Many things can cause broken teeth, for example fall, fighting, accidents, hitting hard objects, or biting ice cubes. Fortunately, Broken teeth can sometimes be reattached so it looks as always.
If you have a broken tooth, don't throw it away right away. Save the broken part and take it to the nearest dentist as soon as possible. If possible, the doctor will reattach the fracture to the tooth. The longer it is left, the more difficult it will be for the dentist to repair the broken tooth.
Broken Tooth First Aid
Before going to the dentist, it is recommended to do some of the following tips as initial help for broken teeth:
- Try to attach the broken tooth to the original tooth. Then bite down on the wet gauze or tea bag gently to prevent the teeth from moving too much. Be careful not to swallow the broken tooth.
- If you find it difficult to do the above method, put the broken tooth in a container containing a little cow's milk or saliva, then take it to the dentist.
- If the tooth hurts, take pain medication, such as paracetamol or other over-the-counter painkillers. Clove oil can also help reduce pain.
- If a broken tooth causes the tip of the tooth to become sharp, fill it with a small amount of paraffin wax or sugar-free gum. This is so that the teeth do not injure the tongue, lips, or inner cheeks.
- If you are hungry, eat soft foods and don't bite the food with a broken tooth.
Handling Broken Teeth by Doctor
Treatment for a broken tooth depends on how severe the damage is. If it's mild, the repair can usually be done in just one doctor's visit. If it is severe, a longer and more expensive procedure is required.
Here are some ways to repair damaged teeth that can be done by dentists:
1. Sticking to broken teeth (gluing)
Using a special glue, the dentist can reattach pieces of the broken tooth to the original tooth.
2. Bonding
Dentists can also use resins or special materials to repair broken teeth. First of all, the surface of the tooth is rubbed with a liquid or gel. Next, the pieces of teeth are attached using a special dental adhesive and resin that is the same color as the teeth. Once it looks like natural teeth, the material will be hardened by ultraviolet light.
3. Filling
If only a small piece of the protective layer (enamel) is broken, the doctor can repair the damage by filling the tooth.
4. Crown tooth
If the broken tooth is large or badly damaged, the doctor can cover the tooth that is still attached to the gums with dental crowns. However, if it is not possible to maintain it, the doctor may offer to remove the broken tooth and place a dental implant.
5. Veneers tooth
Dentists can also repair broken teeth by veneers, so that the teeth appear intact again. The coating that covers the entire tooth can be made of tooth-colored porcelain or a composite resin material.
6. Root canal treatment
If the broken tooth is large enough to expose the pulp (the part of the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels), your doctor may recommend a root canal treatment procedure. This is done so that bacteria from the mouth cannot enter and infect the pulp.
Immediately go to the dentist or the emergency department (IGD) at the nearest hospital if you experience a broken tooth. If treated quickly, permanent tooth decay and the risk of complications, such as toothache or infection, can be prevented. After that, don't forget to have regular dental checkups as recommended by your dentist.