Cracking Up: How to Handle a Broken Tooth

Whether it’s an injury while playing sports or a crack you feel as you bite into an apple, a broken tooth can be a traumatic event that leaves you wondering what to do next. Should I rush to the dentist right away? What do I do with my tooth? How can I take care of myself? These are all valid questions, and luckily, this article will help you understand how to handle this particular emergency.

What to Do First

You may feel a surge of panic when you first break a tooth; that’s normal. But it’s important to remain calm and think clearly. The first thing you should do is call your dentist to see how quickly you can get in for treatment. Most dentists reserve some space for emergency visits and will be able to see you the same day. The staff may also be able to offer you first-aid guidance by phone until you are able to get to the office. Be sure to gather the broken piece or pieces and store them in a clean, dry container to carry them with you to the dentist.

While You Wait

If you have some time before your appointment begins, there are some things you can do in the meantime to care for your injury:

• Rinse your mouth with warm water to help prevent infection.
• Apply a cold compress to the affected area to minimize swelling.
• Take an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to relieve discomfort.

If you do eat something during this time, avoid any sort of hard foods. If you have sharp remaining edges from the break, try placing chewing gum over them to keep it from cutting your tongue or the inside of your lip or cheek. Do not attempt to put the tooth back together or back in your mouth using glue or other DIY repairs. If the tooth cracked but stayed in your mouth, try putting gauze or other protective material over it until your appointment.

At the Dentist’s Office

Your dentist will likely first take an X-ray of the affected area to assess the condition of the tooth. If the inner soft tissue, called the pulp, is damaged, a root canal may be necessary. On the other hand, if the pulp remains intact, a crown might be sufficient. If the tooth is beyond repair or the crack goes too deep, extraction may be required.

When getting a restoration after breakage, a temporary crown will likely be used while the permanent one is fabricated.

If a small piece of tooth enamel was chipped, your dentist may repair it with a filling. Even with a damaged front tooth that can be seen when you smile, bonding uses the same tooth-colored composite resin meant to blend in with the surrounding teeth and applies it to the cosmetic crack or chip.

Your recommended treatment will vary, depending on the extent of the damage.  

Unfortunately, accidents do happen, but hopefully these tips help minimize your pain and let you know what to expect at an emergency dental visit for a broken tooth. Remember that preventive measures such as not chewing on hard objects, wearing a nightguard if you grind your teeth, and using a mouthguard while playing sports can help prevent these situations altogether.

About the Practice

Experiencing a dental emergency? We understand that in this situation, time is of the essence. That’s why Advanced Dental Care of Springfield offers same-day treatment for a wide variety of cases in-house. Our compassionate team of dentists and staff will work hard to alleviate your pain and get you back on the road to recovery. For an appointment, visit us online or call our office at (217) 546-3333.