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How to fix a broken tooth at home?

Published in Dental Emergencies 4 mins read

You cannot truly fix a broken tooth at home. A chipped, cracked, or broken tooth is a serious dental emergency that requires immediate professional attention from a dentist. Attempting to repair it yourself can lead to further damage, infection, and more complex problems down the line.

Why You Can't Fix a Broken Tooth at Home

The structure of a tooth is complex, involving enamel, dentin, and pulp (containing nerves and blood vessels). When a tooth breaks, any of these layers can be exposed, making it vulnerable to bacteria and further trauma. Dental professionals have the necessary tools, materials, and expertise to assess the damage, prevent infection, and restore the tooth's function and appearance safely and effectively. According to dental experts, if you have a chipped, cracked, or broken tooth, you need to see a dentist right away.

Immediate Steps to Take After Breaking a Tooth (First Aid)

While you cannot fix a broken tooth at home, there are crucial temporary steps you can take to manage the situation, alleviate pain, and prevent further harm until you can see a dentist right away.

What To Do:

  • Rinse Your Mouth: Immediately rinse your mouth thoroughly with warm water to clean the area and remove any small fragments of the tooth.
  • Control Bleeding: If there's bleeding, apply gentle pressure with a piece of sterile gauze for about 10 minutes or until the bleeding stops.
  • Apply a Cold Compress: To reduce swelling and pain, apply a cold compress or ice pack to the outside of your cheek or lip, near the affected area.
  • Manage Pain: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help manage discomfort.
  • Save Tooth Fragments: If you can, collect any pieces of the broken tooth. Place them in a container of milk or saliva. In some cases, your dentist might be able to bond them back.
  • Cover Sharp Edges: If the broken tooth has a sharp edge that's irritating your tongue or cheek, you can cover it with a piece of sugar-free chewing gum or dental wax (available in most pharmacies) to prevent cuts.
  • Avoid Chewing: Try to avoid chewing on the side of your mouth where the broken tooth is located to prevent further damage or irritation.

What NOT To Do:

  • Don't Try to Reattach the Tooth Yourself: Using household adhesives like super glue is dangerous and ineffective. They are toxic and can cause severe damage to your mouth and tooth.
  • Don't Ignore the Problem: A broken tooth, even if it doesn't cause immediate pain, can lead to serious complications such as infection, abscess, or further breakage if left untreated.
  • Don't Delay Seeking Professional Help: Time is often a critical factor in saving a damaged tooth and preventing more extensive treatment.

When to See a Dentist

You should contact your dentist or an emergency dental clinic as soon as possible after breaking a tooth, regardless of how minor the chip or crack appears. Prompt professional care can prevent worsening conditions and preserve the tooth.

Types of Dental Treatment for Broken Teeth

A dentist will assess the extent of the damage and recommend the most appropriate treatment, which may include:

  • Dental Bonding: For minor chips, a tooth-colored composite resin can be bonded to the tooth.
  • Dental Crown: For more significant breaks, a custom-made cap (crown) may be placed over the remaining tooth structure.
  • Dental Veneer: If the front tooth is chipped, a custom-made thin shell (veneer) can cover the front surface.
  • Root Canal Therapy: If the pulp is exposed or infected, a root canal may be necessary to remove the damaged pulp before restoring the tooth.
  • Tooth Extraction: In severe cases where the tooth cannot be saved, extraction may be required, followed by options like a dental implant or bridge.

Summary of Do's and Don'ts

Here's a quick overview of what to do and what to avoid:

Do's Don'ts
Rinse mouth with warm water Don't ignore the problem
Apply cold compress for swelling Don't try to reattach the tooth yourself
Take over-the-counter pain relievers Don't use household adhesives
Save any broken tooth fragments Don't chew on the affected side
See a dentist immediately Don't delay seeking professional help

[[Dental Emergency Management]]