Dental trauma can happen suddenly and without warning—whether it’s due to a sports injury, a fall, or an unexpected accident. In these critical moments, knowing how to care for a tooth after dental trauma can make all the difference in saving your smile and preventing long-term damage.
At Access Endodontics, we offer same-day emergency care for dental injuries. Dr. Burton Waxman and Dr. Lina Jarboe specialize in treating injured teeth and guiding patients back to full dental health. Our skilled team uses advanced technology and techniques to evaluate, treat, and restore injured teeth with precision and care.
Immediate steps to take after dental trauma
When a tooth is injured, quick and proper action is crucial. Here are tips to care for an injured tooth right away:
1. Stay calm and assess the damage
Take a moment to evaluate what happened. Is the tooth cracked, chipped, loose, or knocked out? Each type of injury may require a different response.
2. Control any bleeding
Gently bite on gauze or a clean cloth to help stop bleeding. If swelling occurs, apply a cold compress to the outside of the mouth or cheek.
3. Handle the tooth with care
If the tooth has come out completely:
- Pick it up by the crown (not the root)
- Rinse it gently with milk or saline if dirty—do not scrub or use soap
- Try to reposition it in the socket or keep it moist in a container of milk or saliva until you can get professional help
4. Avoid using the injured tooth
If the tooth is cracked or displaced, avoid chewing with that side of the mouth to prevent further damage.
Time is critical when it comes to dental trauma. The sooner you seek treatment, the better the chances of saving the tooth and avoiding complications.
Long-term care and healing
Even after emergency treatment, caring for a tooth after dental trauma doesn’t stop. Here’s how to support long-term healing:
Follow your dentist’s instructions
After treatment, your dentist will provide personalized aftercare instructions to help ensure proper healing and recovery. These instructions may include avoiding hard or crunchy foods that could irritate the treated area, taking any prescribed medications to manage pain or prevent infection, and maintaining good oral hygiene by gently brushing and flossing around the treated site. Your dentist may also recommend follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and address any concerns. Following these guidelines closely can help you recover quickly and maintain a healthy smile.
Attend follow-up visits
Regular check-ins with your dentist are important to monitor the healing process after a dental procedure. These appointments help ensure the tooth is recovering as expected, allowing your dentist to address any potential issues early, provide guidance for proper care, and ensure everything is on track for a full recovery.
Protect your teeth moving forward
If you’ve experienced a sports-related injury, it’s important to take steps to protect yourself in the future. Wearing a custom mouthguard can help safeguard your teeth during high-impact activities, reducing the risk of dental injuries such as chips, fractures, or even tooth loss. Designed to fit your mouth perfectly, custom mouthguards provide both comfort and reliable protection, making them an essential piece of sports equipment.
By following these steps and prioritizing your dental health, you can ensure the best possible recovery and long-term protection for your teeth. If you have any concerns or questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team for support.
How we can help
At Access Endodontics, we understand how stressful dental injuries can be, which is why we offer endodontic care tailored to each patient’s needs. Our services include root canal therapy for injured or infected pulp, treatment of cracked teeth, and management of resorption or damage below the gumline. With decades of combined experience, Dr. Burton Waxman and Dr. Lina Jarboe are recognized leaders in endodontic care and are passionate about helping patients regain comfort, function, and confidence after dental trauma.
Contact Access Endodontics for prompt dental trauma treatment in Ellicott City
Knowing how to care for your teeth after dental trauma empowers you to act quickly and confidently in the face of a dental emergency. Whether you’ve just experienced an injury or want to be prepared, Access Endodontics is here to help. If you or a loved one has suffered a dental injury, don’t wait. Contact Access Endodontics at 410.304.7226 or online today to schedule an emergency consultation and get expert care when you need it most.