Broken Tooth What to Do

A broken tooth can feel scary. Quick and calm action can protect the tooth and lower pain before you see a dentist. This guide explains simple steps to follow right now and the common treatments your dentist may use.

If you have strong pain, swelling, or bleeding that will not stop, contact our emergency dentist in Ludlow for advice and urgent care.

First Steps to Protect the Tooth

Rinse your mouth gently with warm salty water to clean the area
If there is bleeding, press a clean gauze or cloth on the site
Place a cold pack on the cheek in short intervals to reduce swelling
If a piece broke off, keep it in milk or saliva and bring it with you
Avoid biting on the broken side and choose soft cool foods
Use over the counter pain relief as directed on the label

Temporary Comfort Until Your Visit

If the tooth is sharp, you may cover the edge with pharmacy dental wax
If a filling fell out, you may use a temporary filling kit as a short fix
Keep the head raised when resting to ease throbbing
Do not place aspirin on the gum or tooth

Types of Breaks and Likely Dental Care

Type	What it feels like	Common treatment
Small chip of enamel	Rough edge, mild sensitivity	Smooth and polish or small bonding
Larger chip with dentine exposed	Cold or sweet pain, sharp edge	Tooth coloured bonding or dental crown for strength
Crack line on biting tooth	Sharp pain on bite or release	Bonding or onlay, sometimes full crown
Break near the nerve with swelling	Throb that lingers, pain to hot or biting	root canal treatment then crown
Break below gum or split tooth	Severe pain, loose pieces	Assessment for crown lengthening, extraction, or implant options

When to Seek Urgent Dental Care

Facial swelling or fever
Bleeding that does not stop after gentle pressure
Bad taste with pus or gum swelling
Trauma from a fall or sports injury
Pain that prevents sleep or eating

For fast help, book our emergency dentistry in Ludlow. If the tooth needs long term strength, we may advise a dental crown after repair.

How Dentists Repair a Broken Tooth

Polish or bonding: for small chips to restore smooth shape
Filling or onlay: to rebuild lost structure
Crown: for deeper breaks or cracks to protect the whole tooth
Root canal treatment: if the nerve is involved or pain lingers
Extraction and replacement: for splits that cannot be saved; options include an implant, a bridge, or denture

Home Care After a Break

Brush gently with a soft brush and avoid the sharp edge
Rinse with warm salty water after meals
Choose soft foods and avoid very hot or very cold drinks
Use a cold pack for short periods if the cheek is puffy
Wear a mouthguard for sports once repaired

Frequently Asked Questions

What if the broken piece is lost ▼

The dentist can rebuild the shape with bonding or plan a crown if needed. Bring any pieces you find as they can guide the shape and colour match.

Can I wait a few days ▼

Small chips can wait a short time if there is no pain. If you have pain, swelling, or sharp edges, contact our emergency dentist for advice.

How do I sleep with a broken tooth ▼

Avoid chewing on the sore side, choose soft cool foods, keep the head raised, and use pain relief as directed. Call if pain wakes you at night.

Breaks happen, but fast and calm steps can save your tooth. Book an urgent visit with our emergency dentistry team in Ludlow. If the tooth needs strength after repair, we will discuss a dental crown to protect your smile.