Emergency Solutions for a Broken Tooth: What You Need to Know

Suffering a broken tooth is painful and uncomfortable, and it may occur during sports, an incident, or while chewing on a tough object. It is crucial to seek early treatment to avoid worsening the situation and worsening discomfort to your smile.

Immediate Steps to Take

When you break a tooth, acting quickly minimises damage and discomfort.

Here’s what you should do:

1. Stay Calm: The situation may get worse if you panic. Breathe profoundly and evaluate the damage.
2. Save Any Pieces: Collect any fragments of the broken tooth if possible. To keep them moist, place them in a clean container with milk or saliva.
3. Rinse Your Mouth: Gently rinse your mouth out with warm water. This helps remove debris and can reduce the risk of infection.
4. Press any bleeding areas with a clean cloth or gauze to stop the bleeding. Hold it in place for about 10 minutes or until the bleeding stops.
5. Manage Pain and Swelling: Use an ice pack outside your cheek to reduce swelling and numb the area. Painkillers available over the counter may also ease discomfort.

Temporary Solutions

Until you can get to the dentist, there are some temporary measures you can take to protect the broken tooth and ease your symptoms:

1. Dental Cement: Dental cement can cover broken teeth at most pharmacies and prevent further damage.
2. Sugar-Free Gum: If dental cement isn’t available, you can use sugar-free gum to cover the sharp edges of the fractured tooth and protect your tongue and cheek.
3. Avoid Certain Foods: Avoid hard, sticky, or sugary foods that can aggravate the broken tooth or cause more damage.

Seeing the Dentist

Seeing a dentist as soon as possible after breaking a tooth is essential. The longer you wait, the higher the risk of infection and further complications.

When you visit the dentist, here’s what you can expect:

1. Examination and X-rays: The dentist will check the broken tooth and take X-rays to determine the extent of the damage.
2. Pain Management: If you’re in pain, the dentist will address it immediately, potentially prescribing pain relievers or performing a procedure to alleviate discomfort.
3. Treatment Plan: The dentist will recommend a treatment plan based on the examination and X-rays. This plan can range from simple bonding to complex procedures like root canals or crowns.

Treatment Options

The therapy for a broken tooth is determined by its severity.

Here are some standard options:

1. Dental bonding offers an efficient and fast fix for small chips or cracks. The dentist uses tooth-coloured resin to repair the broken area, restoring function and appearance.
2. Dental Veneers: Veneers might be recommended if the break affects the front teeth and is more severe. These thin shells of composite or porcelain material cover the teeth’s front surfaces, giving them a natural appearance.
3. Dental Crowns: For more significant damage, a crown may be necessary. Strong and protective, a crown is a cap that completely encloses the tooth.
4. Root Canal Therapy: If the break exposes the sensitive inner part of the tooth, a root canal treatment may be required to remove any damaged pulp and stop infection.
5. Dental Implants: A dental implant might be the best option in cases where the tooth is severely damaged and cannot be saved. This involves removing the broken tooth and replacing it with an artificial one anchored into the jawbone.

Preventing Future Breaks

While accidents sometimes happen, there are precautions you can take to lessen your chances of fracturing a tooth in the future:

1. Put on Protective Gear: If you play sports or participate in other activities that involve a high risk of facial injury, wear a customised mouthguard.
2. Avoid Hard Foods: Avoid hard foods like ice, candies, and popcorn kernels.
3. Don’t Use Teeth as Tools: Do not use your teeth to open packages, bottles, or other goods.
4. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Strong, healthy teeth are less likely to break. Brush and floss frequently, and see your dentist for regular dental check-ups and cleanings.

If you’ve recently broken a tooth, don’t wait to seek professional help. Acting immediately can make a big difference in maintaining your tooth and avoiding complications. Contact your dentist right away to make an emergency appointment.

If you want to be prepared for any dental emergency, consider keeping a dental first aid kit at home and familiarising yourself with these steps.

Remember that preventing dental emergencies in the first place is the best. Take good care of your teeth, wear protective gear when necessary, and see your dentist regularly.

Broken Tooth Management in Canley Heights

Your smile is worth protecting. If you have concerns about your dental health or want to learn more about preventing dental injuries, contact your dental care provider today.

Same-Day Dental Emergency Appointment Available in Canley Heights

Don’t let a broken tooth break your spirit—take action and keep smiling!

Call us on (02) 9199 9678 or book your online appointment.

Visit us at 1/229 Canley Vale Road in Canley Heights.