What to Do Right After You Break a Tooth

A cracked tooth or broken tooth can happen when you least expect it: biting down on something hard, a sports injury, or even grinding your teeth at night. Whatever the cause, a dental emergency like this requires prompt attention. Knowing the right steps to take can make all the difference in saving your tooth and preventing further damage.

Immediate Steps to Take

The moment you realize you have a chipped tooth, cracked tooth, or broken tooth, stay calm and take action:

• Rinse your mouth 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 the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling
• Take over-the-counter pain medication if you’re experiencing discomfort
• Cover sharp edges with dental wax or sugar-free gum to protect your tongue and cheeks

When to Seek Emergency Dental Care

Not all tooth damage requires immediate emergency treatment, but certain situations demand urgent care. You should contact The Art of Smile for emergency dental services right away if you’re experiencing:

• Severe pain or sensitivity
• Heavy bleeding that won’t stop
• A tooth that’s broken at or below the gum line
• A large portion of the tooth missing
• Visible nerve exposure (you’ll see a pinkish or reddish area)

Even if you’re not in significant pain, don’t wait too long to get professional care. What seems like a minor chip can lead to infection or more extensive damage if left untreated.

What to Avoid After Breaking a Tooth

While waiting for your dental appointment, there are several things you should avoid:

• Don’t chew on the affected side of your mouth
• Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that could cause further damage
• Skip extremely hot or cold beverages as they may increase sensitivity
• Don’t attempt to fix it yourself with household glues or other DIY solutions

How Dr. Zev Segal, DDS, Can Help

When you arrive at The Art of Smile in Florham Park, NJ, Dr. Zev Segal, DDS, will carefully examine your broken tooth to determine the best treatment approach. Depending on the severity of the damage, treatment options may include:

• Dental bonding for minor chips
• Dental crowns for larger breaks
• Root canal therapy if the tooth’s pulp is damaged
• Veneers for front teeth with cosmetic damage
• Extraction and replacement in severe cases

Don’t Wait to Get Help

If you’re wondering what to do with a broken tooth, the answer is simple: call a dentist as soon as possible. The sooner you receive professional care, the better your chances of saving the tooth and avoiding complications.

At The Art of Smile, we understand that dental emergencies don’t follow a schedule. That’s why we prioritize emergency cases and work to see you as quickly as possible. Whether you have a cracked tooth, chipped tooth, or broken tooth, our team is here to provide the immediate care you need.

Don’t let a dental emergency turn into a bigger problem. Contact our Florham Park office at (973) 845-9955 to schedule an emergency dental appointment today. We’ll help restore your smile and get you out of pain fast.