What to Do If You Break a Tooth: Emergency Steps Before You See the Dentist

A broken tooth can happen in a second. A hard bite, a fall, a sports injury, or even nighttime grinding can suddenly leave you with pain, a sharp edge, or a frightening crack.

In that moment, it is easy to panic. But what you do in the first few minutes can make a major difference in how your tooth is treated and whether it can be saved.

At Silver State Smiles, we treat broken tooth emergencies every week. Here are the essential steps to take before you see a dentist to protect your tooth, reduce pain, and prevent further damage.

Step 1: Stay Calm and Check the Damage

The first step in any broken tooth emergency is to stay calm and assess the situation.

Gently check your mouth with your tongue to see if you feel a sharp edge, a missing piece, or a full break. Look in the mirror or take a quick photo to identify where the tooth is broken. Note whether it is a front tooth, a molar, or a tooth that already had a filling or crown.

Do not poke or press hard on the tooth, and avoid chewing on that side. Even if there is little pain at first, a broken tooth is still considered a dental emergency and should be examined as soon as possible.

Step 2: Rinse Your Mouth Carefully

Once you understand the damage, gently clean the area.

Rinse your mouth with lukewarm water to remove small fragments or food debris. Avoid very hot or cold water, which can increase sensitivity. Do not scrub the tooth or gums.

This helps reduce irritation and allows you to see the break more clearly.

Step 3: Save Any Broken Pieces if Possible

If part of your tooth has broken off, try to locate it.

Handle the fragment carefully and avoid touching the inner surface. Rinse it gently with clean water without scrubbing or using soap. Place it in a small container with milk or saline solution, or keep it moist in a clean, damp cloth.

In some cases, your dentist may be able to reattach the piece or use it as part of the repair. Bringing it with you gives your dentist more options.

Step 4: Control Bleeding if Present

If there is bleeding around the broken tooth, apply gentle pressure.

Bite down on a clean gauze pad or soft cloth for 10 to 15 minutes until bleeding slows. If bleeding is heavy or does not stop with steady pressure, seek urgent dental care immediately.

Step 5: Protect Sharp Edges and Sensitive Areas

A broken tooth can leave jagged edges that irritate your tongue or cheeks, and exposed tooth layers can be very sensitive.

Until you see the dentist, cover sharp edges with dental wax if available. If you do not have wax, a small piece of sugar free gum can be used temporarily. Avoid chewing on the broken tooth and stick to soft foods on the opposite side if you must eat.

These steps help prevent further injury and discomfort.

Step 6: Manage Pain and Swelling Safely

Some broken teeth cause immediate pain, while others become painful as the nerve is exposed.

You may take an over the counter pain reliever that is safe for you, following the instructions carefully. Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek near the affected area for 10 to 15 minutes at a time to reduce swelling.

Do not place aspirin directly on the tooth or gums, as this can cause irritation.

Step 7: Call Your Emergency Dentist Right Away

A broken tooth almost always requires prompt professional care.

Contact Silver State Smiles as soon as possible and explain what happened. Let the team know which tooth is affected, how the injury occurred, and whether you are experiencing severe pain or swelling.

Early treatment improves the chances of saving the tooth and avoiding infection or more extensive procedures.

How Broken Teeth Are Treated at Silver State Smiles

When you arrive, your dentist will examine the tooth, take X rays if needed, and recommend treatment based on the severity of the damage.

Treatment may include smoothing and bonding for small chips, tooth colored fillings, dental crowns, root canal therapy if the nerve is affected, or in severe cases, extraction and tooth replacement options such as implants or bridges.

The goal is always to save your natural tooth whenever possible while restoring comfort and function.

When a Broken Tooth Is a True Emergency

Seek same day emergency care if you experience severe pain, heavy bleeding, facial swelling, a tooth broken down to the gumline, or a tooth that feels loose.

Delaying care can lead to infection, increased pain, and more complex treatment.

Preventing Future Broken Tooth Emergencies

You can reduce the risk of broken teeth by avoiding chewing ice or very hard foods, wearing a mouthguard during sports or if you grind your teeth, and keeping up with regular dental visits.

Preventive care helps identify weak teeth or failing restorations before they become emergencies.

Silver State Smiles Is Here for Your Dental Emergencies

A broken tooth can be frightening, but taking the right steps and getting prompt care can make all the difference.

If you have experienced a broken tooth, contact Silver State Smiles right away. Our experienced team offers emergency dental care and will help you protect your smile and get back to comfort as quickly as possible.