How to Handle a Broken Tooth: Step-by-Step Instructions
Dental injuries can be alarming, especially a broken tooth. Whether it's a small chip or a large fracture, it's easy to panic and fail to take proper action. But when you’re prepared and know what to do, you can act quickly and improve the chances of a positive outcome.
The following step-by-step instructions provided by Kalmar Family Dentistry are easy to implement, even when you’re frightened and may not be thinking with a clear mind. Keep them close by in case you ever find yourself or a loved one with a broken tooth. And seek emergency care as soon as possible.
What Causes a Broken Tooth?
Broken teeth can be caused by a wide variety of activities and habits, such as:
- Biting hard foods. Biting into or chewing something hard can cause a tooth to break, such as hard candy and nuts.
- Sports injuries. Playing sports increases your risk of dental injury, especially contact sports.
- Accidents. A fall, bike accident, car accident, or even colliding with another person can cause a broken tooth.
- Untreated decay. A tooth that has a large cavity or widespread decay is more likely to break due to weakened enamel.
- Aging dental work. Old fillings, crowns, or bridges can increase your risk of a tooth fracture.
- Biting non-food items. Opening containers or removing tags with your teeth is a common way to chip or break a tooth.
Types of Broken Teeth
- Chip: a small piece of a tooth breaks off.
- Fractured cusp: a corner or piece of a molar breaks away.
- Cracked tooth: a small crack or split tooth.
- Severe fractures: a large portion of a tooth breaks off.
If you experience any of the above, contact your dentist right away. Even minor damage should not be ignored because prompt treatment decreases the risk of infection and increases the chance of long-term preservation of the tooth.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Handling a Broken Tooth
- Step 1: Stay calm and assess the damage
- Step 2: Rinse your mouth gently with warm water
- Step 3: Save any broken pieces if possible
- Step 4: Control bleeding with gauze
- Step 5: Reduce swelling with a cold compress
- Step 6: Avoid chewing on the affected side
- Step 7: Take over-the-counter pain relief if needed
- Step 8: Contact Kalmar Family Dentistry as soon as possible: 631-673-0670.
When Is a Broken Tooth a Dental Emergency?
All broken teeth need to be evaluated and treated, but some cases are more urgent than others.
Minor (can wait until the next day if it occurs after-hours):
- Small chips
- Small cracks
Urgent (needs immediate treatment, no matter the time of day):
- Large fractures
- Split teeth
- Severe pain or bleeding
Treatment Options for a Broken Tooth
The appropriate treatment for a fractured tooth depends on the situation, and may include any of the following:
- Dental bonding for minor chips. Tooth-colored composite material is used to repair and reshape the tooth.
- Dental crowns for more significant damage. A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cover placed over a tooth, leaving the natural root in place.
- Root canal therapy if the pulp is affected. The dental pulp, the soft tissue inside of the tooth, can be damaged or infected due to a broken tooth. Root canal therapy removes the pulp and fills the tooth to restore the health and structure.
- Tooth extraction in severe cases. When the damage is too extensive, the tooth may not be treatable and will need to be extracted.
Your dentist will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine the best solution for your tooth and long-term oral health.
How to Prevent Future Tooth Damage
- Avoid chewing ice, hard candies, or non-food items
- Wear a mouthguard during sports (we create custom mouthguards)
- Maintain regular dental checkups
- Address teeth grinding with a nightguard if needed (we create custom night guards)
Protect Your Smile by Acting Quickly
In case of a broken tooth, keep calm and follow the step-by-step instructions listed above. Seek immediate professional treatment for anything more than a minor chip, and even small chips should be treated as soon as possible.
Kalmar Family Dentistry is a reliable partner in emergency and preventive dental care. We offer same day appointments during regular office hours and on-call service for emergencies. Call 631-673-0670 today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Broken Teeth
Can a broken tooth heal on its own?
Teeth cannot regenerate like other parts of the body and require professional treatment. The sooner it is treated, the better the chances of saving the tooth.
What should I do if my tooth breaks at night or on the weekend?
Call us right away at 631-673-0670 any time of the day or night. Follow the instructions provided on our after hours voicemail to leave a message and someone will contact you shortly.
Is a small chip in my tooth something I should worry about?
Even a small chip can worsen over time or lead to sensitivity. It is best to have it evaluated by your dentist to prevent further damage.
Can I still eat with a broken tooth?
It is recommended to avoid chewing on the affected side and stick to soft foods. This helps prevent additional stress or worsening of the break until you see a dentist.
How soon should I see a dentist after breaking a tooth?
You should contact your dentist as soon as possible, ideally the same day. Prompt care can reduce pain, prevent infection, and increase the chances of saving the tooth.
At Kalmar Family Dentistry, we are committed to helping our patients maintain healthy, confident smiles through personalized and compassionate care. Our team provides prompt attention for dental emergencies and ongoing preventive services to protect your oral health. If you are dealing with a broken tooth or any dental concern, we are here to help every step of the way. Contact us today.