Smashed Smiles: How Should I Handle a Broken Tooth?

Did you know that enamel is the hardest substance made by the human body? It’s stronger even than bone, but unfortunately, that doesn’t mean it’s completely invincible. You must brush and floss twice daily to maintain your teeth’s protective outer layer and prevent common dental issues, such as decay and injuries, including chips, cracks, and broken teeth.

If you have a damaged tooth, it’s natural to wonder what to do next. Continue reading to learn about 4 steps to take to address this kind of dental emergency!

Step #1: Find the Pieces

The first step is to locate the pieces of your broken tooth, as they may be used for the repair, depending on your circumstances. Keep in mind that there may be chunks still in your mouth, so be careful not to swallow them. When you find them, rinse them gently to remove dirt, blood, and debris, then store them in an airtight bag or container to take with you to your dentist’s office.  

Step #2: Rinse Your Mouth

Athletes and others who participate in close-contact activities are prone to sustaining injuries that damage their teeth, and you might also be bleeding or sore if you’ve just sustained a blow to the face.

You can rinse your mouth gently with water to clear away any remaining dirt, blood, and debris. If the tender tissues inside your mouth were cut, you can try applying a clean towel or gauze to the wound for 10 minutes to slow bleeding.

Step #3: Address Aches

Injuries to your jaw, mouth, or face can also become swollen or start throb painfully, but thankfully, there are things you can do to provide some temporary relief. For instance, you can apply an ice pack or cold compress to the affected area for about 15 minutes to induce a short-term numbing sensation to alleviate the ache.

It’s also often safe to take the recommended dosage of over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, to ease any associated discomfort.

Step #4: Contact Your Dentist

If you haven’t already contacted your emergency dentist, that’s the next step! Your provider will likely want to see you as soon as possible, which in some cases involves a same-day appointment. Once you arrive, they’ll examine your mouth and may take X-rays or other images to determine the extent of the damage.

Finally, your provider will work with you to devise an appropriate treatment plan, such as dental bonding or placing a dental crown or other restoration, to rebuild your smile’s appearance and functionality!

Meet the Author

Dr. LJ Adam has 20+ years of experience helping patients improve their lives by enhancing their dental health. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine and is committed to continuing education to remain current with contemporary technology and treatments. Today, he offers a comprehensive menu of services, including emergency care, to meet all your needs under one roof. If you have a broken tooth that requires attention, you can request an appointment on the website or call the office at (724) 297-3446.