Ease Pain Associated With A Chipped Molar

27 June 2017
 Categories: Dentist, Blog


If you were biting into a molasses cookie and chipped one of your molars as a result and are now experiencing a dull, throbbing pain, the following steps will assist with easing the pain until you are able to be seen by your dentist.

Supplies

  • aspirin or non-coated ibuprofen
  • plastic bag that seals
  • mallet 
  • rubber gloves
  • iodized salt
  • glass of warm water
  • teaspoon
  • magnifying mirror
  • dental putty
  • applicator
  • cotton balls or swabs

Apply Aspirin Or Ibuprofen Granules And Use Saltwater

If there is swelling along your gum line and the pain from the chipped tooth is making it difficult to concentrate, place a couple aspirin or ibuprofen in a plastic bag that seals. Use a small mallet to crush the pills into fine granules. Put on a pair of disposable gloves. Open the plastic bag and press a couple glove-covered fingertips into the power. Apply the powder to your gum line to reduce discomfort.

Another pain relieving method involves swishing saltwater in your mouth for a couple minutes. Add a few teaspoons of iodized salt to a glass of warm water. Rapidly stir the contents in the glass until the salt dissolves. Pour a small amount of saltwater into your mouth. Gently swish the saltwater for a couple minutes until pain subsides. 

Cover The Damaged Tooth

If pain is shooting through the part of your tooth that is damaged, exposed nerves may be to blame. Temporarily alleviate the discomfort by covering the damaged tooth with dental putty. Purchase a putty kit that has instructions and an applicator enclosed inside of it. Put on a clean pair of gloves and sit down in front of a magnifying mirror in a well-lit room in your home. Open your mouth and visually inspect the damaged tooth. Determine how much putty you will need to add to the tooth to cover the chipped portion of the enamel.

Squeeze the tube of putty to emit a thin line of the product over the cracked surface. Use the applicator tool to flatten the putty. If too much putty is applied to the damaged tooth, remove the excess putty with a damp cotton ball or cotton swab. Wait for putty to harden. While waiting, avoid clenching your teeth together. Use one of your fingertips to test the surface of the putty to determine if it is dry. If so, speak, eat, or drink beverages in a normal manner.

Avoid putting a lot of pressure against the putty-covered tooth. Contact your dentist or Centre Family Dentistry right away to make an appointment to have the damaged tooth examined and repaired. 


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