An ounce of prevention, a pound of cure: How to prevent toothaches, injuries, and the need for emergency care
Stephen Huber, DDS, treats concerning changes in the feel or appearance of a tooth or other parts of your mouth with prompt care that is prioritized, based on your needs. Also, if you are due for a check-up, contact our office in Leawood, Kansas, before troubles strike or to resolve any underlying conditions that may be responsible for discomfort and other symptoms. These oral problems do not get better on their own. By maintaining regular, 6-month appointments and other proactive care, you avoid the need for emergency dentistry services.
What are the different options for treating a broken tooth at Stephen Huber DDS?
Here at Stephen Huber DDS, we know how stressful it can be to have a broken tooth.
That’s why we offer a variety of treatment options to our patients in Leawood, KS and Overland Park, KS, so they get the best care possible.
Depending on how bad the break is, we’ll recommend different treatments. For small breaks, we might just polish the tooth to smooth any rough spots.
If the break is more serious, we might suggest a dental filling or bonding. For this, we use a resin that matches the color of your teeth to fix the tooth and get it back to its normal shape.
If a big piece of the tooth has broken off or if there’s a lot of decay, we might need to do a crown or a cap.
This means we cover the rest of the tooth with a cap that’s made just for you, and it matches the color of your other teeth, so it looks natural.
If the break is really bad and it’s damaged the tooth’s nerve, we might have to do a root canal.
This means we take out the damaged nerve and then seal the tooth with a crown to stop any more damage.
And if the tooth is so broken that we can’t fix it, we might have to take it out.
Then we’d talk with you about options for replacing the tooth, like implants or bridges.
At Stephen Huber DDS, our goal is to make sure all our patients get the best dental care.
We take the time to talk about all the treatment options with our patients, so they know what’s going on and feel comfortable with their treatment plan.
If you’ve got a broken tooth and need treatment, don’t hesitate to give us a call at (913) 469-8884. We’re here to help.
What is a “dental emergency”?
Urgent matters take on many forms and can affect the hard tissues (teeth) as well as the soft tissues (gums, lips, and inside the cheeks). As needed, we can provide guidance to ease any tooth-related discomfort or facial swelling. We then schedule an appointment to identify the source of the symptoms and to address the underlying condition with appropriate interventions and treatments. For broken restorations and certain cracks, for example, we advise on what to do in the interim – before you are seen in our office for repairs or to replace the restoration, and to otherwise treat the fractured or damaged tooth.
What should I do if my mouth is cut open?
We encourage you to keep these tips in a spot where everyone in your household can see them, and to create your own dental first aid kit (if you don’t already have one). With a little foresight and preparation, you can feel better soon and minimize any potential risks that may be associated with trauma to the cheeks, lips, tongue, and other tissues. The affected areas should generally be cleaned right away with warm (not hot) water. It is also important to get any bleeding under control. For instance, carefully pull a lacerated tongue forward and then apply pressure to the wounded area with gauze.
What if my tooth gets knocked out?
This is generally considered to be a “true” dental emergency. Try to get to our office as soon as possible. So, we can re-attach the tooth. Also, be sure to handle the knocked-out tooth with great care. You do not want to disturb the tissues attached to it, because they contain cells essential for successful reattachment. Be gentle when rinsing the tooth (you’ll want to remove any dirt or debris). Keep the tooth moist, whether by carefully reinserting it in your mouth (placing it between the cheeks and gums to avoid swallowing risk), or storing it in a tooth-preserving solution or milk. The proteins and properties of milk help to preserve the tooth and fight bacteria. In fact, a solution like Save-A-Tooth is a fantastic addition to your new or improved dental first aid kit!
Can my tooth be saved?
Stephen Huber, DDS, has the expertise to preserve teeth that might be initially considered “too far gone.” The ability to “save” a badly damaged tooth really depends on the nature and severity of the decay, breakage, or trauma. Depending on your needs, restorative treatment with root canal therapy may be in your future. Today’s techniques and medications support successful, predictable outcomes and a painless experience. If anything, root canal treatment often relieves intense toothaches associated with severe decay and infections; the procedure is designed to treat these, but it does not cause additional pain. And we cannot overemphasize: Even injuries like a knocked-out or avulsed tooth can be avoided with the likes of custom-fit, dentist-approved sports mouthguards.
To stay ahead of problems, schedule your check-up at our office in Leawood, KS, today at (913) 349-9795. It’s true what they say: an ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure!
How does your practice ensure patient comfort during a broken tooth treatment?”
A. Here at Stephen Huber DDS, we get it. The thought of getting a broken tooth treated can be pretty scary and uncomfortable. That’s why we’ve made sure that our patients’ comfort is at the top of our list when it comes to these procedures.
First off, we really believe in the power of education and good communication. We take the time to walk our patients through the procedure, answering any questions or concerns they might have. We’ve found that when patients understand what’s going on, it can really help to ease a lot of the anxiety that comes with dental procedures.
Next, we use the most up-to-date dental tech and methods to make sure the procedure is as pain-free as possible. We use local anesthesia to numb the area around the broken tooth, so you won’t feel a thing during the treatment.
We also make sure our clinic is a calm and relaxing place to be. Our staff are super friendly and understanding, always ready to reassure you and make your visit as nice as possible.
After the procedure, we give you clear instructions for aftercare and we’re always here to answer any questions you might have. We also arrange follow-up visits to check on your recovery and make sure everything’s healing as it should.
We know that dental procedures can be a real stress, especially for those of you living in and around Leawood, KS and Overland Park, KS. That’s why we’re dedicated to making your experience at Stephen Huber DDS as comfortable and stress-free as we can. If you’re worried or have any questions about getting a broken tooth treated, don’t hesitate to give us a call at (913) 469-8884. We’re here to help.
At Stephen Huber DDS, I want to let you know that when it comes to treating a broken tooth, we’re all about sticking to ethical principles. We get it, a broken tooth can be a real pain, and we’re committed to giving our patients in Leawood, Overland Park, and nearby areas the best care possible.
First off, we’re big on autonomy. That means we respect your right to make your own health decisions. We’ll give you all the info you need about your broken tooth, like how bad the break is, what treatment options you’ve got, the risks and benefits of each option, and what you can expect afterwards. This way, you can make a well-informed decision about your treatment.
Next up, we stick to the principle of beneficence, which means we always aim to do what’s best for our patients. We’ll only suggest treatments that we think will be good for you. For a broken tooth, this could range from a simple filling to a crown, or even a root canal, depending on how bad the damage is.
Thirdly, we follow the principle of non-maleficence, which is all about doing no harm. We use the latest techniques and gear to make sure our treatments are as pain-free and comfy as possible. Plus, we take all the necessary steps to stop any further damage to your tooth.
Last but not least, we believe in justice, which means we treat all our patients fairly and without any discrimination. No matter your age, race, gender, or financial situation, you’ll get the same top-notch care at our clinic.
At Stephen Huber DDS, we know that every patient and every broken tooth is different. We’ll work closely with you to come up with a treatment plan that suits your needs and respects your choices. If you’ve got any questions or concerns about your treatment, don’t hesitate to give us a call at (913) 469-8884. We’re here to help.
As a seasoned dentist, I’m Dr. Stephen Huber, and I totally get your worries and fears about fixing a broken tooth. Here at Stephen Huber DDS, my team and I are all about giving you top-notch, personalized dental care.
When it comes to deciding the best way to treat a broken tooth, we’re big believers in teamwork. We’ll get to know your specific situation, worries, and what you’re hoping for. We’ll take a good look at your broken tooth, considering things like how bad the damage is, where the tooth is, and your overall dental health.
Once we’ve checked everything out, we’ll talk through your possible treatment options with you. This could be dental bonding, veneers, crowns, root canals, or dental implants. We’ll break down each process for you, covering the good stuff, any risks, and how long you’ll need to recover. We’ll also give you the lowdown on what each treatment will cost and chat about any insurance coverage or payment plans you might have.
We know that everyone’s different, with their own needs and likes. So, we’ll give you the time and space you need to make a decision that feels right for you. We’ll answer all your questions and deal with any worries you might have. We want to make sure you’re feeling good and confident about the treatment plan you go for.
Besides treatment, we’re also all about stopping problems before they start and teaching our patients about dental health. We’ll give you some pointers on how to avoid future dental injuries and keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Remember, we’re here to help and guide you every step of the way. If you’ve got any questions or you want to book an appointment, just give us a call at (913) 469-8884. We look after patients in and around Leawood, KS and Overland Park, KS.
