Breaking a tooth can be an alarming experience. Whether you’re crunching something hard, slip and fall, or get hit in the mouth during athletics, knowing what to do in this type of situation can be the difference between saving your tooth and needing an extraction. Here’s what you should do if you accidentally break your tooth, and why you should see your emergency dentist as soon as possible.
I Broke My Tooth. Now What?
If you break a tooth, the first thing you should do is rinse your mouth out well. This will wash away any sharp fragments and keep your injured tooth clear of any debris like plaque or food particles. If you are bleeding, apply pressure to the wound. If it does not stop within ten minutes, go to your nearest emergency room for help.
Your next step should be to call your emergency dentist. Explain the situation and describe the condition of the remaining tooth. Your dental team will work hard to see you as soon as possible. Sometimes, you may not need to come in immediately, however this will depend on the severity of the break.
If you cannot be seen by your dentist immediately, take care of the tooth by avoiding using it to chew. You can brush and floss around it, but if it is too painful, gargling with warm salt water can help soothe it and keep it clean until it can be repaired.
Treating a Broken Tooth
Once you arrive at your dentist’s office, he or she will examine the tooth and take X-rays to make sure there is no damage below the gum line. If there is, you may need a tooth extraction. If not, there are several options that may be used to repair it, including:
- CEREC dental crowns: A CEREC dental crown may be used for larger breaks. It is a deluxe filling that fits over the damaged tooth like a cap. It both looks and feels like a natural tooth and even has full chewing capabilities. With proper care and use, it can last ten or more years before needing replacement. These crowns can be manufactured right at your dentist’s office on the same day as your appointment, so you can leave with a fully restored and functional smile!
- Tooth-colored fillings: Tooth colored fillings use composite resin to rebuild the damaged area of a tooth. These are best for small breaks and chips. Like crowns, they are tooth-colored, natural looking, and fully functional. These restorations typically last up to five years with proper care and use.
Your dentist will determine the best option for repairing your tooth at your emergency appointment. If your tooth cannot be saved, your dentist will extract it and discuss replacement options with you, which may include a bridge, partial denture, or a dental implant.
Remember, accidents happen, and teeth sometimes break, but the important thing to remember is not to panic. If you have broken a tooth, follow the above steps and reach out to your emergency dentist for help as soon as possible.
About Our Practice
At Comal Dental, Dr. Haag and Dr. Hansen are proud to offer emergency dental care, including same-day visits, sedation dentistry options, and the latest in dental technology to make your treatment faster and more accurate than ever.
If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 911 immediately; if you have suffered a dental emergency, including a broken tooth, please call our office directly for faster service. We can be reached at 830-999-2492.