Let’s say you’ve just broken a tooth, and you don’t know what to do. Such a situation would definitely be considered stressful! Fortunately, you can mitigate potential anxiety in moments like these by being prepared. That’s what this post will help you do – prepare in case of a dental emergency. Keep reading to learn all about the four S’s and be ready to take action in the event of a broken tooth.
1. Stop
When you realize your pearly white has taken some critical damage, your natural response might be to panic. It’s okay to give yourself a moment to feel alarmed and process what just happened. Stop, take a deep breath, know that everything will be okay, and check yourself for injuries.
2. Search
After taking care of yourself and administering any necessary first aid, it’s time to search for the broken fragment of your tooth. Your dentist may be able to salvage it and reattach it to your pearly white, so it’s worth the effort to try and find it.
3. Secure
If you do manage to locate the fragment, secure it in a dry container. Be sure to keep it somewhere safe, but also somewhere you’ll see it. That way you won’t forget to take it with you to your appointment!
4. Schedule
Finally, call your emergency dentist to schedule a timely appointment. Broken teeth aren’t always a same-day urgency, however, it’s still a good idea to visit your dentist as soon as possible. Broken and cracked teeth are more vulnerable to bacteria, and the longer you wait to receive a restoration, the more likely you’ll be to develop an infection.
Conclusion
Those are the four S’s of salvaging a broken tooth! Once you call your dentist’s office, your dental team will do most of the heavy lifting. They may ask you a few questions to clarify the severity of your situation, then work with you to arrange your appointment. They can also walk you through first aid steps if necessary, so don’t hesitate to let them know if you have any injuries. When you arrive at the office, try to relax – your dentist will take good care of you and your smile!
About the Practice
Dr. Natalie J. Ortiz and Dr. Ramon M. Ortiz are a talented husband-and-wife team. If you’re experiencing a dental emergency like a broken tooth, they’ll do their best to see you on a same-day basis and treat your smile as soon as possible. To contact their office and request an emergency appointment, call 575-521-8720.