Damaging one of your teeth can be alarming. Some types of damage can lead to tooth loss or the need for extensive dental work. No one wants to go through either of those issues if they can be avoided. One of the best ways to avoid a dental injury from leading to further issues is to know what to do if you sustain some type of damage. Acting quickly – and choosing the correct type of action – are key to protecting your teeth in the event of an injury.

Assess the scope of the damage

The first thing to do when you damage one of your teeth is to assess the scope of the injury. You are not a dentist but there are a few things you can do to determine the seriousness of the damage. If your tooth was completely knocked out then you need to get to the dentist as quickly as possible. A small chip, on the other hand, may not require an emergency dental visit. In general, anything that clearly impacted the root of the tooth requires immediate intervention. If you are not sure about whether or not the damage impacted the root, err on the side of caution and give your dentist a call.

Consider the level of pain

Your pain level is another important factor to consider after you damage a tooth. Let your level of pain guide you – especially if you are having difficulty telling if the damage impacted the root of the tooth. If the pain you are experiencing after tooth damage makes it difficult for you to eat, sleep, or function normally then you need to get in touch with your dentist. Severe tooth pain is not normal and should always prompt you to take action.

Put in a call to your dentist

If you are unsure about what to do after a tooth injury, put in a call to your dentist. Something that seems mild to you may, in fact, be a sign of a serious issue. Your dentist will be able to determine over the phone if your injury warrants an emergency visit. Most dentists have an emergency number that is checked regularly after hours. Do not hesitate to call if you suffer some type of damage to your tooth and are wondering what to do next.

There are many types of tooth damage that can be repaired with the help of cosmetic dentistry. A chipped, cracked, or discolored tooth can be fixed using procedures such as aesthetic bonding, porcelain veneers, or porcelain crowns. If you have a tooth that is knocked out your dentist will do everything possible to restore your natural tooth. However, if the tooth cannot be repaired you have the option of getting a dental implant as a replacement. If you are ever in doubt about what to do after you injure a tooth, give your dentist a call.