Experiencing a broken molar tooth can be alarming, not to mention painful. The molar teeth, which are the large teeth located at the back of the mouth, are essential for proper digestion as they facilitate the grinding of food. It is critical to act immediately after a molar tooth breaks in order to prevent further harm and alleviate pain.
Furthermore, Zara Dental in Houston, Texas, can walk you through the steps to follow if you find yourself in this situation.
Understand the Causes of a Broken Molar Tooth
Before getting into the treatments, it’s essential to understand why a molar tooth may break. Common causes include biting down on something hard, cavities weakening the tooth, and a facial or oral injury. In addition, regardless of the cause, addressing the problem as soon as possible can help to avoid complications.
Immediate Steps to Take
Rinse Your Mouth with Warm Salt Water
As soon as you realize your molar tooth has broken, rinse your mouth gently with warm salt water. Moreover, this helps to clean the area and may lessen the chance of infection.
Apply Cold Compress
If there is swelling, use a cool compress on the outside of your cheek to assist in reducing inflammation and pain.
Use Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
Over-the-counter pain relievers can temporarily alleviate pain. However, it is critical to avoid placing aspirin or other pain relievers directly on the gums near the broken tooth, as this might cause gum tissue damage.
Avoid Certain Foods
Avoid eating hard, sticky, or sweet foods that may aggravate the broken tooth or stick to it, causing additional pain or damage.
Broken Molar Tooth: Seeking Professional Dental Care
Schedule an Appointment with Zara Dental Immediately
The most critical step when a molar tooth breaks is to contact Zara Dental as soon as possible. Moreover, our team can help assess the severity of the break and recommend the best course of action.
Possible Treatment Options
The treatment for a broken molar tooth depends on the severity of the break. Dental bonding, a crown, a root canal if the break is significant and has reached the pulp, or extraction in extreme cases are all possible options. Zara Dental’s professionals will walk you through the options and help you choose the ideal one for your needs.
The Importance of Prompt Treatment
Delaying treatment for a fractured molar tooth can cause more damage, infection, and even tooth loss. Additionally, prompt dental care not only helps to protect your molar teeth, but it also avoids more complex and costly procedures in the future.
Preventing Future Breaks
Prevention is always better than cure. To minimize future breaks, Zara Dental recommends getting frequent dental check-ups, using a mouth guard during sports, avoiding chewing hard objects (such as ice or hard candy) and practicing proper oral hygiene.
A broken molar tooth can be painful and worrying, but with prompt action and professional care, it can be addressed appropriately. Furthermore, Zara Dental in Houston, Texas, is dedicated to providing high-quality dental care to help you recover from a broken molar tooth and keep a healthy, beautiful smile. If you have a broken molar tooth, don’t hesitate to contact us for immediate, professional help.
