A broken tooth: what to do?

First aid at home

Rinse your mouth with lukewarm water. If the area hurts, take an over-the-counter painkiller as instructed on the package. A cold pack on the cheek relieves swelling.

Avoid chewing with the broken tooth and very hot and cold food, because a broken tooth can be sensitive.

When to call us and when to go to the emergency department

Call us as soon as you can, in case of acute pain in the morning from 9 o’clock. In case of acute pain we will find you an appointment on the same or the next day.

If your cheek or neck is swollen, you have a rising fever or swallowing is difficult, do not wait for a dental appointment. Go straight to the emergency department.

How a broken tooth is treated

Treatment depends on how extensive the fracture is. A small chip can be restored with a filling. A larger fracture may require a crown. If the fracture reaches the nerve of the tooth, the dentist assesses whether the nerve can be preserved or whether root canal treatment is needed. If the tooth cannot be saved, we discuss the options for replacing it, for example an implant.