My Tooth Broke and is in Pain – Now What?
A Guide to Immediate Relief and Treatment Options
A broken tooth can be a painful and alarming experience, whether it happens while biting into something hard, due to an accident, or from underlying dental issues. If you’ve found yourself in this situation, you might be wondering: What should I do now? How can I relieve the pain? Do I need to see a dentist immediately?
At Sweet Water Dentistry, we understand how distressing a broken tooth can be. In this guide, we’ll cover the essential steps you should take, pain management tips, and treatment options to restore your smile.
What Causes a Tooth to Break?
A tooth can break for various reasons, including:
- Biting into hard foods (ice, hard candy, bones, etc.)
- Cavities or tooth decay weakening the enamel
- Teeth grinding (bruxism) causing stress fractures over time
- Old fillings or dental work that weaken the tooth structure
- Accidents or trauma (falls, sports injuries, or car accidents)
- Temperature changes (hot food followed by ice-cold drinks can cause cracks)
No matter the cause, the pain from a broken tooth can be intense, and quick action is necessary.
What to Do Immediately After a Tooth Breaks
If your tooth has broken, follow these steps to protect it and prevent further damage:
1. Rinse Your Mouth
Gently rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area. This helps remove any debris and prevents infection. Avoid using hot or cold water, as your exposed nerves may be extra sensitive.
2. Stop Any Bleeding
If your gum or the broken tooth is bleeding, apply gentle pressure with a clean gauze or cloth. A cold compress on the cheek can also help reduce swelling and slow bleeding.
3. Manage the Pain
Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help control discomfort. Avoid aspirin if you’re bleeding, as it can thin the blood and prolong bleeding.
4. Protect the Tooth
If possible, save any broken pieces and bring them to your dentist. If the break has left a sharp edge, cover it with sugar-free gum, dental wax, or a piece of gauze to prevent cuts inside your mouth.
5. Avoid Certain Foods and Drinks
Stay away from very hot, cold, or sugary foods, as they can aggravate nerve pain. Avoid chewing on the broken tooth until you see a dentist.
6. Call Your Dentist Immediately
A broken tooth is a dental emergency. Even if it doesn’t hurt much, bacteria can enter the exposed area and cause infection. Call Sweet Water Dentistry right away to schedule an emergency appointment.
Types of Tooth Breaks and Their Treatments
The severity of the break determines the best course of treatment. Here are common types of broken teeth and what your dentist might recommend:
1. Minor Chips or Cracks
- Symptoms: No pain or mild discomfort, rough edges
- Treatment: A dentist may smooth the edges, apply dental bonding, or use a veneer to restore the appearance.
2. Broken or Fractured Cusp (the pointed part of the tooth)
- Symptoms: Mild to moderate pain when chewing
- Treatment: A dental crown is often recommended to strengthen and protect the tooth.
3. Serious Cracks That Reach the Nerve
- Symptoms: Sharp pain, sensitivity to hot and cold, swelling
- Treatment: Depending on the crack’s depth, a root canal may be required, followed by a crown. If the crack is too severe, extraction may be necessary.
4. Split Tooth
- Symptoms: Pain, discomfort when chewing, visible separation in the tooth
- Treatment: A root canal and crown might save part of the tooth, but in many cases, extraction is required.
5. Broken Tooth with Nerve Exposure
- Symptoms: Extreme sensitivity, throbbing pain
- Treatment: Immediate dental care is needed. Your dentist may perform a root canal to remove damaged tissue and prevent infection.
What Happens If You Don’t Treat a Broken Tooth?
Ignoring a broken tooth can lead to:
- Severe infections that can spread to the jaw and other parts of the body
- Increased pain and sensitivity as the tooth deteriorates
- Difficulty eating and further dental damage
- Costlier treatments in the future, like extractions and implants
The sooner you seek professional care, the better your chances of saving your tooth and avoiding complications.
How to Prevent Future Tooth Breaks
While accidents happen, there are ways to protect your teeth from breaking:
- Avoid chewing hard objects like ice, popcorn kernels, and hard candy
- Wear a mouthguard if you grind your teeth at night or play contact sports
- Maintain good oral hygiene to keep enamel strong and prevent decay
- See your dentist regularly for checkups and early detection of weak spots
- Get dental work replaced when needed to avoid weakened teeth from old fillings or crowns
When to See a Dentist Immediately
Call your dentist ASAP if you experience:
- Severe pain or swelling
- A large or deep break exposing the nerve
- Bleeding that won’t stop
- Signs of infection (pus, bad taste, fever, or swollen lymph nodes)
Sweet Water Dentistry is here to help! We offer same-day emergency appointments to relieve pain and restore your smile quickly.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait—Take Action!
A broken tooth is not just a cosmetic issue—it can lead to serious pain and complications if left untreated. Acting quickly can save your tooth and prevent further damage. At Sweet Water Dentistry, we provide gentle, expert care to get you out of pain and back to smiling.
If you’ve broken a tooth, call or text us today to schedule an emergency visit! Your dental health is our top priority.
Call or Text to schedule an Emergency Appointment with us!
We understand how frustrating and painful a broken tooth can be. Our team at Sweet Water Dentistry is here to help relieve your discomfort and restore your smile. Let us know how we can make your experience as comfortable as possible.
Visit us for expert care:
Sweet Water Dentistry
📍 5915 Sweetwater Cir, Fairhope, AL 36532
🌐 sweetwatersmile.com
📞 Call or Text: (251) 210-2773
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates and special offers!