A stray elbow during a game or a bite into something unexpectedly hard can turn into a dental emergency in seconds. These moments are stressful and time-sensitive, making quick action essential to saving your tooth and protecting your oral health. In many cases, a dentist can save a damaged or knocked-out tooth with advanced procedures like reimplantation or bonding, but only if treatment begins quickly.
At Newport Beach Dental Center, Dr. Laura Sharbash, DDS, FAGD, D.ABDSM, leads our team with extensive experience and advanced credentials. Whether it’s reimplanting a tooth or addressing complex injuries, she provides precise, compassionate care tailored to your needs. When emergencies strike, we’re here to help restore your smile and your confidence.
How Your Dentist Can Help Preserve Your Injured Tooth
When a dental emergency strikes, professional care can make the difference between saving and losing a tooth. Here’s how our dentist can help in the following situations:
Knocked-Out Tooth
If a tooth is knocked out, time is of the essence. The sooner you see a dentist, the better the chances of saving the tooth. Ideally, the tooth should be gently placed back into its socket or stored in milk or saliva until you can get professional care. Dr. Laura Sharbash can carefully clean and reimplant the tooth, stabilizing it to help it reintegrate naturally into your mouth.
Cracked or Broken Tooth
A cracked or broken tooth requires swift evaluation to determine the extent of the damage. For minor cracks, composite bonding can restore the tooth’s function and appearance. More significant breaks might require a crown to protect the tooth, while severe cases could involve root canal therapy to preserve the tooth’s inner structure.
Regardless of the type of dental emergency, acting quickly is crucial. Immediate professional care not only increases the likelihood of saving the tooth but also helps alleviate pain and prevent further complications.
Steps to Take Before You Reach Your Dentist
Dental emergencies can feel overwhelming, but taking the right steps before reaching your dentist can help minimize damage and improve the chances of saving your tooth. Whether it’s a knocked-out tooth, a crack, or severe pain, quick and careful action is essential. Follow these general guidelines to handle most dental emergencies effectively:
- Handle with Care: If a tooth is knocked out or broken, avoid touching the root or applying pressure to damaged areas. Preserve any pieces you can recover.
- Rinse and Protect: Use warm water to gently clean the injured area or the tooth itself. For knocked-out teeth, keep them moist by reinserting them into their socket or storing them in milk or saliva.
- Control Pain and Swelling: Use a cold compress on the outside of your mouth to reduce swelling and discomfort. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help, but avoid aspirin, as it may increase bleeding.
- Avoid Further Damage: Stick to soft foods, avoid chewing near the injury, and never use sharp objects to dislodge anything stuck between teeth.
- Contact Your Dentist Immediately: Reach out to your dentist as soon as possible to explain your situation and schedule care. Timely treatment is critical for saving your tooth and preventing complications.
Taking these steps can make a big difference in the success of your treatment and recovery. If you’re unsure what to do, contact Newport Beach Dental Center for advice as you prepare for your appointment. Our team is here to guide you through every step of your dental emergency.
Restoring Your Smile When It Matters Most
Dental emergencies are stressful, but they don’t have to result in losing a tooth. At Newport Beach Dental Center, we’re committed to providing the swift, personalized care you need when the unexpected happens. Led by Dr. Laura Sharbash, DDS, FAGD, D.ABDSM, our team combines advanced skills with a compassionate approach to help save your natural teeth and restore your smile.
From knocked-out teeth to complex injuries, we focus on preserving your oral health with precision and care. Don’t wait – call us today at (949) 760-9212 or use our contact form to schedule your appointment. Your smile deserves nothing less.
