A broken tooth can happen in an instant: a fall, a sports collision, biting down on an olive pit or a hard candy. Teeth weakened by large old fillings, decay or years of grinding are especially prone to breaking. Some breaks are purely cosmetic, while others reach the inner pulp and need prompt care to prevent infection.
What to do right away
- Call your dentist. Describe what happened so the team can tell you how quickly you need to be seen.
- Save any pieces. Keep fragments moist in a small container of milk or water and bring them with you. A clean fragment can sometimes be bonded back in place.
- Rinse gently with warm water, and use a cold compress on your cheek to keep swelling down.
- Protect the area. Avoid chewing on that side. A piece of sugar-free gum or dental wax can cover a sharp edge until your visit.
- Manage discomfort with an over-the-counter pain reliever taken as directed on the label.
How broken teeth are repaired
The right treatment depends on how much of the tooth is damaged and whether the nerve is involved.
- Polishing and contouring smooths a small chip so it is no longer sharp or noticeable.
- Bonding uses tooth-colored composite resin, shaped and hardened with a curing light, to rebuild a chipped or cracked area in a single visit.
- A porcelain veneer covers the front of a damaged front tooth for a natural, durable result.
- An onlay or crown protects a back tooth that has lost a cusp or a large portion of its structure.
- Root canal treatment is needed when a break exposes or injures the pulp, followed by a crown to protect the tooth.
- Extraction may be the only option when a crack runs deep below the gum line or the root is split. A dental implant can then replace the tooth.
Cracks you can't see
Not every crack is visible. A cracked tooth may cause a sharp pain when you bite down and release, or sensitivity to hot and cold that comes and goes. Because hairline cracks can spread over time, it's worth having these symptoms checked even if the pain is mild.
When it's an emergency
Call us the same day if a large part of the tooth is missing, the tooth is bleeding from the center, you are in significant pain, or the tooth has been loosened or pushed out of place. We provide same-day emergency dental treatment. If the injury also involved a blow to the head or you can't stop the bleeding, go to the emergency room first.
Questions about your own teeth? Call Shrewsbury Dental Group at (732) 741-8707 or book a visit online (opens in a new tab). This article is general information and isn't a substitute for an exam.