Broken Tooth? Here’s What You Need to Do Right Away

Broken Tooth? Here’s What You Need to Do Right Away

Accidents happen, and when they do, your teeth can sometimes bear the brunt of the damage. A broken tooth can be painful, unsettling, and leave you wondering what steps to take next. Whether it's due to trauma from a fall, a sports injury, biting down on something hard, or even just weakening over time, a broken tooth requires prompt attention to prevent further complications.

In this blog, we’ll guide you on how to handle a broken tooth, from initial first-aid steps to what you can expect when you see your dentist. Following these tips can help reduce pain, minimize damage, and ensure your tooth has the best chance of being saved or restored.

Step 1: Assess the Damage

The first thing you should do when you break a tooth is assess the severity of the damage. There are different types of broken teeth, and the steps you take might vary depending on the extent of the injury.

Minor Chips or Cracks

If the damage is a small chip or crack, there’s usually no immediate danger to the tooth, but you should still take action to protect it. Even small cracks can worsen over time if not treated.

Significant Breaks

If a large piece of the tooth has broken off, or if the tooth has been completely knocked out or fractured at the root, you may experience pain and sensitivity. Immediate dental attention is crucial to prevent further issues, such as infection or tooth loss.

Step 2: Control the Pain

A broken tooth can be painful, and managing that pain is a priority until you can get to the dentist. Here are a few ways to alleviate the discomfort:

Rinse with Warm Saltwater

Rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater can help clean the affected area, reduce swelling, and prevent infection. Saltwater acts as a mild antiseptic and is safe to use. Just mix about half a teaspoon of salt into a cup of warm water and swish gently.

Apply a Cold Compress

A cold compress can help reduce pain and swelling around the broken tooth. Apply a clean cloth or ice pack wrapped in a towel to the outside of your cheek near the affected area for 15-20 minutes. Repeat this process every hour as needed.

Take Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers

If you’re experiencing pain, over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage the discomfort. Be sure to follow the recommended dosage instructions, and avoid placing aspirin directly on the broken tooth or gums, as it can irritate the tissues.

Step 3: Protect the Broken Tooth

If the break is significant, the exposed area of your tooth may be sensitive, and the jagged edges could cut or irritate the soft tissues inside your mouth, including your gums and cheeks. Here are some ways to protect the tooth until you can see your dentist:

Use Dental Wax or a Temporary Filling

If the tooth has sharp edges, you can use dental wax (available at most drugstores) to cover the broken part of the tooth and prevent it from cutting the inside of your mouth. If you don’t have dental wax, you can also use sugar-free gum as a temporary solution.

Avoid Using the Affected Tooth

Do your best to avoid using the broken tooth to chew, as this could cause further damage. Stick to soft foods that require minimal chewing. Also, try not to drink very hot or cold liquids, as your exposed tooth could be sensitive.

Store Any Fragments

If a piece of the tooth has broken off and is still intact, save it and bring it with you to your dentist. In some cases, it may be possible to reattach the fragment, especially if you get to the dentist quickly.

Step 4: Call Your Dentist Immediately

A broken tooth is considered a dental emergency, and you should contact your dentist as soon as possible. Most dental offices reserve time in their schedules for emergency situations, and prompt treatment can prevent further damage, infection, or even tooth loss.

When you call, let the office staff know the nature of the injury and whether you're experiencing any significant pain or swelling. The sooner you get to the dentist, the better the outcome is likely to be.

Step 5: What to Expect at the Dentist’s Office

When you arrive at the dentist's office, they’ll examine the broken tooth, often using X-rays to determine the extent of the damage and whether there is any underlying infection. The treatment plan will depend on how badly the tooth is broken and whether the tooth’s root is involved.

Treatment Options for a Broken Tooth

• Bonding: If the break is small, the dentist may be able to apply a tooth-colored bonding material to repair the tooth. This is a quick and non-invasive treatment option for minor breaks.

• Crowns: For more extensive breaks, a dental crown (cap) may be necessary to restore the tooth's shape and strength. The dentist will file down the remaining tooth and place a crown over it.

• Root Canal: If the break is deep enough to expose the pulp (nerve) of the tooth, a root canal may be needed to remove any infected tissue before the tooth is restored with a crown or filling.

• Extraction: In cases where the tooth is too damaged to be saved, the dentist may recommend extraction. If this happens, they’ll discuss tooth replacement options such as dental implants, bridges, or dentures.

Step 6: Aftercare and Recovery

Once your dentist has treated the broken tooth, it’s important to follow any aftercare instructions they provide to ensure proper healing. Here are a few tips to help you recover:

• Avoid Chewing on the Affected Side: Give your repaired tooth time to heal by avoiding pressure on it. Chew on the opposite side of your mouth until your dentist says otherwise.

• Follow-Up Appointments: If you’ve had a root canal or dental crown placed, you may need follow-up visits to monitor healing and make any necessary adjustments.

• Oral Hygiene: Continue brushing and flossing carefully around the treated tooth to prevent infection or further damage. Make sure to use a soft toothbrush and gentle technique around the repaired area.

Prevention Tips for the Future

While accidents can happen, there are ways to reduce the risk of breaking a tooth in the future:

• Wear a Mouthguard: If you play sports or engage in activities with a risk of injury (like biking or contact sports), a custom mouthguard can protect your teeth from impact.

• Avoid Hard Foods: Be mindful of biting down on very hard foods, like ice, hard candies, or nuts, which can crack teeth.

• Regular Dental Checkups: Regular dental checkups can help catch early signs of tooth damage, cavities, or decay, allowing your dentist to treat problems before they escalate.

Conclusion: Don’t Wait—Act Quickly!

A broken tooth is more than just a cosmetic concern—it can cause pain, lead to infection, and affect the long-term health of your smile. If you’ve broken a tooth, remember to stay calm, manage the pain, protect the tooth, and seek immediate dental care. The faster you get professional treatment, the more likely it is that your dentist can restore the tooth and prevent further damage.

If you’ve broken a tooth and need immediate care, contact our office right away. Our team is ready to help with emergency dental services and ensure that your smile stays healthy and beautiful.