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What to Do If You Break a Tooth
A broken tooth can be a painful and stressful experience — whether it happens suddenly during a meal or after years of unnoticed wear. While it might be tempting to wait and see if the discomfort fades, delaying treatment can lead to more serious oral health issues, from infection to complete tooth loss.
At Corkern Family Dental in Baton Rouge, we’re committed to helping patients navigate dental emergencies with confidence and care. If you’ve just broken a tooth — or want to be prepared in case it ever happens — here’s what you need to know.
Common Causes of Broken Teeth
Tooth fractures happen more often than people think. Some of the most common causes include:
- Biting hard foods or objects (like ice or popcorn kernels)
- Sports injuries or falls
- Car accidents or facial trauma
- Existing decay or weakened enamel
- Teeth grinding or clenching
- Failed or old dental work
In many cases, broken teeth are the result of untreated conditions. Patients who skip regular dental checkups may not know they have a vulnerable tooth until it breaks under pressure.
What to Do Immediately After Breaking a Tooth
If you break a tooth, your first priority is to stay calm and act quickly:
- Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area.
- If bleeding, apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or gauze.
- Use a cold compress on the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling.
- Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth.
- Save any tooth fragments if you can — your dentist may be able to use them in the restoration.
If the pain is significant, over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can help until you’re able to be seen by a dentist. For patients in urgent situations, we offer care comparable to an emergency dentist in Baton Rouge, with quick scheduling and same-day treatment options.
Don’t Wait: Why Prompt Care Matters
A broken tooth isn’t just a cosmetic issue — it’s a structural one. Left untreated, a fractured tooth can expose the inner pulp to bacteria, leading to infection or the need for a root canal. It can also cause sharp edges that irritate your tongue, cheek, or gums.
Depending on the severity of the fracture, your dentist will evaluate your case and recommend the best solution, such as:
- Bonding for small chips
- Crowns for structural reinforcement
- Root canal therapy for deeper damage
- Tooth extractions in Baton Rouge if the tooth is beyond repair
For teeth damaged due to impaction or severe infection, we also perform wisdom teeth extractions in Baton Rouge using a gentle, safe approach.
What Treatment Options Are Available?
The treatment you receive depends on the extent of the damage and your overall oral health. Here are the most common solutions:
1. Dental Bonding
For minor chips or surface cracks, your dentist may apply a tooth-colored resin to restore shape and protect the tooth.
2. Porcelain Crowns
Moderate breaks often require a crown to cover the damaged tooth, restoring both function and aesthetics. A crown can prevent further cracking and make the tooth stronger.
3. Root Canal Therapy
If the break extends into the pulp — where nerves and blood vessels reside — you may need a root canal to remove the infected tissue and protect against future pain or infection.
4. Extraction and Replacement
Severely broken or fractured teeth sometimes require removal. In these cases, replacement options include:
- Bridges
- Partial dentures
- Dental implants in Baton Rouge
Implants are a permanent, natural-looking solution that restore both the form and function of a lost tooth.
What Happens After Treatment?
Once your tooth has been treated, your dentist will likely recommend lifestyle adjustments to prevent future damage, such as:
- Avoiding hard or sticky foods
- Wearing a custom mouthguard at night if you grind your teeth
- Scheduling routine dental checkups to monitor vulnerable teeth
- Using a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoiding abrasive toothpaste
In many cases, patients opt to address other dental concerns at the same time — such as teeth whitening in Baton Rouge or bite correction through our trusted orthodontist in Baton Rouge referral partners.
Complementary Cosmetic Touch-Ups
After repairing a broken tooth, you may be interested in improving your smile's overall appearance. At Corkern Family Dental, we offer a range of cosmetic enhancements that pair well with restorative work:
- Botox in Baton Rouge for TMJ discomfort or enhancing smile lines
- Veneers for symmetry and uniform color
- Whitening treatments to blend natural teeth with your restoration
Our goal is to not only restore your oral health but also help you love the way your smile looks and feels.
Prevention: The Best Long-Term Strategy
While accidents happen, many broken teeth are preventable with the right approach to oral care. Here’s how to reduce your risk:
- See your dentist regularly — this helps catch weak spots or fractures early.
- Wear a mouthguard if you play sports or grind your teeth.
- Avoid chewing ice, pens, or hard candy.
- Address minor cracks before they become major problems.
- Replace aging restorations like old fillings or crowns before they fail.
Our office in Baton Rouge is dedicated to helping you prevent emergencies before they happen. If you’ve had wisdom teeth extractions, orthodontic work, or cosmetic restorations, we’ll tailor your care plan to protect your investment.
Final Thoughts
A broken tooth is never convenient — but with fast, skilled care, it doesn’t have to disrupt your life. At Corkern Family Dental, we’re here to provide reliable, compassionate treatment to restore your smile quickly and comfortably.
Whether you’re dealing with a recent fracture, need a long-term fix, or want to explore cosmetic enhancements, our Baton Rouge dental team has the tools and experience to help.
Call us today to schedule your appointment or to learn more about what to do when dental emergencies happen.