A sudden blow to the mouthwhether from a fall, sports injury, or accidentcan result in a broken or fractured tooth. This type of dental trauma is painful, alarming, and potentially serious. Even if the break seems minor, delaying proper care can lead to infection, worsening damage, or even tooth loss.
At McLevin Dental Clinic, we treat dental emergencies quickly and effectively. Heres what you need to know about the immediate steps to take after a tooth is broken by impact, and when to call your emergency dentist.
How to Recognize a Tooth Broken by Impact
A tooth that has fractured due to physical trauma may present in various ways:
Chipped enamel or a small visible break
Cracked or fractured tooth running vertically or horizontally
Broken cusp (part of the chewing surface)
Split tooth or one broken in half
Exposed nerve or pulp (visible red or pink area in the center)
Bleeding from the gums or tooth socket
Loose, mobile, or displaced tooth
In any of these cases, fast action can mean the difference between saving the tooth and needing more extensive restorative work.
Step-by-Step: What to Do Immediately
1. Stay Calm and Assess the Injury
Look in the mirror or use a flashlight to inspect the tooth. Check for:
Severity of the break
Bleeding
Exposure of the nerve or pulp
Loose fragments or pieces
If the person hit their head or shows signs of a concussion (dizziness, confusion, nausea), seek emergency medical care first.
2. Rinse the Mouth Gently
Use warm water or a mild salt water solution to rinse away blood and debris. Be gentlevigorous swishing can irritate the injury further.
3. Stop Any Bleeding
Apply sterile gauze to the area and have the patient bite down gently if bleeding is present. Most bleeding stops within 1015 minutes.
4. Save Any Tooth Fragments
If a piece of the tooth has broken off, find it and store it in:
Milk
Saline solution
The patients saliva
Bring the fragment to your dental appointment. In some cases, it can be bonded back onto the tooth.
5. Cover Sharp Edges or Exposed Areas
If the broken tooth has sharp edges or exposed nerves, cover the area with:
Orthodontic/dental wax
Temporary dental cement (available at most pharmacies)
Sugar-free gum as a last resort
This protects the soft tissues and minimizes sensitivity.
6. Apply a Cold Compress
Hold an ice pack on the outside of the face to reduce swelling and relieve pain. Use it in 1015 minute intervals.
7. Take Over-the-Counter Pain Relief
Medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help ease pain and inflammation. Do not place aspirin directly on the gum or tooth, as it can cause chemical burns.
8. Call McLevin Dental Clinic Immediately
We provide same-day emergency dental care in Scarborough and will evaluate the extent of the damage using clinical exams and X-rays.
What Not to Do After Breaking a Tooth
Do not delay carewaiting increases the risk of infection or tooth loss
Do not use glue or adhesives to fix the tooth yourself
Do not chew on the affected side until evaluated
Do not ignore signs of nerve exposure (pain, sensitivity, discoloration)
Treatment Options at McLevin Dental Clinic
Once you arrive at our office, well determine the severity of the break and recommend one of the following:
1. Dental Bonding or Filling
For small chips or minor cracks, we use tooth-colored resin to restore the shape and function of the tooth.
2. Dental Crown
If a large portion of the tooth is lost but the root remains intact, a custom dental crown can fully restore its strength and appearance.
3. Root Canal Therapy
If the pulp or nerve is exposed or infected, a root canal may be required to clean and seal the inner tooth before restoring it with a crown.
4. Tooth Extraction (Last Resort)
If the tooth is broken below the gum line or severely damaged, we may recommend removal followed by a dental implant or bridge.
Long-Term Risks of Ignoring a Broken Tooth
Infection of the pulp or surrounding bone
Tooth discoloration or necrosis (nerve death)
Increased sensitivity and chronic pain
Shifting of nearby teeth if the tooth is lost
Need for more complex, expensive procedures later on
Early intervention is essential to prevent these outcomes.
Preventing Future Tooth Breaks
While not all accidents can be avoided, you can reduce risk by:
Wearing a custom mouthguard during sports or physical activity
Avoiding chewing on hard objects like ice, pens, or popcorn kernels
Treating bruxism (tooth grinding) with a nightguard
Maintaining strong teeth with regular checkups and cleanings
Addressing cavities or weakened teeth before they fracture
Final Thoughts
A tooth broken by impact is always a dental emergency. Even if pain is minimal, hidden fractures or exposed nerves can develop into serious problems without prompt care.
At McLevin Dental Clinic, we offer immediate, skilled care to restore damaged teeth and prevent further complications. If you or a loved one experiences a dental trauma in Scarborough, contact us right away. Were here to protect your smile with expert diagnostics, same-day treatment, and personalized care.