What to Do If You Crack or Break a Tooth

A cracked or broken tooth can happen in an instant, and not many people know what to do. Whether it's from a fall, biting down on something hard, or a dental injury, acting quickly is key. 

 Unfortunately, issues like untreated fractured teeth can lead to infection, severe tooth pain, and even tooth loss. If you're dealing with a broken tooth emergency in Wilmington, NC, our team at Cape Fear Endodontics is here to help. Call us right away and meet with a cracked tooth dentist. 

What causes a cracked or broken tooth? 

Your teeth are incredibly strong, but they can still break. Common causes of a fractured tooth include biting down on something hard, a fall or blow to the face, long-term grinding or clenching, and large fillings that weaken the tooth. 

Traumatic dental injuries from sports or accidents often cause more severe breaks. On the other hand, grinding usually leads to cracks that develop slowly. These might not be noticeable until they cause significant pain or sensitivity. If you experience any of these issues, it's crucial to see a cracked tooth dentist for an emergency dental appointment right away. 

Caring for your injured tooth at home 

If you crack or break a tooth, it's important to stay calm and act quickly to give your tooth the best chance of recovery. Here’s what you should do:  

• Rinse your mouth with warm water: This gently cleans the area without causing more irritation. 
• Apply a cold compress: If there was an impact, place a cold pack on the outside of your face to reduce swelling. 
• Save any broken pieces: If you can find the broken parts of the tooth, keep them moist in a small container of milk or saliva. 
• Avoid chewing on the injured side: Stay away from very hot, cold, or sugary foods and drinks, as they can cause pain. 
• Take over-the-counter pain relief: This can help manage the pain, but do not place aspirin directly on the gums or tooth. 
• Call our office right away: Get emergency dental care as soon as possible, even if the break seems minor. 

A broken tooth emergency does not always look dramatic from the outside. Even a small crack can expose the pulp to bacteria and lead to infection if it goes untreated. 

How we treat a cracked or broken tooth 

At Cape Fear Endodontics in Wilmington, NC, our team specializes in diagnosing and treating fractured teeth, including cases where the damage extends into the root or pulp of the tooth. We begin with an evaluation to understand the full extent of the injury before recommending a treatment plan. 

Traumatic dental injuries that have reached the inner pulp often require a root canal to remove the damaged tissue, get rid of infection, and preserve the tooth. Severe tooth pain, sensitivity to temperature, or pain when biting are all signs that the pulp may be involved and that prompt treatment is needed. Our goal in every case is to save the natural tooth and restore full function with as little disruption as possible. 

Book your emergency dental appointment 

A cracked or broken tooth is not something to wait on. The sooner you are seen, the more options we have to work with. At Cape Fear Endodontics in Wilmington, NC, our team handles everything from minor fractures to complex traumatic dental injuries with the skill and urgency the situation calls for. 

If you are dealing with severe tooth pain, fractured teeth, or a broken tooth emergency, call and let us help you get back to normal as quickly as possible. Our cracked tooth dentist is here to help.