Broken tooth: we explain what to do

Oral health

Broken tooth: we explain what to do

Broken tooth?

We explain what to do Tips to protect your oral health during the summer A broken tooth can be a very unpleasant experience, whether due to an accident, a fall, or even from biting something hard.

In either case, the most important thing is to act quickly to minimize damage and ensure that treatment is as effective as possible.

Below, we offer you a practical guide on how to act if you ever find yourself in this situation, and which treatments are most suitable to repair a broken tooth.

What should you do immediately after breaking a tooth?

It is important to start by staying calm, although it may be alarming to see a broken tooth, it will be very helpful to act quickly and effectively.

If you find the tooth fragment, try to preserve it and clean it with cold water to remove any dirt.

It is important not to touch it too much, especially around the root area, to avoid contaminating it.

Then, rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the affected area and, if possible, place a cold compress on the outside of your face where the fracture occurred.

This will help reduce inflammation and pain.

If the tooth has completely fallen out of place (avulsion), store the tooth in a container with milk or saline and go to a dental clinic as soon as possible.

The faster you act, the greater the chance of saving the tooth.

Treatments available to restore a broken tooth Treatment of a broken tooth depends on the type and severity of the fracture.

If it is a cracked tooth, where only a small part of the enamel has come off, we can polish the affected area to smooth the edges and apply a desensitizing gel to relieve any discomfort.

In the case of a partial fracture, where a larger fragment of the tooth has been lost, treatment could include aesthetic reconstruction with composite, a material that mimics the natural color of the tooth.

If the fracture has reached the dental pulp, where the nerves are located, root canal treatment may be necessary before reconstruction to prevent infection and relieve pain.

For more serious fractures, where a large part of the tooth has been lost, we will evaluate whether it is possible to reimplant the broken fragment.

If this is not feasible, the placement of a dental crown may be considered to restore the functionality and aesthetics of the tooth.

At Clínica Cervera, we understand that a broken tooth can be a dental emergency that generates pain and anxiety.

Acting quickly and seeking professional care is essential to have a better chance of recovery and minimize complications.

If you ever find yourself in a situation like this, follow the steps indicated and do not hesitate to contact us to receive the necessary attention.