One moment you’re enjoying a meal, the next you notice a sharp edge or a gap where your tooth should be. Situations like this are startling, but they’re more common than you might expect. In these moments, knowing how to act quickly matters as much as getting to a Fort Worth emergency dental office. The right steps like handling the tooth carefully or protecting a chipped edge, can make all the difference in saving your smile.
What to Do If You Chip a Tooth
1. Rinse and Assess the Damage
Gently rinse your mouth with warm water to clear away debris and check the extent of the damage. Even small chips can leave sharp edges that irritate your cheek or tongue.
2. Save Any Broken Pieces
If part of the tooth has broken off, place the fragments in a clean container and bring them with you to your appointment. Your dentist may be able to use these pieces during the repair.
3. Protect Your Mouth and Manage Pain
Cover jagged edges with sugarless gum or dental wax to prevent cuts. If there’s swelling, apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek. Over-the-counter pain relievers can also help until you reach your dentist.
What to Do If You Knock Out a Tooth
1. Handle It by the Crown
Always pick up the tooth by the crown—the part you see when you smile. Avoid touching the root, as the tiny fibers there are critical for reattachment.
2. Rinse Carefully
If the tooth has dirt on it, gently rinse with milk or saline solution. Don’t scrub, use soap, or dry the tooth, as this may damage the cells needed for healing.
3. Keep the Tooth Moist
The best way to preserve a knocked-out tooth is to place it back in the socket and bite down gently on gauze to hold it in place. If that’s not possible, keep the tooth in a container of milk or inside your cheek. Staying moist is key to improving the chances of saving it.
How to Prepare for an Emergency Visit
1. Contact Your Dentist Right Away
Don’t wait to see if the discomfort passes. Call your dental office immediately and let them know what happened. Quick action gives you the best chance of preserving the tooth.
2. Bring the Tooth or Fragments With You
Carrying the tooth or broken pieces with you may give your dentist more options for restoring your smile. Before heading out, place them in a sealed container of milk or saline solution. If those aren’t available, keep the tooth in your cheek to prevent it from drying out.
3. Know What Services May Help
Emergency care could involve bonding, crowns, or dental implants, depending on the extent of the damage.
Fort Worth Emergency Dental Care: Protecting Your Smile and Your Peace of Mind
Accidents happen, but knowing how to respond can protect your teeth and reduce stress while you wait for professional care. Whether it’s a chipped tooth or one that’s been knocked out completely, acting quickly is the best way to safeguard your smile until you arrive for emergency dental treatment.
At White Settlement Family Dentistry, Dr. Stephen Kim and our caring team are here to help in those urgent moments. We provide prompt, reliable care in a welcoming environment, because your comfort and health are always our priority. If you’re facing a dental emergency, don’t wait—contact us today to get the care you need when you need it most.
