I broke my tooth. What should I do?

Steps to take if you break a tooth:

Immediate care: 1. Rinse mouth with warm water 2. Save any tooth fragments 3. If bleeding, apply gauze with pressure 4. Cold compress on face to reduce swelling 5. Take over-the-counter pain medication 6. Call us: (703) 729-6222

What to avoid: - Don't chew on that side - Avoid hot/cold foods - Don't wiggle the tooth - Don't wait to call

Treatment depends on break severity:

Minor chip: - Dental bonding or smoothing - May not be urgent

Moderate break: - Crown or veneer - Should be seen soon

Severe break (nerve exposed): - Emergency visit needed - Root canal may be required - Crown to restore

Broken at gum line: - May need extraction - Implant replacement possible

In the meantime: - Dental wax over sharp edges - Soft foods only - Pain medication as needed

Even "minor" breaks should be checked. Cracks can extend deeper than visible and lead to bigger problems if untreated.