What To Do If You Break A Tooth?

By Author: Katerina Vlasova
Total Articles: 7
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A broken tooth is always a surprise. A wrong bite into a hard candy, a fall, being hit by a ball, an accident, or simply grinding your teeth in your sleep can cause a tooth to break. This can trigger panic, especially if a front tooth is broken. But the most important thing in such a situation is not to give in to emotions. The calmer and faster you react, the greater the chance of saving the tooth and avoiding complications.

1. Why does this happen?
There are actually several reasons why a tooth can break. Injuries are often the result of external influences: mechanical injury, shock, or a fall. However, it is just as common for a tooth to break due to hard food, especially if it was already weakened internally. For example, due to hidden caries, an old filling, or microcracks.

Another common cause is bruxism, the involuntary clenching and grinding of the teeth while sleeping. Over time, this causes the enamel to thin and the tooth structure to deteriorate, even if the tooth appears perfectly healthy on the outside. Sometimes a fracture ...
... is almost painless; other times it is accompanied by severe sensitivity, swelling, and bleeding—it all depends on the depth of the injury.

2. First steps after an injury
If you feel that a tooth has cracked or broken, you should first rinse your mouth with warm water. This helps remove blood, food debris, and tooth particles. If a broken piece remains, try to find and keep it. You can place it in a clean container with milk, saline solution, or simply in your own saliva. A dentist may be able to use this part to restore a tooth, especially if you seek treatment early.

Afterward, it is recommended to apply a cold compress to the cheek on the side of the injury—this will relieve pain and prevent swelling. It's best to avoid eating before visiting the doctor, and if you're very hungry, choose soft, cold foods and chew on the other side. You can take painkillers, but only if the pain is severe. Under no circumstances should you apply the tablets to the tooth itself, as this can cause gum irritation.

3. Contact your dentist as soon as possible.
Even if the injury seems minor, you shouldn't refuse to see a doctor. A superficial chip can eventually lead to tooth decay, and if the crack extends to the dentin or pulp, there's a high risk of infection. You should seek help, especially if your tooth begins to hurt, experiences throbbing pain, a rise in temperature, or you notice a loose tooth.

The sooner a doctor examines the injury, the more treatment options are available—and the greater the chance of saving the tooth. You can search for "emergency dentist near me" to find an experienced and qualified specialist in your area.

4. How a dentist can restore a tooth
The restoration method depends on the type of damage. If only the enamel is broken, cosmetic polishing or a composite buildup is sufficient. For more significant injuries, the dentist will use filling materials to restore the shape and color of the tooth. In cases of severe damage, especially in the chewing area, a crown may be necessary.

The doctor may also perform root canal treatment, especially if the pulp (the inner part of the tooth that contains nerve endings and blood vessels) is damaged. In extreme cases, when the tooth is broken down to the root and restoration is not possible, it must be extracted. However, modern methods allow for the placement of an implant or bridge to restore the aesthetic appearance and chewing function.

5. What to do after treatment?
Once a damaged tooth has been restored, it is important to follow your doctor's recommendations. Initially, avoid hard foods and chew more on the healthy side. To avoid irritating sensitive tissue, it is recommended to temporarily avoid foods that are too hot, too cold, too acidic, or too sweet.

If you have a crown or veneer in place, pay special attention to maintaining them and having them checked regularly. Any changes should be monitored, especially during the first few months. Don't forget about hygiene - brush your teeth twice a day, floss, and rinse to prevent further damage and cavities.