What to Do If You Break a Tooth

A broken tooth is something no one expects — but knowing how to respond can make a huge difference in the outcome. Whether it’s a result of an accidental fall, biting into something hard, or a weakened tooth finally giving way, dental emergencies can be stressful and painful.

At Charles Ashley Mann and Associates in Cary, NC, we specialize in helping patients navigate urgent situations with calm, clarity, and effective treatment. As a team known for serving families and individuals with both cosmetic and restorative care, we’ve created this in-depth guide to walk you through what to do if you break a tooth — and how to get your smile back on track.

Step 1: Stay Calm and Rinse

When a tooth breaks, the initial reaction is often panic — but staying calm allows you to act quickly and prevent further damage.

• Rinse your mouth gently with warm water to remove blood, debris, or particles.
• Use gauze or a clean cloth to apply pressure if there’s bleeding.
• Apply a cold compress on your cheek to reduce swelling and minimize pain.
• Retrieve any tooth fragments and store them in milk or a saline solution.

For children, it’s important to remain especially calm and reassuring. As a practice experienced in pediatric and family dentistry in Cary, we’re always prepared to help younger patients feel safe and supported.

Step 2: Call Your Dentist Immediately

Time matters. A quick call to our Cary office allows us to evaluate the urgency and schedule an emergency appointment. Even minor breaks can expose your tooth to bacteria and infection, so it’s best to have it examined as soon as possible.

We offer same-day emergency care whenever possible. Our compassionate team, including providers trained in gentle sedation techniques, ensures that your visit is as comfortable as possible — even in urgent scenarios.

Step 3: Avoid Further Damage Before Your Appointment

While waiting to be seen:

• Avoid eating on the side of the mouth with the broken tooth
• Choose soft, lukewarm foods like yogurt or scrambled eggs
• Avoid hot or cold drinks if your tooth is sensitive
• Cover any jagged edges with orthodontic wax if available

These steps help reduce discomfort and lower the risk of worsening the injury before we can provide definitive treatment.

Step 4: Treatment Options for a Broken Tooth

The right treatment depends on the type and severity of the break. During your appointment, we’ll examine the tooth, take digital X-rays, and discuss a personalized solution that restores both function and aesthetics.

Common treatments include:

1. Dental Bonding
Best for small chips or cracks, bonding uses tooth-colored resin to rebuild shape and structure. This can often be done in a single visit.

2. Porcelain Veneers
For front teeth with cosmetic damage, veneers provide a beautiful, durable covering that blends seamlessly with your smile.

3. Dental Crowns
If a significant portion of the tooth is damaged, a crown may be needed to protect and restore it. We offer strong, aesthetic crowns that match your natural teeth.

4. Root Canal Therapy
If the nerve is exposed, a root canal may be necessary to remove infected tissue and preserve the tooth.

5. Extraction and Replacement
If the tooth is beyond repair, we’ll discuss replacement options such as implants or bridges, ensuring your smile remains complete and functional.

Step 5: Preventing Future Incidents

Once your tooth is repaired, it’s important to understand what caused the break and how to prevent it from happening again.

Common causes include:

• Biting down on hard objects like ice or popcorn kernels
• Teeth grinding or clenching
• Sports-related trauma
• Existing decay or wear that weakens the tooth structure

How to prevent another break:

• Use a nightguard if you clench or grind your teeth
• Wear a mouthguard during contact sports
• Avoid using your teeth to open packaging
• Schedule regular checkups to catch weaknesses early

As a leading provider of cosmetic and restorative dental care in Cary, we help patients identify risk factors and build habits that keep their teeth strong for the future.

Caring for a Child with a Broken Tooth

If your child breaks a baby or permanent tooth, it’s important to act quickly but gently. Even baby teeth have a crucial role in guiding permanent teeth and supporting speech and chewing development.

At our Cary office, we provide kid-friendly emergency care and can determine whether the tooth needs to be restored or gently removed. Our team is skilled at making these visits smooth and reassuring for both kids and parents.

Managing Pain and Sensitivity

Not all broken teeth hurt — but when they do, pain could signal more serious underlying issues such as:

• A damaged or exposed nerve
• Cracks extending below the gumline
• Infection beginning inside the tooth

If you’re experiencing throbbing pain, lingering sensitivity, or gum swelling, it’s critical to be seen as soon as possible. Our Cary team is here to treat discomfort and prevent further complications.

We also offer sedation options for patients who feel anxious about dental visits, ensuring a calm and positive experience.

Cosmetic Repairs: Restoring Your Smile’s Appearance

Many patients come to us not just because their tooth is broken — but because it’s affecting their appearance. We understand how important it is to feel confident in your smile. That’s why we offer aesthetic solutions that restore your smile’s look and feel.

Our cosmetic options include:

• Matching bonding to natural tooth color
• Placing new veneers or crowns that blend flawlessly
• Including a whitening treatment as part of your post-repair plan

Whether you’ve chipped a front tooth or suffered more extensive damage, we’ll create a result that feels natural and looks beautiful.

The Role of Routine Care in Prevention

Keeping up with regular dental visits is one of the best ways to avoid unexpected issues like broken teeth. During cleanings and exams, we monitor your oral health for:

• Hidden fractures or wear
• Weakened fillings or restorations
• Bite issues that increase fracture risk

Our goal is to catch these early and reinforce weak spots before they become emergencies.

Your Partner in Long-Term Dental Wellness

At Charles Ashley Mann and Associates in Cary, NC, we view emergency dental care as part of a broader commitment to your lifelong oral health. Whether you’re a new patient or a returning one, we treat each emergency with the same level of thorough, personalized care.

From minor chips to major fractures, our dental team provides advanced, family-centered solutions that keep your smile whole, healthy, and confident.

Have you broken a tooth? Call our Cary office right away — we’re here to help you recover quickly and beautifully. Same-day appointments may be available.