How to Handle a Broken Tooth

Whether it’s a result of a sporting injury or from sheer accident — breaking a tooth can be a frightening experience. The important thing to remember is to act fast and speak to your dentist as soon as possible. Here are some tips to keep in mind as you prepare for your appointment.

What Happens When a Tooth Breaks?

As with many other dental conditions, a broken tooth can range from minor chips in your enamel to more severe cases where a patient may be missing part of their tooth altogether. If your oral injury results in loss of enamel, this should cause minimal to no pain in your tooth.

However, if you break a piece of your tooth off, and the inner part of your tooth is exposed (your dentin and pulp), you may feel moderate to severe discomfort. If left untreated, bacteria can enter your tooth and cause pain and infection. No matter the size of your chip or break, it’s important to visit your dentist as soon as possible so they can properly treat it.

Preparing For Your Dentist’s Appointment

If you see dentin (yellow in color) or pulp (red in color) in or on your tooth, you will want to see your doctor the same day, if possible. In contrast to a routine visit, you’ll want to take the following steps before your emergency dental appointment:

Rinse your broken tooth with warm water to ensure there’s no debris on it.
Take the broken pieces of your tooth in a dry container to your dentist.
Use a cold compress if your tooth is sensitive or your gums feel swollen.

Emergency Dentist in Frisco TX

Even for those who maintain a hygiene routine at home and come in for regular dental checkups, dental emergencies can happen. It can sometimes be impossible to avoid blunt trauma to your teeth, chips or breaks from certain foods, or even an unexpected and excruciating toothache.

At Frisco's Dentists, we’re here for you when you need us to help you through an oral emergency. To book an appointment, give us a call at (972) 200-0656 or contact us online.