A broken tooth is not only painful but can be alarming when it happens suddenly. Whether it’s due to a sports injury, a fall, or simply biting down on something too hard, knowing what to do next can make a big difference.
Perhaps you’re enjoying dinner with family when you unexpectedly bite down on a hard piece of food, feeling a sharp crack and immediate discomfort! Or perhaps your child falls during a weekend soccer game, chipping a tooth and leaving you unsure of the next steps.
Airdrie 8th Street Dental Clinic is here to provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to handle a broken tooth and the emergency dental care options available.
Immediate Steps to Take When You Break a Tooth
1. Rinse Your Mouth with Warm Water
Start by gently rinsing your mouth with warm water to clean the area. This helps remove any debris and reduces the risk of infection, especially if there’s an open wound.
2. Stop the Bleeding
If you’re bleeding, use a piece of gauze or a clean cloth and apply gentle pressure to the area for about 10 minutes or until the bleeding stops. Bleeding is common, especially if the gums or the inner part of your cheek is affected.
3. Reduce Swelling
Use a cold compress on your cheek near the broken tooth. Applying ice for 15-20 minutes at a time helps reduce swelling and numbs the area, providing some relief from pain.
4. Save Any Tooth Fragments
If any part of your tooth has broken off, try to locate it and place it in a clean container with a bit of milk or saliva. In some cases, emergency dental services can reattach these fragments.
5. Take Over-the-Counter Pain Relief
While waiting to see your dentist, over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage the pain. Avoid aspirin, as it can thin the blood and might increase bleeding.
6. Seek Emergency Dental Care
Call an emergency dental clinic in Airdrie as soon as possible. Quick action may prevent further damage and increase the chances of saving the tooth. Airdrie 8th Street Dental offers reliable emergency dental services to help you through situations just like these.
Treatment Options for a Broken Tooth
Depending on the severity of the break, there are several treatment options available:
1. Dental Bonding
Your dentist may recommend dental bonding for minor chips or cracks. In this procedure, a tooth-coloured resin is applied to the tooth, reshaping and restoring it to its original appearance. Dental bonding is typically a quick and painless fix for small fractures.
2. Dental Veneers
If the front tooth is severely chipped but still intact, a dental veneer can restore its look and functionality. A thin layer of porcelain is custom-made to cover the tooth’s front surface, providing a long-lasting, natural-looking solution.
3. Dental Crowns
For larger breaks, particularly in molars where the chewing surface is essential, a dental crown may be necessary. A crown, often made of porcelain or metal, covers the entire tooth to protect it from further damage and restore its function. Crowns are durable and help maintain the structural integrity of your tooth.
4. Root Canal Therapy
If the break exposes the pulp—the inner part of the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels—a root canal might be necessary. Root canals help eliminate pain and infection risk by removing the damaged pulp. After the procedure, the tooth is usually restored with a crown.
5. Tooth Extraction
In severe cases where the tooth is too damaged to repair, extraction might be the only option. Once removed, your dentist can discuss replacement options, such as implants or bridges, to maintain your smile and functionality.
Preventing a Broken Tooth
While accidents happen, there are steps you can take to prevent breaking a tooth:
- Wear a Mouthguard – A custom mouthguard can protect your teeth from impact if you play sports, especially contact sports.
- Avoid Hard Foods – Ice, hard candies, and even some types of nuts can crack or chip your teeth if you bite down the wrong way.
- Don’t Use Teeth as Tools – Avoid opening packages or biting on non-food items, as this can lead to fractures.
- Maintain Good Oral Hygiene – Regular brushing, flossing, and dental visits can keep teeth strong and prevent decay that weakens tooth structure.
Prompt Emergency Dental Services in Airdrie
If you’ve broken a tooth, don’t wait—seek professional help immediately. Even if you’re not experiencing pain, a broken tooth can lead to further complications like infection or shifting of adjacent teeth. At Airdrie 8th Street Dental, our clinic is here to provide prompt, compassionate, and expert emergency dental care.
Taking swift action can help preserve your tooth and relieve pain quickly. We care about our patients and assure you we’re available to help you, your family, and your friends with dental emergency services when needed!
