It happens in an instant. You bite into something hard, take a fall, or wake up to a rough edge on your tooth. Suddenly, you’re staring in the mirror, wondering what to do next. A chipped or broken tooth can be scary. It might hurt. It might look bad. You might not know whether it’s a true emergency or something you can wait until Monday.
Take a deep breath. Dr. Morgan Chambers and our team at Complete Dentistry are here to help. In the meantime, here are a few simple steps you can take to protect your tooth and ease your mind.
First, Stay Calm and Assess the Damage
Not every chip is an emergency. Take a moment to look at your tooth and notice what’s going on.
Ask yourself:
- Is there pain?
- Is the tooth sharp or jagged?
- Is there bleeding?
- Can you see a dark spot or a deep fracture?
- Is the tooth loose?
If you’re in severe pain, if the tooth is knocked loose, or if there’s heavy bleeding, call us right away. If it’s a small chip with no pain, you still need to be seen, but you likely have a little time.
Save Any Pieces You Can Find
If your tooth broke into pieces, try to find them. Handle them carefully by the crown. Gently rinse them with water or saline solution. Do not scrub them or use soap.
If you can, place the pieces in a clean container with a little milk or saliva. Sometimes we can bond the original piece back to the tooth. It’s not always possible, but it’s worth saving just in case.
Manage Pain and Swelling
If your tooth hurts, over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help. Follow the directions on the bottle.
If your face or gum is swollen, apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek. Use it for 15 minutes on, then 15 minutes off. This helps reduce swelling and numb the area.
Protect Your Mouth
While you wait for your appointment, protect the broken tooth and the rest of your mouth.
- Cover sharp edges. If the tooth feels jagged against your tongue or cheek, cover it with sugar-free gum or dental wax. This prevents cuts and irritation.
- Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods. Stick to soft foods like yogurt, soup, or scrambled eggs.
- Chew on the other side. Give the injured tooth a break.
- Skip extreme temperatures. Very hot or very cold drinks can make a sensitive tooth hurt more.
- Keep it clean. Rinse gently with warm salt water after meals. Brush carefully around the area.
What Not to Do
Avoid a few things when you have a broken tooth.
- Don’t ignore it: Even a small chip can expose the tooth’s inner layers to bacteria. That can lead to decay, infection, or worse.
- Don’t try to fix it yourself: Glue, superglue, or DIY dental kits can cause more harm than good.
- Don’t wait too long: A broken tooth won’t heal on its own. The sooner you’re seen, the easier and more affordable the fix usually is.
When to Call Us Right Away
Some situations need immediate attention. Call Complete Dentistry if:
- The tooth is knocked out completely
- You have severe, throbbing pain
- There’s uncontrolled bleeding
- The break is deep, and you can see pink or red inside the tooth
- Your face or jaw is swollen
- You have a fever along with tooth pain
We offer emergency dentistry to treat sudden dental problems. Delaying treatment can lead to more complicated, costly procedures later.
We’ll Take It From Here
Once you’re in our office, Dr. Chambers will examine the tooth and take digital X-rays if needed. Depending on the damage, she might smooth the edge, place a filling, or recommend a crown to restore strength and appearance.
You don’t have to face a broken tooth alone. We’ll walk you through every step and help you get back to a healthy, complete smile. Call Complete Dentistry at 859-251-3809 or request an appointment online. We’re here when you need us.