First Things First: Assess the Damage
Not all broken teeth are the same, and the severity of the break determines how urgently you need care.
A small chip off the edge of a tooth with no pain is the least urgent. The tooth needs repair, but it can usually wait a day or two.
A larger break that exposes the inner layer of the tooth (the dentin) is more serious. The dentin is sensitive, and the tooth is now vulnerable to bacteria and further fracture.
A break that exposes the nerve (you might see pink or red tissue, or blood coming from inside the tooth) is an emergency. The nerve is now exposed to bacteria in your mouth, and you need treatment the same day.
A tooth that is split vertically, from the crown down to the root, is often not saveable. But we need to evaluate it to determine the best course of action.
What to Do Right After the Tooth Breaks
Rinse your mouth gently with warm water to clean the area.
If there is bleeding, press a piece of clean gauze against the spot for 10 to 15 minutes. The bleeding should slow and stop.
Save any pieces of the tooth that broke off. Put them in a clean container. While we cannot always reattach fragments, having them helps us understand the fracture pattern.
If there is a sharp edge cutting your tongue or cheek, cover it with a small piece of sugar-free gum or dental wax. You can find dental wax at most pharmacies.
Take ibuprofen (Advil) for pain and swelling. Follow the dosing directions on the package.
Call Emergency Dentist of Rockville at (240) 387-8233.
What Not to Do with a Broken Tooth
Do not bite down on the broken tooth. Chew on the other side of your mouth to avoid putting pressure on it.
Do not eat hard, crunchy, or sticky foods. Stick to soft foods on the opposite side.
Do not use the tooth to tear or pull anything. It is weakened and can break further with very little force.
Do not apply aspirin directly to the gum. This is a common home remedy that actually causes a chemical burn on the soft tissue.
Do not try to file down sharp edges with a nail file or emery board. You could fracture the tooth further or introduce bacteria.
Do not ignore it. Even if a broken tooth does not hurt initially, the exposed structure is vulnerable to decay, infection, and further damage. What starts as a simple repair can become a root canal or extraction if you wait too long.
How We Repair Broken Teeth at Our Rockville Clinic
The treatment depends on the size and location of the break.
Small chips: Dental bonding. We apply tooth-coloured composite resin to the chipped area, shape it to match your tooth, and harden it with a special light. This is usually done in 30 to 45 minutes.
Moderate breaks: A dental crown. We reshape the remaining tooth structure and cover it with a crown that restores the shape, size, and strength. A temporary crown is placed on the first visit, with a permanent crown following at a second appointment.
Breaks with nerve exposure: Root canal followed by a crown. The nerve must be treated first to prevent infection, then the tooth is rebuilt with a crown.
Vertical fractures or splits below the bone: Extraction. When a tooth is cracked vertically down to the root, it usually cannot be repaired. We remove the tooth and discuss replacement options like implants or bridges.
Every case is different. We will take X-rays, explain what we find, and walk you through your options before starting treatment.
Common Causes of Broken Teeth We See in Montgomery County
Biting into hard foods: ice, hard candy, popcorn kernels, olive pits, and bone fragments in meat are frequent culprits.
Sports injuries: basketball, soccer, lacrosse, mountain biking, and martial arts are all common sources of dental trauma in the Rockville area.
Falls: on stairs, icy sidewalks, wet pool decks, and uneven pavement.
Old, large fillings: a tooth with a large filling is structurally weaker than an intact tooth. Over time, the remaining tooth structure can crack around the filling.
Grinding and clenching (bruxism): chronic teeth grinding puts enormous force on teeth, often leading to hairline cracks that eventually become full fractures. If you grind your teeth, a nightguard can prevent this.
Trauma from car accidents or physical altercations.
When a Broken Tooth Cannot Wait
Some broken teeth are true emergencies. Call (240) 387-8233 immediately if:
The break exposes the nerve (you see pink tissue or the tooth is bleeding from the inside).
A large section of the tooth is missing and the remaining structure has sharp, jagged edges.
The tooth is loose in addition to being broken.
There is significant swelling around the broken tooth.
You are in severe pain that over-the-counter medication does not control.
We see emergency broken tooth cases the same day at our North Bethesda clinic. Walk-ins are welcome, but calling ahead helps us prepare for your treatment and reduces your wait.
Prevention Tips from Our Team
Wear a mouthguard during sports. Custom guards from your dentist offer the best protection.
Do not chew ice. It is one of the most common causes of cracked and broken teeth.
Avoid using your teeth as tools: opening packages, tearing tape, holding bobby pins.
If you grind your teeth at night, get a nightguard. The cost of a nightguard is a fraction of the cost of repairing a broken tooth.
Keep up with regular dental checkups. Your dentist can spot cracks and weakened teeth before they become emergencies.
Emergency Dentist of Rockville is here when prevention is not enough. Call (240) 387-8233 for same-day broken tooth repair.
