I broke my tooth! Now what?

It can happen to the best of us. You might have been enjoying a bowl of popcorn and a kernel lands on your tooth just right or you’re chewing on the leftover ice at the end of your drink and all of a sudden you’re dealing with a broken tooth.

The pain could be immediate or maybe you don’t feel anything at all. Either way, we know the question running through your mind will be, “Now what?”

Read on to learn more about what to do if you’ve broken your tooth.

Chipped, cracked, or broken tooth?

At first glance, you may not be able to discern what has happened to your tooth.

However, the American Dental Association recommends that, regardless of if the tooth is chipped, cracked, or broken, that you “immediately rinse the mouth with warm water to clean the area. Put cold compresses on the face to keep any swelling down.”

• It’s important to be aware of any bits or pieces of the tooth that have come off so that you can wrap it in a wet paper towel or gauze and bring it to your dentist to discern the best course of treatment.

• If any pain or discomfort starts occurring, take the recommended dosage of a NSAID (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug), such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen. Doing so is a good way to assist in pain management and help any swelling that may occur.

• If you can see that the tooth has been significantly cracked or broken, you may be experiencing a dental emergency that needs immediate attention.

• If air hits the exposed area of the tooth going down to the gum, severe pain may occur and you may be exposing yourself to potential bacteria and infection. Call your dentist immediately, explain your situation, and they will work to make sure you receive the care needed to avoid further damage.

• Bleeding may appear after a significant break. If this happens, make sure to apply pressure to lessen and stop the flow of blood. You want to make sure you maintain steady pressure and that you don’t wipe the area which could cause further irritation and subsequent pain.

What are my treatment options for a broken tooth?

Depending on the severity of your broken tooth, your doctor will want to examine your mouth to see what the total picture is. From there, an X-ray will provide more in-depth information that will guide your dentist to the appropriate treatment.

Your dentist will determine whether or not you will need the following:

• Filling (for smaller chips, cracks, or breaks)

• Crown (for larger, more prominent breaks)

• Root canal (when infection is present and taken care of prior to a crown)

• Dental implant or porcelain veneer (if the break is so significant that your dentist believes a reconstructed tooth is the best for your overall oral health)

Dr. Silverman and the team at Advanced Cosmetic & Family Dentistry will thoroughly care for your smile and ensure that you are taken care of from start to finish.

We are committed to providing you with the best possible care depending on what your individual needs require.

Advanced Cosmetic & Family Dentistry is a call away!

Don’t try to take care of this dental emergency on your own. We are here to help and only a phone call away!

You will receive top-notch dental services from our experienced and trained staff. Don’t hesitate to let Dr. Silverman at Advanced Cosmetic & Family Dentistry in Alpharetta, GA protect you from any further damage to your teeth.

Resources:

https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/dental-care-concerns/dental-emergencies

https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-fix-a-chipped-tooth#caring-for-a-chipped-tooth-or-broken-tooth

https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/conditions/dental-emergencies-and-sports-safety/what-to-do-with-a-broken-tooth-0515

Posted by Advanced Cosmetic and Family Dentistry
4205 North Point Parkway, Building D, Alpharetta, GA 30022
Phone: (678) 551-6864