Broken Tooth? Here Is What to Do
A broken or cracked tooth can happen suddenly — biting down on something hard, a sports injury, a fall, or even weakened tooth structure giving way. It can be alarming, but knowing what to do in the moment and when to seek dental care can make a significant difference in the outcome.
At Shine Dental in Newington, we provide emergency dental care and do everything we can to accommodate urgent cases promptly.
Immediate Steps After Breaking a Tooth
If you have just broken a tooth, follow these steps:
1. Stay Calm While it can be distressing, most dental injuries can be effectively treated when addressed promptly.
2. Rinse Your Mouth Gently rinse with warm water to clean the area. Do not use very hot or cold water, as the exposed tooth may be sensitive.
3. Stop Any Bleeding If there is bleeding, apply gentle pressure with a clean piece of gauze or a damp tea bag. Hold for 10-15 minutes.
4. Save Any Fragments If you can find broken pieces of the tooth, save them in a clean container with milk or saliva. In some cases, these fragments can be reattached.
5. Manage Pain and Swelling - Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek (20 minutes on, 20 minutes off) - Take over-the-counter pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen as directed - Avoid aspirin on the gum, as it can burn the tissue
6. Protect the Tooth If there is a sharp edge irritating your tongue or cheek, cover it with sugar-free chewing gum or dental wax (available at pharmacies) as a temporary measure.
7. Contact Your Dentist Call Shine Dental as soon as possible at (02) 9748 4822. We will assess the urgency and arrange the earliest available appointment.
Types of Tooth Damage
Not all breaks are the same. The treatment depends on the type and severity of the damage:
Minor Chips Small chips that do not affect the tooth's structure may be smoothed or repaired with dental bonding. These are usually not urgent but should be assessed at your next appointment.
Cracked Tooth A crack that extends into the tooth but does not cause a piece to separate. This may cause pain when biting and sensitivity to temperature. Treatment may include bonding, a crown, or root canal treatment if the crack reaches the pulp.
Broken Cusp A piece of the tooth's chewing surface breaks off. This often does not affect the pulp and can be repaired with a filling or crown.
Serious Breaks When a significant portion of the tooth breaks away, exposing the pulp, urgent treatment is needed. This typically involves root canal treatment followed by a crown.
Split Tooth A tooth that has split vertically into separate segments. Depending on the extent of the split, the tooth may be saved with a crown or may require extraction.
Knocked-Out Tooth A tooth that has been completely knocked out (avulsed) is a dental emergency. Handle the tooth by the crown (not the root), gently rinse it if dirty, and try to place it back in the socket. If that is not possible, store it in milk and get to a dentist within 30 minutes for the greatest chance of saving it.
Treatment Options at Shine Dental
Dr. Jin-Ho Cho will assess your broken tooth with a clinical examination and X-rays to determine the extent of the damage. Based on the findings, treatment may include:
- Dental bonding — composite resin applied to repair minor chips
- Porcelain veneers — for front teeth with cosmetic damage
- Dental crowns — covering and protecting a weakened or significantly damaged tooth
- Root canal treatment — when the break has reached the nerve
- Extraction and replacement — when the tooth cannot be saved, options include dental implants or dental bridges
Preventing Broken Teeth
While accidents happen, you can reduce your risk:
- Wear a mouthguard during sports
- Avoid chewing ice, hard sweets, and non-food objects
- Address teeth grinding (bruxism) with a night guard
- Maintain regular dental check-ups to catch weakened teeth early
- Avoid using your teeth as tools (opening packages, etc.)
Clinic Hours
- Monday to Wednesday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
- Friday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Saturday and Sunday: Closed
For dental emergencies outside these hours, call (02) 9748 4822 and follow the instructions on our voicemail for after-hours guidance.
We serve patients from Newington, Wentworth Point, Auburn, Sydney Olympic Park, Lidcombe, Homebush, Silverwater, Rhodes, Concord, and Strathfield.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I go to the emergency room for a broken tooth?
If you have significant facial trauma, uncontrollable bleeding, or suspect a jaw fracture, go to the emergency room. For an isolated broken tooth, a dental clinic like Shine Dental can provide more targeted treatment.
How much does it cost to fix a broken tooth?
Costs vary depending on the type of damage and treatment required. Dr. Cho will provide a clear cost estimate after assessing your tooth.
Can a broken tooth heal on its own?
No. Unlike bone, tooth enamel cannot regenerate. A broken tooth requires professional dental treatment to prevent further damage or infection.
How quickly should I see a dentist after breaking a tooth?
As soon as possible. For serious breaks or knocked-out teeth, seek care within a few hours. For minor chips, schedule an appointment within a few days.
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Dental emergency? Call Shine Dental immediately at (02) 9748 4822 or visit our contact page. We will get you seen as quickly as we can.