A broken tooth can happen when you least expect it. Whether you bite down on something hard, suffer a sports injury, or experience a fall, a cracked or fractured tooth can be both painful and alarming. The good news is that many broken teeth can be successfully treated, especially when you seek prompt dental care.
If you break a tooth, here’s what you should do to protect your smile until you can see your dentist.
Rinse and Assess the Damage
Start by gently rinsing your mouth with warm water to remove any debris and keep the area clean. If the broken tooth is bleeding, apply gentle pressure with a piece of clean gauze until the bleeding stops.
Take a close look at the tooth if possible. A small chip may not cause significant discomfort, while a larger fracture could expose the inner layers of the tooth and lead to pain or sensitivity. If you can safely find any broken pieces of the tooth, bring them with you to your dental appointment, as they may be helpful during treatment.
Reduce Pain and Swelling
A broken tooth can leave sharp edges that irritate your tongue, lips, or cheeks. If necessary, you can cover the sharp area with orthodontic wax or sugar-free chewing gum until you receive professional care.
To help reduce swelling, apply a cold compress to the outside of your face for 15 to 20 minutes at a time. Over-the-counter pain relievers may also help ease discomfort when taken as directed. Avoid placing aspirin directly against your gums, as it can irritate the soft tissue.
Protect the Tooth
Until your appointment, avoid chewing on the side of your mouth with the broken tooth. Choose soft foods and stay away from hard, crunchy, sticky, or extremely hot or cold foods that could worsen the damage or increase sensitivity.
Even if the break seems minor, it’s important not to ignore it. Small cracks can deepen over time, allowing bacteria to enter the tooth and potentially leading to infection.
See Your Dentist Promptly
The treatment for a broken tooth depends on the severity of the damage. Minor chips may be repaired with cosmetic bonding, while larger fractures may require a dental crown to restore strength and function. If the tooth’s inner pulp has been injured, root canal therapy may be necessary to save the tooth. In cases where the damage is too extensive, an extraction followed by a tooth replacement option may be recommended.
A broken tooth is always worth having evaluated by a dental professional. Acting quickly can relieve pain, prevent complications, and increase the likelihood of preserving your natural tooth. If you experience a broken tooth, contact your dentist as soon as possible. Prompt treatment can restore your smile, protect your oral health, and help you get back to eating, speaking, and smiling with confidence.
About the Practice
Have you broken a tooth or experienced some other type of dental emergency? We will get you in quickly with a same-day emergency appointment so we can relieve any pain you might be feeling and tend to your issue quickly. We offer a comprehensive menu of dental treatments and welcome both new and existing patients in need of urgent care. Don’t delay – book online or call our Jersey City office at (201) 484-7759.