Broken Tooth? Don’t Panic! Your Dentist Can Help

Did you recently suffer from trauma to the mouth that has led to a broken tooth? Maybe you began to chew your meal and felt a sudden pain as it cracked? No matter the cause, it often results in significant pain. To save your tooth, you must be treated quickly by your dentist. If you delay care, bacteria may become trapped in it, leading to an infection. As a result, saving it may no longer be an option, leading to an extraction. With broken teeth now the third leading cause of tooth loss, it is important to take immediate action and call your dentist right away.

Help! My Tooth Broke

Although you never expect to be caught in this situation, a broken tooth can occur for several reasons, such as biting on something that is hard or being hit in the face or mouth. However, it can also occur when cavities have weakened its structural integrity or it has a large filling that cannot support the remaining enamel.

In some cases, you may experience severe sudden pain when it breaks because the nerve endings in the dentin become exposed. Others have no pain at all, which is common with minor breaks. If there is no pain, many wait to have it treated. However, no matter the severity, you need to take immediate action to rehabilitate the health and function of the tooth.

What Do I Do Now?

The first thing you need to do is calm down and take a deep breath. Then, call your emergency dentist right away to schedule an appointment. While you wait, rinse your mouth well with warm salt water. If the tooth is bleeding, place a piece of gauze to the area to control it. You can also try placing a tea bag on it to help stop the bleeding.

Apply cold compresses to the outside of the face to help relieve pain and swelling. Over-the-counter pain relievers can be used to help manage your discomfort. It is best to avoid placing unnecessary pressure on it or chewing with it until after it has been treated.

Repairing Your Tooth

Often, with the right care, your tooth can be saved from needing to be extracted. For minor breaks, a dental cement or composite resin material can be used to correct the damage. Significant breaks will likely require a dental crown to protect it from infection while restoring its health and function. If the break was substantial, the tooth may not be able to be saved and it may need to be removed.

Don’t Wait! Call Your Dentist Right Away

If you have a tooth break, time is of the utmost importance. Contact your emergency dentist right away to have it treated.

About Bethel Dental

At Bethel Dental, we believe that a healthy smile starts here, which is why we provide comprehensive care with personalized services. If you have recently had a tooth break or fracture, contact Bethel Dental right away to speak with a member of our dental team.