Aug 20, 2025
Broken Tooth: What to Do Immediately
By Dr. Natasha Kanchwala, DMD
The moment you feel that sharp crack or see a piece of your tooth has broken off, a wave of panic can set in. A broken tooth is a distressing experience, but the most important thing to do is remain calm. While a fractured tooth requires professional attention, the immediate steps you take can significantly impact managing pain and potentially saving your tooth.
At Smyrna Dental Studio, we want you to be prepared for any dental emergency. This guide provides a calm, step-by-step action plan for what to do right after you've broken a tooth.
Your Immediate Action Plan for a Broken Tooth
Follow these steps to protect your mouth and improve the chances of a successful restoration.
Step 1: Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
Take a moment to look in a mirror. Is it a minor chip or a large piece? Is there any bleeding? Understanding the severity will help you communicate clearly with our office. If the break is due to significant facial trauma or if you are bleeding heavily, please consider visiting an emergency room first.
Step 2: Manage Pain and Swelling
Rinse Gently: Swish your mouth with a warm salt water solution (½ teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water) to clean the area.
Apply a Cold Compress: To reduce swelling and numb the pain, apply an ice pack wrapped in a thin towel to your cheek or lips over the broken tooth for 20-minute intervals.
Use Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers: Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage pain. Avoid placing aspirin directly on your gums, as this can cause a chemical burn.
Step 3: Protect Your Mouth and the Tooth
Save the Fragment: If you can find the broken piece of your tooth, save it. Rinse it gently and store it in a small container of milk or your own saliva. In some cases, it can be reattached.
Cover Sharp Edges: If the remaining tooth is sharp, you can cover it with a piece of sugar-free gum or over-the-counter dental wax to protect your tongue and cheek from being cut.
Eat Soft Foods: Avoid chewing on the broken tooth. Stick to soft foods, such as yogurt, soup, or smoothies, until you can see a dentist.
Step 4: Call Your Emergency Dentist Immediately
A broken tooth is a dental emergency. Call our Smyrna office as soon as possible. The sooner you receive professional care, the better the chances are of saving the tooth and preventing infection or further damage.
What to Expect at Your Emergency Dental Visit
Upon arrival, our priority is to ensure your comfort and assess the damage. We will likely take an X-ray to check the tooth's root and surrounding bone. Based on the extent of the break, your treatment may include:
Dental Bonding: For minor chips, we can apply a tooth-colored composite resin to restore the tooth's shape in a single visit.
Dental Crown: For a larger break, a crown (or cap) may be needed to cover and protect the remaining tooth structure, restoring its strength and appearance.
Root Canal: If the break has exposed the tooth's inner nerve (pulp), a root canal may be necessary to treat the nerve before placing a crown.
Extraction: In very severe cases where the tooth cannot be saved, an extraction may be the only option. We would then discuss excellent replacement solutions, such as dental implants.
FAQs: Common Questions About a Broken Tooth
Q1: Is a small, painless chip still a dental emergency? Yes, you should still see a dentist as soon as possible. Even a small chip can have sharp edges that can cut your mouth, weaken the overall tooth structure, and create a space for bacteria to enter, leading to decay.
Q2: Can my broken tooth really be reattached? Sometimes, yes. If the broken piece is clean and intact, and you get to our office quickly, it is sometimes possible to bond the original fragment back onto the tooth. This is why it's so important to save the piece if you can.
Q3: What happens if I ignore a broken tooth? Ignoring a broken tooth can lead to serious complications. The crack can worsen and split the tooth, the exposed inner layers can become infected (leading to an abscess), and you may eventually lose the tooth entirely. Prompt treatment is always the best and most conservative option.
Q4: How much will it cost to fix a broken tooth? The cost depends entirely on the type of treatment needed. Dental bonding is a very affordable solution for small chips, while a crown or root canal is a more significant investment. After your examination, we will provide you with a clear and transparent breakdown of all costs and discuss your payment and insurance options.
Don't Wait, Act Quickly to Protect Your Smile
A broken tooth can be alarming, but by following these immediate first-aid steps and seeking prompt professional care, you can protect your long-term oral health. The faster you act, the more likely it is that we can provide a simple, effective restoration.
The compassionate team at Smyrna Dental Studio is ready to help you with any dental emergency.
If you have broken a tooth, call our Smyrna office immediately to schedule an emergency appointment. We are here to help!
