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There are a number of simple precautions you can take to avoid an accident and injury to your teeth. Accidents do, of course, happen and knowing what to do when one occurs can save your tooth. Most dentists reserve time in their daily schedules for emergency patients, so when an emergency occurs call your dentist and provide as much detail as possible about your condition. Remember, pain is a signal that something is wrong and a problem will not disappear even if the pain subsides. What to do When You Crack a Tooth If you bite down and feel a sharp pain, it might quickly disappear or you may ignore it. Certain foods can be avoided or you might chew only on one side of your mouth. If this occurs, you might have a cracked tooth. A tooth may crack due to an array of factors including:
• Chewing on hard objects or foods such as ice, nuts or hard candy
• An accident, such as getting hit in the mouth
• Grinding and clenching your teeth
• Uneven chewing pressure
• Stress on a tooth
• Loss of a significant portion of tooth structure through wear, large fillings or other restorations
• Exposure of tooth enamel to temperature extremes, such as eating hot food and then drinking ice water Depending on the size and location of your crack, treatment can vary from bonding to root canal treatment. A severely cracked tooth may need extraction, while other smaller cracks may need minimal repair. Your dentist will determine the best treatment for your cracked tooth.
Dental Care Away From Home If you are planning a trip out of the country, it is helpful to schedule a dental checkup before you leave as this will help prevent emergencies. No one wants to have their trip ruined by a toothache, so to minimize your risk of a dental emergency while on vacation, visit your Los Angeles dentist for a check-up before you leave for travel. It is always important to be well prepared for your trip, and a dental check-up will help. Before you leave on your trip, tend to any decayed teeth, broken fillings, and other dental problems. Make sure you inform your dentist of your travel plans and ask about any other potential dental issues that may occur while out of the country. Have your teeth cleaned by your dentist, especially if you have periodontal disease. Whether you are traveling out of the country or staying home this summer, it is important to always be prepared for any dental emergency that may arise. No matter what type of injury, keeping calm and getting to the dentist quickly are the best things that you can do when faced with a dental emergency. Sometimes it is a matter of minutes before your tooth is unable to be fixed. Remain calm and call your Los Angeles dentist for more guidelines on what to do with your dental emergency.
Sean Hartmen writes for Dr. Shervin Louie, dentist in Los Angeles. Specializing in a range of cosmetic and family dental services including teeth whitening and veneers, this LA dentist is qualified to handle every dental need for patients in Los Angeles, Wilshire, Hollywood and other surrounding areas of California.
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