Dental emergencies don’t always happen during convenient office hours. You might be playing sports or enjoying a crunchy snack when you experience sudden pain from a cracked or broken tooth. A broken tooth can cause a lot of discomfort, and you may be panicked about what to do next.
It’s important to get professional dental care as soon as possible for a broken tooth, but some circumstances may require the help of an emergency dentist. No matter how severe your broken tooth is, there are steps you can take to help you manage the situation and protect your tooth until you get into a dentist’s chair.
Assess the Damage: Is It a Minor Chip or a Major Break?
Before you do anything else, assess the severity of the damage. Is it a minor chip, or is there a significant piece of the tooth missing? A small chip may be barely noticeable and shouldn’t cause much pain. If the break is severe, you might be missing a large chunk of the tooth—or even the entire tooth itself.
If it’s just a tiny chip or crack that isn’t causing much pain, it’s usually not an emergency. You’ll still want to see a dentist when you can to prevent the damage from getting worse.
If it’s a significant break or causes you significant pain, you should see a dentist as soon as possible. Large cracks or breaks can quickly lead to more damage and an infection if left untreated.
How to Deal With a Broken Tooth: Immediate Steps
While waiting to see your dentist, there are steps you can take to ease your pain, avoid further damage, and protect your broken tooth:
1. Rinse your mouth with warm water.
Gently rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area around the broken tooth. This will help remove debris and reduce the risk of infection. Avoid using hot or cold water, as this could irritate an exposed nerve and cause more pain.
2. Apply a cold compress.
If you are experiencing pain or swelling from the broken tooth, a cold compress can help. Apply a clean cloth with ice or a cold pack to the outside of your cheek over the broken tooth for 15-20 minutes at a time.
3. Cover the area with dental wax or a temporary filling.
A broken tooth may have sharp edges that can cut your tongue or gums. To protect your mouth and prevent further damage, you can cover the area with store-bought dental wax or temporary fillings.
4. Avoid certain foods.
Eating with a broken tooth can cause more damage. Avoid hard, chewy, or sticky foods. Stick to soft foods or liquids. If possible, chew on the opposite side of your mouth.
Managing Your Pain & When to Seek Emergency Care
Broken teeth can be extremely painful. You can take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen to help manage the pain, but always follow the instructions on the label.
If you are experiencing severe pain or bleeding, or if a large piece of your tooth is knocked out, seek emergency care as soon as possible. This is especially important if the break also injures the surrounding tissue.
Get Help for a Broken Tooth at Full Heart Dentistry in Rochester, NY
We understand that a broken tooth can be painful and stressful. Thankfully, our Rochester dental team offers emergency dental services when you’ve experienced a broken, chipped, or cracked tooth. Our team will quickly assess the damage, help you manage the pain, and restore your smile.
Don’t let a small crack become a big problem. If you have a broken tooth, call Full Heart Dentistry to schedule an appointment today.