Your teeth are among the strongest parts of your body, but they are not invincible. A fall, a collision, or any number of other accidents can result in a chipped or broken tooth. If it happens to you or a loved one, contact OnCall Dental in Fresno right away.
If a tooth chips or breaks, it may not hurt. It’s a serious matter, but if it doesn’t hurt it doesn’t usually require immediate attention. Even if there isn’t any pain, you’re probably going to feel some sharp edges with your tongue. It’s important that you avoid that area when you chew, because chewing might chip it some more. We may be able to smooth out the chip and repair any damage with composite filling.
If your tooth is giving you pain, call us immediately. There could be a serious crack or fracture, with accompanying damage to the inside of the tooth. The sooner you get into the OnCall Dental office, the better. In severe cases it is not always possible to save the tooth.
There are some things you can do before you get to the office:
- Clean your mouth thoroughly with warm water, swished gently
- Apply a cold compress to your face to minimize swelling
- Take a pain reliever with acetaminophen (don’t take aspirin). Brands with acetaminophen include Tylenol, Alka-Seltzer Plus, and NyQuil, but there are many others.
Once you’re here, we will probably take an x-ray. If there is damage to the tooth’s pulp a root canal may be in order. If not, the tooth may only need a crown.
If you have a chipped or broken tooth, take nothing for granted, even if there is no pain. OnCall Dental in Fresno treats dental emergencies on a daily basis. Walk-ins are always welcome, but you can also make an appointment.
