A broken tooth can happen in an instant. Whether you bite down on an unpopped popcorn kernel, take a fall, or suffer a sports injury, damaging a tooth can be both painful and stressful. The good news is that many broken teeth can be successfully repaired, especially if you act quickly. Knowing what to do before you reach the dental office can help reduce discomfort, prevent further damage, and improve the chances of saving your tooth.
Here are 4 important tips to keep in mind if you break a tooth.
1. Rinse Your Mouth and Save Any Broken Pieces
The first step is to gently rinse your mouth with warm water to remove blood, dirt, and debris. If the tooth is bleeding, apply light pressure with a piece of clean gauze until the bleeding stops.
If you can find any broken pieces of the tooth, save them and bring them to your dental appointment. While it isn’t always possible to reattach the fragment, your dentist may be able to use it in certain situations or evaluate it to better understand the extent of the damage.
Avoid touching the injured area unnecessarily, especially if the tooth is painful.
2. Protect the Tooth Until You Can Be Seen
A broken tooth may have sharp edges that can irritate or cut your tongue, lips, or cheeks. If necessary, cover the rough edge with dental wax, which is available at many pharmacies, or use a small piece of sugar-free chewing gum as a temporary solution.
It’s also important to avoid chewing on the affected side of your mouth. Stick to soft foods and avoid hard, crunchy, sticky, or extremely hot or cold foods that may increase sensitivity or worsen the fracture.
3. Manage Pain and Swelling
It’s common to experience pain or swelling after breaking a tooth. Applying a cold compress to the outside of your face for 15 to 20 minutes at a time can help reduce swelling and provide relief.
Over-the-counter pain relievers may also help manage discomfort when used according to the package instructions. However, avoid placing aspirin directly against the gums, as it can irritate the soft tissue.
If the pain becomes severe or you notice increasing swelling, contact your dentist immediately, as these may be signs of a more serious injury or infection.
4. Contact Your Dentist Right Away
Even if the break seems small, don’t assume the tooth will heal on its own. Unlike bones, teeth cannot repair themselves. A small chip can expose the tooth to bacteria or develop into a larger crack over time.
Your dentist will examine the tooth and recommend the most appropriate treatment. Depending on the extent of the damage, this may include cosmetic bonding, a dental crown, root canal therapy, or, in severe cases, tooth replacement options if the tooth cannot be saved.
Prompt treatment often leads to the best outcome and can help preserve your natural tooth.
A broken tooth is always worth taking seriously. By rinsing your mouth, protecting the damaged tooth, managing discomfort, and seeking prompt professional care, you can reduce the risk of complications and improve your chances of a successful repair.
About the Practice
Whether you’ve suffered a broken tooth or another type of dental emergency, we’re here for you at Legacy Dental in Prince Albert. We offer prompt appointments so we can get you into the office and relieve your pain quickly. You’ll be treated by a team of dentists with more than 40 years of combined experience aided by a highly trained, compassionate staff. So if you’re hurting, don’t delay – book online or call (306) 763-7841.