What To Do With A Broken Tooth? The Steps You Need To Take

Despite the fact that tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the body, teeth can still break from time to time. If you are in the unfortunate position of experiencing a chipped or broken tooth, it pays to know exactly what to do with a broken tooth and indeed, the steps you need to take. 

Typically a broken tooth can occur as a result of a forceful impact such as an accident or sports injury, or due to biting down on something hard. Alternatively, it may also be the direct result of pre-existing dental conditions such as tooth decay or large cavities. Whatever the cause, a visit to the dentist is needed either immediately through emergency dental care, or as soon as is convenient depending upon the severity of the broken tooth.  

A broken tooth can range from a small chip in the enamel to the complete breakage of the tooth leaving both pulp and dentin exposed. While the former might be simply classed as an inconvenience (tooth enamel contains no nerves so chances are, it won’t cause any discomfort), the latter can cause severe pain. As a result, determining whether you should visit an emergency dentist for emergency dental care may be down to something as simple as the type of tooth break. 

Understandably, knowing what to do with a broken tooth can be the difference between fixing the problem and causing permanent damage so some degree of urgency is vital. Here are the steps you need to take.

The first thing to do is to stay calm. However, a broken tooth is likely to catch you unawares, so try not to panic. Try to gather any broken tooth pieces and keep them somewhere safe, then rinse out your mouth. Doing so with warm water will remove any debris or dirt that might otherwise affect the problem tooth further. 

This shouldn’t be needed for a chipped tooth but if the broken tooth was the result of a heavy blow or impact, you might want to check your jaw. If you cannot bring your upper and lower teeth together or it’s very painful to do so, you should call an emergency dentist immediately. Alternatively, pay a visit to your nearest emergency department because you may have a broken jaw. 

Sometimes when a tooth breaks, it can cause the gum area to bleed. Try to bite down on something like a tissue or gauze to stem any bleeding and then call your emergency dentist right away. Alternatively, if you have signs of swelling, apply a cold compress to the outside of the cheek where the broken tooth is and again, make contact with your dentist right away. Any signs of swelling or bleeding are classed as emergency dental care and should always be treated as such. 

Once the above steps have been followed then it’s time to call the emergency dentist. Given what you tell them, they should then decide whether you need emergency dental care right away or whether it can wait until the next available appointment. Sometimes dentists set aside time during the working day to cover emergency appointments so availability may mean the same day but typically, non-urgent patients are seen the next working day. 

The correct treatment for a broken or chipped tooth will depend upon the extent of the damage. If the dental pulp is infected, for example, then your emergency dentist will perform a root canal procedure to save the tooth. If there is no sign of pulp infection but a large chip or crack is present, then they might suggest a dental crown to fully protect the tooth and restore the tooth’s cosmetic appearance.  

If the tooth has only suffered a small chip to the enamel, then the dentist may suggest a composite bonding procedure or a dental veneer to preserve the smile. 

Sometimes, however, a cracked tooth can extend to below the gum line. If this is the case then it’s highly unlikely that the tooth can be saved. In all likelihood, your dentist will suggest a tooth extraction followed by replacement with either a single dental implant or a dental bridge. Both solutions can restore the aesthetics and functionality of a smile while preventing any remaining natural teeth from drifting out of alignment. 

As you can see, there are several options available when considering what to do with a broken tooth depending upon the severity of the problem. Your emergency dentist will explain all available options to you for your given situation. If you are currently undergoing orthodontic treatment and your braces break in addition to your tooth or teeth, then you should also consult with your orthodontist. 

Remember, calling your dentist as soon as you can is the best thing you can do after experiencing a chipped or broken tooth. Even if you have little or no discomfort, never assume everything is fine without being checked over. 

Here at Riverlands Dental, we offer both general and emergency dental care for your peace of mind. Our highly skilled team is here for you and your family and we’re ideally positioned in Richmond to serve your needs. So if you are experiencing a dental emergency, don’t delay, call us at (02) 4501 7930 right now!