What to Do If You Break a Tooth
A broken tooth is often a dental emergency that requires prompt professional care. Whether it happened from biting down on something hard, a sports injury, or a fall, knowing what to do in the first few minutes can make a significant difference in the outcome. Here are the immediate steps you should take:
- Rinse your mouth gently with warm water to clean the area and remove any debris.
- Save any broken pieces if possible. Place them in a clean container with milk or saliva — your dentist may be able to reattach them.
- Apply gauze to any bleeding and hold gentle pressure for 10 minutes or until the bleeding stops.
- Use a cold compress on the outside of your cheek near the broken tooth to reduce swelling and pain.
- Cover sharp edges with dental wax, sugar-free gum, or a temporary dental cement from the pharmacy to protect your tongue and cheeks.
- Take over-the-counter pain relief such as ibuprofen if needed. Avoid aspirin, which can increase bleeding.
- Call Redwater Dental Clinic immediately at 780-942-4691 to schedule an emergency appointment.
Do not chew on the side of the broken tooth, avoid very hot or cold foods and drinks, and do not try to file or smooth down sharp edges yourself. Visit our dental emergencies page for more guidance on urgent dental situations.
Common Causes
Teeth are incredibly strong, but they have limits. A broken tooth can result from a variety of situations:
- Biting hard objects: Ice, hard candy, popcorn kernels, pens, and fingernails are common culprits. Even a small undetected crack can weaken a tooth until it finally breaks.
- Facial trauma: Falls, car accidents, sports injuries, and any blow to the face can break one or more teeth. Wearing a custom sports guard during physical activities significantly reduces this risk.
- Large fillings or decay: Teeth with large existing fillings have less natural tooth structure remaining, making them more vulnerable to fracture. Untreated cavities also weaken teeth from within.
- Teeth grinding (bruxism): Chronic grinding places enormous pressure on your teeth, eventually causing cracks and breaks, especially in teeth that are already weakened.
- Temperature extremes: Eating very hot food immediately followed by something very cold (or vice versa) can cause thermal shock, leading to cracks or breaks.
- Age-related wear: Teeth naturally weaken over decades of use, making breaks more common in older adults.
When to See a Dentist
A broken tooth should always be seen by a dentist as soon as possible — ideally the same day. Even if the break seems small or does not hurt, the inner layers of the tooth may be exposed to bacteria, leading to infection. Call 780-942-4691 immediately if you experience:
- A visible break, crack, or missing piece of tooth
- Severe pain or sensitivity in a tooth
- Bleeding from the tooth or surrounding gum
- A sharp edge cutting your tongue or cheek
- Swelling in the gum or face near the broken tooth
- A tooth that feels loose after being hit
At Redwater Dental Clinic, we reserve time each day for dental emergencies and will do our best to see you the same day you call. The sooner a broken tooth is treated, the more options we have for saving and restoring it.
How We Repair Broken Teeth
The right treatment depends on the location, size, and severity of the break. Dr. AJ and Dr. Khaleeq will examine the tooth, take X-rays if needed, and recommend the best approach to restore both function and appearance.
- Dental bonding: For minor breaks and chips, tooth-coloured composite resin is applied directly to the tooth and shaped to match its natural contour. This can often be completed in a single visit.
- Dental crowns: When a significant portion of the tooth is broken, a dental crown caps the entire visible portion, restoring strength and appearance. Same-day crowns are available at our clinic.
- Dental veneers: For front teeth with visible damage, a porcelain veneer covers the front surface of the tooth, providing a natural and durable restoration.
- Root canal therapy: If the break extends into the inner pulp of the tooth where nerves and blood vessels are located, a root canal is needed to remove the damaged tissue before the tooth is restored with a crown.
- Extraction and replacement: In severe cases where the tooth is broken below the gumline or split vertically through the root, extraction may be necessary. We will discuss replacement options including dental implants, bridges, or dentures to restore your smile.
A broken tooth is related to but different from a cracked tooth, which may not have a missing piece but has a fracture line running through the tooth structure. Both require professional evaluation and treatment.
