Broken Tooth? Here’s What You Need to Know About Treatment Options

What to Do If You Break a Tooth & How It Can Be Fixed

A broken tooth can be a real pain—literally! Whether it happens from biting down on something hard, an accident, or tooth decay, knowing what to do next can make all the difference. In this guide, we’ll walk you through at-home care tips and the best treatment options for different types of broken teeth.

First Things First: At-Home Care

If you’ve broken a tooth, don’t panic! Here’s what you should do before seeing a dentist:

• Rinse Your Mouth – Use warm water to clean the area and remove any debris.
• Stop the Bleeding – Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or gauze if there’s bleeding.
• Reduce Swelling – Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to reduce pain and swelling.
• Save the Tooth Fragment (If Possible) – If part of your tooth has broken off, keep it in milk or saliva and bring it to your dentist.
• Avoid Certain Foods – Steer clear of hot, cold, or hard foods that can make the pain worse.
• Use Temporary Dental Wax – If the broken tooth has sharp edges, dental wax can help protect your tongue and cheek from cuts.

Treatment Options Based on the Severity of the Break

Not all broken teeth are the same. The right treatment depends on how severe the damage is:

1. Chipped or Minorly Cracked Teeth

• Treatment: Dental bonding or veneers
• What to Expect: For small chips, a dentist can apply a tooth-colored resin (bonding) to restore the tooth’s shape. If the chip is on a front tooth, veneers may be recommended for a more aesthetic fix.

2. Moderate Cracks or Breaks

• Treatment: Dental crown
• What to Expect: If the damage is beyond a small chip but doesn’t expose the tooth’s inner pulp, a dental crown can cover and protect the remaining structure.

3. Severe Breaks or Fractured Tooth

• Treatment: Root canal and crown
• What to Expect: If the crack extends into the pulp (the nerve inside your tooth), a root canal may be needed to remove damaged tissue before placing a protective crown.

4. Split Tooth (Severe Fracture)

• Treatment: Extraction and tooth replacement
• What to Expect: If the tooth is severely split and cannot be saved, your dentist may recommend extraction followed by an implant/ bridge, or a removable appliance or denture to restore your smile.

5.  Dark teeth: Sometimes after having trauma to a certain tooth it may look alright for a few days but may turn dark in color after a few months or years because the nerve inside the tooth has died. In such case it may be left as it is if it is not symptomatic. However, if it ever starts hurting or is a cosmetic concern, then treatments like a root canal treatment to remove the dead nerve and internal bleaching or a veneer or a crown may be recommended to cover the dark surface by the dentist depending on the situation of the tooth.  

When to See a Dentist

It’s always best to see a dentist as soon as possible after breaking a tooth. Even minor chips can worsen over time if left untreated. If you experience severe pain, swelling, or signs of infection, seek emergency dental care right away.

Final Thoughts

A broken tooth might be alarming, but quick action and the right treatment can save your smile. Whether it’s a minor chip or a serious fracture, your dentist has a solution to restore both function and appearance. If you’ve broken a tooth, don’t wait—schedule a dental appointment and get the care you need!

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