Biting down on something hard, suffering a sports injury, or even just experiencing wear and tear over time can result in a cracked tooth or broken tooth. While this situation might feel alarming, knowing what steps to take can make all the difference in saving your tooth and preventing further damage.
If you’ve recently experienced a dental injury, here’s what you need to know about handling a chipped tooth or broken tooth emergency.
Take These Immediate Steps
The moment you realize you have a cracked tooth, quick action is essential. Here’s what to do with broken tooth fragments and how to manage the situation before reaching our office:
- Rinse your mouth gently with warm water to clean the area and remove any debris
- Save any tooth fragments if possible! Place them in milk or saliva to keep them moist
- Apply a cold compress to your cheek if there’s swelling or pain
- Take over-the-counter pain medication if needed, following package directions
- Cover sharp edges with dental wax or sugar-free gum to protect your tongue and cheeks
- Contact Toothology immediately at (480) 949-5858 to schedule an emergency appointment
When a Broken Tooth Becomes a Dental Emergency
While any chipped tooth or broken tooth deserves professional attention, certain situations require immediate care. Contact Dr. Aaron Jeziorski right away if you experience:
- Severe pain that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter medication
- Heavy bleeding that won’t stop
- A tooth that’s been knocked completely out
- Signs of infection, such as fever, swelling, or a foul taste in your mouth
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
Our team at Toothology understands that dental emergencies don’t follow a schedule, which is why we offer emergency dental services to help you when you need it most.
Treatment Options for Your Damaged Tooth
The treatment Dr. Jeziorski recommends will depend on the severity of your cracked tooth or broken tooth. Common solutions include:
Minor Chips
For small chips that don’t cause pain or expose the inner tooth, we might simply smooth and polish the area or use dental bonding to restore the tooth’s appearance.
Moderate Breaks
When more of the tooth is damaged, but the root remains healthy, a dental crown can protect and strengthen the remaining tooth structure while restoring its function and appearance.
Severe Fractures
If a cracked tooth extends below the gum line or the damage reaches the tooth’s pulp, you might need a root canal followed by a crown. In cases where the tooth cannot be saved, Dr. Jeziorski will discuss replacement options with you.
Don’t Wait to Seek Treatment
Even if your chipped tooth seems minor or isn’t causing pain, it’s important to have it evaluated. What appears to be a small crack on the surface could indicate deeper damage. Without treatment, a cracked tooth can lead to infection, increased sensitivity, or complete tooth loss.
At Toothology in Scottsdale, AZ, we’re committed to providing prompt, compassionate care for all dental emergencies. Whether you’re dealing with a minor chip or a severely broken tooth, our emergency dental services are here to help you get back to your normal routine as quickly as possible.
If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, don’t hesitate to call us at (480) 949-5858. We’ll work to accommodate you as soon as possible and help you understand exactly what to do with broken tooth fragments while you’re on your way to our office.
