A broken tooth can be painful and alarming, but knowing what to do in the moment can make all the difference. Whether it’s caused by an accident, a hard bite, or underlying dental issues, prompt action can help prevent further damage and increase the chances of saving the tooth. Here’s what you need to know about handling a dental emergency and when to seek help from an emergency dentist in Fremantle.
Step 1: Stay calm and assess the damage
Breaking a tooth can be distressing, but staying calm will help you take the right steps quickly. First, assess the damage:
- Minor chip or crack: If there’s only a small chip and no pain, you may not need immediate treatment but should still see a dentist soon.
- Moderate break: A larger piece of the tooth has broken off, and you may experience sensitivity to hot or cold.
- Severe break or fracture: If the break exposes the inner layers of the tooth, causing pain or bleeding, immediate care is essential.
- Knocked-out tooth: If the entire tooth has been dislodged, urgent dental care is required.
Prompt dental intervention for broken or knocked-out teeth improves the likelihood of successful restoration.
Step 2: Save any broken pieces
If you can find the broken piece of your tooth, it’s important to handle it with care. Rinse it gently with clean water, avoiding any scrubbing, and keep it moist by placing it in a small container filled with milk or saliva. Bringing it to your dentist as soon as possible increases the chances of successful reattachment.
Step 3: Rinse your mouth and control bleeding
Once you’ve assessed the damage and saved any broken pieces, it’s important to clean the affected area to prevent infection. Even minor fractures can expose the inner layers of the tooth, making it vulnerable to bacteria. Taking the right steps can minimise discomfort and reduce the risk of complications.
- Rinse your mouth gently with warm salt water to clean the area and reduce bacteria.
- If there is bleeding, apply gentle pressure with a clean gauze pad or a soft cloth.
- Use a cold compress on the cheek or lip near the affected area to minimise swelling.
Step 4: Manage pain and sensitivity
Pain and sensitivity can occur after breaking a tooth, especially if the nerves are exposed. Here’s how to manage discomfort while waiting to see an emergency dentist in Fremantle:
- Take over-the-counter pain relief such as ibuprofen or paracetamol.
- Avoid eating or drinking anything extremely hot, cold, or sugary.
- Use a temporary dental filling material (available at pharmacies) to cover sharp edges and protect the tooth.
Step 5: Seek professional dental care immediately
Even if a broken tooth doesn’t hurt, it’s essential to see a dentist as soon as possible. Delaying treatment can lead to complications such as infections, worsening fractures, or even tooth loss. An emergency dentist in Fremantle can assess the damage and provide the appropriate treatment, which may include:
- Dental bonding: A tooth-coloured resin can be used to repair small chips.
- Dental crowns: A custom-made cap can protect and restore a severely damaged tooth.
- Root canal treatment: If the break exposes the inner pulp, a root canal may be necessary to prevent infection.
- Tooth extraction: In extreme cases, removal may be the best option, followed by a dental implant or bridge.
What to do if a tooth is completely knocked out
A knocked-out tooth requires immediate action to increase the chances of saving it. Here’s what to do:
- Handle the tooth carefully: Pick it up by the crown (top), avoiding contact with the root.
- Rinse gently: If dirty, rinse with water, but do not scrub or remove tissue fragments.
- Try to reinsert it: If the tooth is clean and undamaged, try gently placing it back into its socket, ensuring it is facing the right way. Bite down gently on a clean cloth or gauze to hold it in place until you reach a dentist.
- Keep it moist: If reinsertion isn’t possible, store the tooth in milk, saliva, or a tooth-preservation solution.
- Seek dental care immediately: A tooth has the best chance of being saved if treated within 30 to 60 minutes.
Preventing dental injuries
While accidents happen, some precautions can reduce the risk of breaking a tooth:
- Wear a mouthguard when playing sports.
- Avoid chewing on hard foods like ice, popcorn kernels, or hard lollies.
- Don’t use teeth to open packages or bottles.
- Visit your dentist regularly to detect and address weak or decayed teeth before they break.
We recommend custom-fitted mouthguards for sports to prevent dental injuries.
Experiencing a dental emergency in Fremantle? We’re here to help.
If you or a family member experiences a broken tooth, don’t wait—prompt treatment is crucial. Fremantle Dental Care offers expert emergency dental services to relieve pain and restore your smile.
In pain? Don’t wait. Contact us today to book an emergency dental appointment for fast relief and expert care.
