Sports injuries and other severe accidents that affect the mouth can cause significant dental damage. When this happens, the unnatural force applied to the mouth can chip, fracture, or even crack a tooth. In a serious situation like this, you will need to apply some basic first-aid measures while seeking dental care at Carolyn L. Yu, DDS.
Immediately following the initial trauma, you might need to rinse your mouth with lukewarm saltwater. This will clear away any blood and other particles to give you a better view of the traumatized tooth.
If you are experiencing significant pain, you might find minor relief by applying some topical oral numbing agent to the area or taking a modest dose of an over-the-counter pain medication.
If the damage is limited to the tooth enamel, Dr. Carolyn Yu might be able to repair it with a standard dental filling. However, if too much of the tooth has been damaged, then the best course of action might be to restore the tooth with a dental crown.
In a case where the sensitive internal tissues of the tooth have been damaged, he might need to perform a root canal. If the damage is severe or the socket has been compromised, your Carolyn L. Yu, DDS dentist might recommend extracting the tooth. This can gradually alleviate the pain and prevent infection in the damaged tissues.
Once your gums have healed, he can help you understand your options for replacing the tooth. This might call for the use of a dental bridge or a dental implant.
If you live in the Pinole, California, area and you have a tooth that has recently suffered significant dental trauma, you should call 510.974.2147 to seek dental treatment at Carolyn L. Yu, DDS.
