Your tooth can break from anything as simple as biting into an apple to something as traumatic as an accident. No matter how it happens, a broken tooth needs to be seen by an emergency dentist ASAP. But if you can’t get there right away or are wondering how to fix your broken tooth at home, our Anderson, IN dentists have some advice. Here are their suggestions to temporarily fix a broken tooth!

Is a Broken Tooth a Dental Emergency?

Yes, a broken tooth is most definitely an emergency dental service – especially when it’s paired with excessive bleeding or severe pain. If it’s not looked at immediately, bacteria can enter the tooth or gums and lead to infection. This may create the need for a root canal.

Temporary Fixes for a Chipped or Broken Tooth

Before we jump into it, please know that we are in no way suggesting you do any kind of dental repairs at home. Our suggestions are only temporary measures you can use until you get into the dentist. Each of these steps should be preceded with a call to your dentist.

  • If your whole tooth falls out, with the root intact, place it in a small container with milk. This will help preserve the root whereas just placing it in water will cause the root to swell and burst. Your dentist will hopefully be able to place this tooth back into your mouth.
  • If the remaining tooth has a sharp edge, you can try covering it with chewing gum, gauze, or wax.
  • If you’re experiencing a lot of pain, try taking an over-the-counter pain reliever.

What NOT to Do at Home

Do not, by any means, try any of the following on your own:

  • Grind down the edges of your tooth with sandpaper or a nail file
  • Extract your own tooth with a pliers

What Can a Dentist do For a Broken Tooth?

What your dentist can do will depend on the way your tooth broke. If it was just a chipped tooth, your dentist may opt to use a tooth-colored filling. Another option your dentist may use is called dental bonding. Bonding is an especially popular course of treatment especially if you broke or chipped a front tooth.

In extreme cases, the entire tooth will need to be extracted and replaced with a dental veneer or crown.

Looking for Professional Help Repairing a Broken Tooth?

When it comes to a broken tooth, you should never try to treat it on your own, but there are some things you can do to temporarily fix it. After scheduling an appointment with your family dentist – try storing the tooth or tooth fragment in milk, wrapping the sharp edges with gauze, and medicating with over-the-counter pain killers.

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