority of cases, experts say. A broken tooth can have varying degrees of damage, and only a dentist can make the necessary diagnosis and determine what type of treatment is required. It is important to see a doctor because:
- full diagnosis: Only a dentist will be able to determine the extent of damage to the tooth, including an x-ray review, which will allow for internal damage to be taken into account.
- professional treatment: Depending on the extent of the damage, the tooth may, as mentioned above, require restoration, a crown, nerve amputation, or even removal. Only a dentist can carry out the necessary manipulations.
- prevention of complications: Incorrect treatment or self-medication can lead to complications such as infections, inflammation or prolonged pain. Timely consultation with a doctor will help prevent these problems.
- tooth preservation: In many cases, a broken tooth can be saved and restored if treatment is started on time. Dentists have the experience and skills to help preserve teeth. There is no need to think here that deletion is the only way out of the situation. Modern technologies make it possible to find other solutions to the problem.
There are, of course, cases when minor damage to the enamel or dental crown may not be very serious and does not require urgent attention from a dentist. However, if there is even slight doubt about the severity of the tooth damage, it is better to contact a specialist for a professional assessment and consultation. Also because teeth are that “detail” of the body that does not tolerate neglect in principle. And it certainly “doesn’t heal on its own.”
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