Are you experiencing pain in one of your teeth? Have you recently noticed a broken implant tooth that looks unnatural?
Dental implants are considered the best replacement for natural teeth, but they won’t last forever. If you have an implant, you must be more proactive in oral care. You need to watch out for anything that appears out of the ordinary.
Broken implant teeth are an unexpected result of a variety of complications that can occur during implantation. But, it’s not the end of the world.
Here’s what you can do if you get a broken implant:
Do Not Panic
If you have a broken tooth before going to the dentist, the most important thing to remember is not to panic. Take a deep breath and remain calm. The more you panic, the more you’ll aggravate your broken tooth and be unable to think of solutions.
Rinse Your Mouth
You should rinse your mouth with warm water right away. This helps to flush out any debris left from the broken tooth. You can do this several times a day.
You should also rinse the area with an antiseptic mouth to help reduce the risk of infection. Make sure to use the solutions, as they may contain stinging chemicals that can worsen pain or irritation.
Collect the Broken Pieces
If you have a broken tooth it is important to collect the broken pieces as soon as possible. When you visit your dentist, they will need the pieces to assess your situation and determine the next steps.
To do this, you should use tweezers or a wooden stick (never metal) to pick up the pieces and put them into a plastic bag. Be sure to be gentle so as not to damage the pieces.
Do Not Adjust the Implant
To ensure that there is no further damage done, it is important not to adjust the implant. This can cause more damage and require costly repairs or implant replacement.
Apply a Cold Compress
Applying a cold compress to the affected area can help with any swelling or discomfort. So you should use a cold pack, a clean washcloth wrung out in cold water, or a bag of frozen vegetables that have been wrapped in a cloth.
Apply the cold compress to the outside of the mouth where the broken tooth is for 15 minutes at a time. Take periodic breaks so that the skin does not become too cold.
Take Some Pain Medication
If you experience pain because of a broken dental implant, take some pain medication to reduce the discomfort before you go to the dentist. Over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be of great assistance in reducing pain and inflammation.
Just follow the dosage instructions on the medication label since excessive dosage can be harmful. You should also note that since the implant is made of metal, you must avoid taking aspirin because it can cause further irritation at the implant site.
Do Not Eat Anything Too Hot or Too Cold
If you need to have your dental implant repaired, you should take extra precautions not to put too much strain on the tooth before seeing a dentist. This includes avoiding foods or drinks that are too hot or too cold.
Foods or beverages that are too hot may cause the implant to expand beyond its normal limits and damage it further. Foods or drinks that are too cold may cause the implant to contract and create further issues.
Do Not Eat Anything Sticky or Crunchy
Do not eat anything sticky or crunchy, as these foods can put excessive strain on the tooth and further damage it. These types of foods can become lodged in the broken tooth and lead to irritation and infection. Instead, opt for softer foods, such as yogurt, applesauce, cooked oatmeal, mashed potatoes, porridge, scrambled eggs, smoothies, or soup.
Use a Dental Adhesive
The next best thing you can do in this kind of dental emergency is to use a dental adhesive to help keep it in place. Dental adhesives are temporary solutions that are available over the counter. They can help relieve pain and keep the tooth in place until you can get to your dentist.
For dental implants, you can use denture or orthodontic adhesive to temporarily hold the tooth in place. The adhesive also serves to seal off any exposed area to reduce pain.
Be sure to carefully follow the instructions included in the adhesive product to ensure proper application and removal. Additionally, it is important to note that the adhesive is a temporary solution. It will only keep the tooth in place for a time so you’ll still need to get the tooth replaced or repaired by your dentist as soon as possible.
Visit Your Dentist
If you have a broken implant tooth, the best thing to do is visit your dentist. Before going to the dentist, clean the area around the implant with a toothbrush and warm salt water. If there is bleeding, apply a few drops of an antiseptic mouthwash onto a piece of gauze and place it over the area for a few minutes.
You must also book an appointment with the emergency dentist located here as soon as possible. You need to schedule a visit for an examination and treatment.
The dentist can assist in determining what type of repair you may need, such as a crown, partial denture, or bridge if the implant is broken. Moreover, they recommend different pain relief medications or antibiotics to help reduce pain and infection.
Follow Our Guide When You Have a Broken Implant Tooth
Your broken implant tooth can be a scary experience. Thus, it is essential to see your dentist as soon as you can.
But if it’s not possible yet, don’t panic. In the meantime, rinse out your mouth with warm salt water and apply cold compresses to reduce any swelling. Avoid chewing with the broken tooth.
Take proactive steps to ensure a quick and safe resolution. Then, contact your dentist for proper treatment for your broken implant tooth.
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