Anyone can crack, chip or break a tooth unexpectedly. Even though teeth are some of the strongest structures in the body, they are susceptible to breakage from falls, sports collisions, direct trauma to the face, teeth grinding at night, an untreated cavity or even biting down on something really hard (like a hard candy or ice).

You may feel shocked, alarmed or even frightened when you damage a tooth. But try to stay calm — you can prevent permanent damage from a cracked or broken tooth by taking fast action and following a few simple steps. Keep reading to learn more.

What To Do If You Chip or Crack a Tooth

Unexpectedly chipping or cracking a tooth can be surprising or alarming but, by taking the following action steps, you can reduce the amount of damage and pain you experience.

1. First, rinse out your mouth with warm water. A quick rinse will remove blood, dirt and small pieces of your tooth that may have chipped off.
2. If your mouth is bleeding, apply pressure to the injured area with a clean towel, piece of gauze or wet teabag to stop the bleeding. If you are experiencing excessive bleeding that is not abated by pressure, consider calling 911 or going to the emergency room immediately.
3. Apply an ice compress over the injured area to reduce pain, swelling and inflammation. You can also take an over-the-counter pain reliever like acetaminophen to soothe any discomfort.
4. Call your dentist to make an appointment as soon as possible.
5. If the chip or crack is minor, you may have to wait a few days for your appointment. While you are waiting, prevent further damage by chewing as little as possible on the injured side of your mouth. If the injured tooth has sharp or jagged edges, you can use dental wax or sugar-free gum to cover the tooth, so you don not accidentally cut your tongue or gums.

Contact your dentist immediately for all chips and cracks, no matter how small or painless. Left untreated, the damage could cause an infection or lead to other problems in the future.

What To Do If You Break a Tooth

While breaking a tooth can be very distressing, stay calm because you need to take quick action to prevent permanent damage.

1. First, rinse out your mouth with warm water. A quick rinse will remove blood, dirt and small pieces of your tooth that may have chipped off.
2. If your mouth is bleeding, apply pressure to the injured area with a clean towel, piece of gauze or wet teabag to stop the bleeding. If you are experiencing excessive bleeding that is not abated by pressure, consider calling 911 or going to the emergency room immediately.
3. Apply an ice compress over the injured area to reduce pain, swelling and inflammation. You can also take an over-the-counter pain reliever like acetaminophen to soothe any discomfort.
4. Locate your tooth. If your tooth is still intact, your dentist may be able to save it. Preserve the tooth in a small container with milk, saline solution or water. If it is dirty, you can gently rinse it off with water, but do not scrub the tooth or remove bits of tissue. If the tooth is loose but not completely disconnected, leave it in the socket. You can try to gently press it back into place, but do not force it.
5. Call your dentist immediately. A broken tooth is a dental emergency, and in order to preserve the original tooth, you need to be seen within 30 minutes if possible. At Boyett Family Dentistry, Dr. Boyett leaves time in her daily schedule to handle unexpected emergencies like a broken tooth.

Left untreated, a missing tooth can cause permanent damage. An empty space can lead to infections, gum recession, bone loss and an abnormal bite pattern.

Treatment Options

Treatment for your cracked or broken tooth will depend on how severe the damage is. Minor cracks and chips can usually be treated with a simple filling. Larger cracks may require a dental crown to protect the nerves and remaining tooth structure. If the dental pulp is exposed by a large crack, you may also need a root canal before the tooth is crowned.

In some cases, your dentist may not be able to preserve the original tooth. You may need an implant or dental bridge to fill in the space and maintain the structure of your jaw and surrounding teeth.

Call Boyett Family Dentistry For All Dental Concerns

At Boyett Family Dentistry, we handle all manner of dental concerns, including emergencies like severely cracked or broken teeth. Call us today at 863-294-9200.