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A sudden dental injury can be incredibly stressful, but knowing how to react in the first few minutes can make the difference between saving and losing your tooth. At Advanced Family Dentistry in Rancho Cucamonga, California, we're here to help you navigate these urgent moments.
Led by Dr. Reza Parhizkar, DDS, our team of four experienced doctors provides prompt, compassionate care for all types of dental emergencies. Whether you're dealing with a sports injury, a sudden fall, or unexpected tooth pain, taking the right steps immediately is crucial.
Here's your quick, evidence-based guide on handling cracked, chipped, or knocked-out teeth before you reach our office.
What should you do if your tooth is knocked out?
If you knock out your permanent tooth, keep it moist and seek professional dental care immediately. The absolute standard of care is to place the tooth in a container of cold, pasteurized cow's milk and bring it to us right away. Milk's natural pH and nutrients keep the delicate cells on the tooth root alive for two to six hours.
According to guidelines from the International Association of Dental Traumatology, this simple step dramatically increases the chances of successful replantation.
Don't scrub the tooth or rinse it under tap water. Research shows that tap water causes these fragile root cells to burst, which leads to a 51% failure rate where the body rejects the tooth, as detailed in a study from Dental Traumatology. Instead, gently rinse it with saline or milk if it's dirty.
How do we treat chipped or cracked teeth?
We treat chipped or cracked teeth by either bonding the original tooth fragment back in place or protecting the structure with a custom restoration. If you can find the broken piece, keep it wet and bring it to your appointment. For uncomplicated chips, reattaching your original tooth fragment is highly successful.
Studies show an 83.7% success rate at two years post-injury, offering a beautiful, natural-looking result.
For a cracked tooth, a direct filling isn't enough to prevent future damage. A study in the Journal of Endodontics found that failing to place a dental crown on a cracked tooth with vital pulp increases the risk of needing a catastrophic tooth extraction by 8.1 times.
A crown acts as a protective splint, preventing the crack from spreading deeper toward the nerve. If the crack has reached the nerve, we may recommend a root canal before placing the crown to restore your oral health.
Protect your smile today
Dental emergencies can happen when you least expect them, but you don't have to face them alone. Our skilled Advanced Family Dentistry team is fully equipped to handle urgent situations and protect your long-term oral health. If you experience a dental injury or sudden pain, contact our team immediately to schedule an emergency visit.