Broke a Tooth? Here’s What to Do Right Away

No matter how diligent you are with brushing and flossing, there’s a chance you’ll fall into a dental emergency. While your teeth may be strong and sturdy, they can become damaged for a wide range of reasons. From an accidental fall or hard food, you might be worried about your smile after this scenario. Thankfully, your dentist is here to help, so here’s how to handle a broken tooth until you see them.

What Should I Do If I Break My Tooth?

You should first take a deep breath to calm yourself down. It’s easy to get worked up, but it might just be a small chip or cosmetic issue. If so, then your tooth isn’t in any immediate harm. However, you should cover the sharp edge with sugarless gum or dental wax. This will help avoid injury to your cheek and tongue. Don’t eat on that side of your mouth to avoid any harm.

If the damage is more severe, then you should follow these steps instead:

• Find the broken piece and put it in a clean container.
• Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to remove any debris and bacteria.
• Take pain relievers if you’re in any discomfort or apply an ice pack for 10-minute intervals.
• Call your dentist and let them know the situation. Schedule an urgent visit and be sure to mention if you see any yellow dentin or red pulp. You’ll also get more advice to follow in the meantime.

How Can My Dentist Fix My Tooth?

Although a broken tooth can be worrying, your dentist is here to help you with it. You should see them right away, no matter if it’s minor or severe. Your provider will take a look and then offer the right solution. For instance, if it’s small, then you might just need a filling. Tooth-colored composite resin will fill in the chip and prevent future fractures.

A crown may be called for if more of the structure is affected. This is a cap that sits on top of the tooth, restoring the appearance and function. In some cases, a root canal may be needed before this restoration. It’s often recommended if the inner pulp is exposed and at risk of an infection or is already being attacked by bacteria.

There is a rare chance that an extraction is needed if the damage is severe enough. The structure may not be saved, as doing so can pose a greater risk for your oral health. However, your dentist will exhaust every other option before resorting to this one.

In the end, your provider is here to help. By seeing them as soon as possible and following the tips above, you can handle the situation a bit more confidently than before.

About the Author

Dr. Hiren Shah earned his dental degree from New York University. He is dedicated to helping the Edison community get the stronger smiles they deserve with effective treatments. Dr. Shah is here for your dental emergencies with same-day urgent visits. By offering dental sedation, you can get relief as soon as possible. If you broke your tooth, the fastest way to schedule an appointment is by calling our office at 908-834-8448.