How To Fix A Broken Tooth
How To Fix A Broken Tooth
Breaking a tooth can be painful and alarming. Whether it’s caused by biting something hard, a fall, or an accident, it’s important to address it quickly to prevent further damage or infection. The treatment depends on how severe the break is, and in most cases, a visit to the dentist is necessary. Here is how to fix a broken tooth.
- Assess the Damage
Examine the tooth carefully. A broken tooth may involve:
- A small chip or crack in the enamel
- A fracture that exposes the dentin or pulp
- A complete break or loss of part of the tooth
If you’re in pain, bleeding, or notice sharp edges, these are signs that dental treatment is needed as soon as possible.
- Rinse Your Mouth
Right after the tooth breaks, rinse your mouth gently with warm water. This helps remove any fragments and reduce the risk of infection.
- Stop the Bleeding
If the break caused bleeding, apply gentle pressure to the area using a clean cloth or gauze. Hold it in place until the bleeding stops.
- Save the Broken Piece (if possible)
If a part of the tooth has broken off, rinse it with water and store it in a clean container. You can place it in milk or saline solution to keep it moist. A dentist may be able to bond it back to the tooth.
- Protect the Tooth
If the broken tooth has a sharp edge, cover it with dental wax, sugarless chewing gum, or a piece of gauze to prevent it from cutting your tongue or cheek.
Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth and stick to soft foods until you see a dentist.
- Take Over-the-Counter Pain Relief
If you feel pain or sensitivity, you can take paracetamol or ibuprofen to ease discomfort. Avoid very hot or cold drinks, as the broken tooth may react to temperature.
- See a Dentist Immediately
A dentist will evaluate the extent of the damage and choose the best treatment, which could include:
- Dental Bonding: For small chips or cracks, the dentist uses tooth-colored resin to reshape the tooth.
- Dental Crown: For larger breaks, a crown can cover and protect the remaining part of the tooth.
- Root Canal: If the pulp inside the tooth is exposed or infected, a root canal may be needed before placing a crown.
- Tooth Extraction: In severe cases where the tooth cannot be saved, it may need to be removed and replaced with an implant or bridge.