Getting Dental Care for a Broken Tooth
Accidents happen—and accidents involving teeth are especially scary. If you or a family member finds themselves with an injury due to an accident or fall, there are a few things that must be done immediately to ensure the best outcome.
- First, assess the entire situation. Are there other injuries? Will stitches be needed? Sometimes the teeth take a second priority to breaks, blood, and lacerations, and a trip to the hospital is in order. If this is the case, bring any teeth that fell out to the hospital with you in some milk and have the hospital’s oral surgeon see you immediately.
- Call us. If the hospital is not necessary for the dental accident, but a dentist absolutely is, call us immediately. We offer same day emergency appointments and can get you the help you need. Put any missing teeth back into the hole they came from if possible—or in a cup with milk and bring it to the office. While we can’t promise we will be able to get them back into your mouth permanently, there are times that it is possible, and it is best to have the option.
- Have someone drive you. Whether it is to the hospital, or to the dental office, have a friend or family member drive you. Even if you are feeling fine in that moment, you make need some medication or be in pain after your appointment and it is safer to have a driver get you safely home.
- Be prepared for the healing process. Dental accident injuries can take a while to heal and it may mean you will be enjoying soft foods and taking things easy for a while. Depending on the extent of the injury, it could be a few weeks until you are able to eat and return to your regular activities.
Please contact our office if you have any questions about emergency dental care, or follow-up from a facial injury or broken tooth. While we never like to see our patients suffer from a serious emergency, we do know that we can help get our patients smiling again after injury!
