Breaking a tooth is a situation no one wants to experience—but when it happens, knowing what to do can make all the difference. Whether it’s caused by biting something hard, a sports injury, or an accident, acting quickly and seeking professional care can save your tooth and prevent further complications.

At The Laser Dental Group – Westfield, we’re here to provide urgent care when dental emergencies strike. If you or a loved one has broken a tooth, here’s how to respond, what to expect, and how we can help restore your smile.

Types of Tooth Damage

Tooth breaks and cracks come in different forms. Some are minor and cosmetic, while others require immediate intervention. Common types include:

• Chipped tooth: A small piece has broken off, usually without pain.
• Cracked tooth: A visible crack that may cause pain when chewing.
• Fractured cusp: A piece of the chewing surface breaks off, often from a tooth with a large filling.
• Split tooth: A crack that extends from the top down to the root, usually requiring extraction.
• Vertical root fracture: Begins at the root and moves upward—often discovered only when infection occurs.

The severity of the break determines the urgency and type of treatment.

First Steps After Breaking a Tooth

If you break a tooth, follow these steps to manage the situation until you can see your dentist:

1. Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area.
2. Stop any bleeding by applying gentle pressure with gauze.
3. Use a cold compress on the cheek to reduce swelling and pain.
4. Avoid chewing on the affected side.
5. Save any broken pieces, if possible, and bring them with you to your appointment.
6. Call our office immediately to schedule an emergency visit.

Even if the pain is minimal, a broken tooth can expose the inner pulp to bacteria, leading to infection or more serious damage.

How We Treat a Broken Tooth

Once you arrive at our Westfield office, we’ll perform a thorough evaluation, which may include x-rays to assess the extent of the damage. Based on the severity, we may recommend:

• Dental bonding: Best for small chips or minor cosmetic repairs.
• Crown placement: If the structure is compromised but the root is intact, a crown can restore both strength and appearance.
• Root canal therapy: Necessary if the pulp is exposed or infected.
• Extraction and replacement: If the tooth is not salvageable, we’ll discuss tooth replacement options such as implants or bridges.

Our practice uses advanced technology and modern materials to ensure your restored tooth looks and feels natural.

Managing Pain and Preventing Infection

Tooth fractures can cause lingering pain or sensitivity, especially to hot or cold temperatures. Over-the-counter pain relievers can offer temporary relief, but they don’t address the root issue.

Ignoring a broken tooth can lead to:

• Infection of the pulp or surrounding gum tissue
• Worsening of the crack or further breakage
• Loss of the tooth

Prompt treatment not only reduces discomfort but also preserves your long-term oral health.

Preventing Broken Teeth

While not every accident is avoidable, some proactive steps can reduce your risk of breaking a tooth:

• Avoid chewing on hard items like ice, pens, or hard candies
• Wear a custom nightguard if you grind your teeth while sleeping
• Use a sports mouthguard during athletic activities
• Address cavities or large fillings early, before they weaken the tooth structure
• Stay consistent with checkups, so we can detect signs of weakening or stress fractures

Preventive care is one of the most powerful ways to avoid painful and costly dental emergencies.

Emergency Dental Care in Westfield, NJ

At The Laser Dental Group – Westfield, we offer compassionate, prompt care for dental emergencies of all kinds. Whether you’ve chipped a tooth, lost a filling, or are experiencing sudden pain, we prioritize emergency visits and provide same-day solutions whenever possible.

Your comfort and oral health are our top priorities. If you’ve broken a tooth or suspect something is wrong, don’t wait. Call our office to schedule an urgent appointment, and let our experienced team help you regain your smile and peace of mind.