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If You Break or Chip a Tooth Over the Weekend
Breaking a tooth can be stressful, but not all broken teeth require immediate emergency care. What to do next depends on how much of the tooth is broken and whether you’re in pain.
What to Do Right Away
- Rinse your mouth gently
Use warm water to rinse away any debris and keep the area clean.
- Save any broken pieces if you can
If you find part of the tooth, rinse it gently and store it in a clean container. While it can’t always be reattached, it can still be helpful for evaluation.
- Avoid chewing on that tooth
Try to chew on the opposite side of your mouth and avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods.
- Protect sharp edges
If the broken tooth feels sharp or is irritating your tongue or cheek, you may place a small amount of orthodontic wax (available at most pharmacies) over the area as a temporary measure.
- Manage discomfort if needed
Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be used as directed, unless you’ve been told otherwise by your physician. Avoid placing aspirin directly on the tooth or gums.
When Is This an Emergency?
If you have:
- Severe pain
- Swelling of the gums or face
- Bleeding that doesn’t stop
- Sensitivity so severe you can’t eat or sleep
- A break that exposes the inner part of the tooth (often painful or pink/red in appearance)
Please call our on-call doctor here. These symptoms may indicate the tooth or nerve is at risk and should be evaluated promptly.
What We’ll Do When You Come In
When you’re seen in our office, we’ll assess:
- The extent of the fracture
- Whether the nerve is involved
- The best treatment option, which may include smoothing the tooth, a filling, a crown, or in some cases root canal treatment
Early evaluation helps prevent further damage or infection.
Need Help Over the Weekend?
If you’re unsure whether your broken tooth needs urgent care, please leave us a message using our after-hours contact information. We can help you decide on next steps and schedule you as soon as possible.
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