Broken Tooth

Smile Bright Dental  -  - General Dentist

Smile Bright Dental

General Dentists & Emergency Dentists located in Town N' Country, FL, New Tampa, FL, Greater Carrollwood, FL & New Port Richey, FL

A broken tooth can be a stressful experience, but in the hands of a skilled dentist there are options that can restore your smile and possible save your tooth. Maryam Rostami, DMD, of Smile Bright Dental has helped numerous residents of Tampa and New Port Richey, Florida, find relief from a broken tooth. If you suffer any type of dental trauma, call the office immediately to schedule an emergency appointment.

Broken Tooth Q&A

What should I do if I suffer a broken tooth?

A fall, sports injury, an auto accident, or even biting down on a hard food item can lead to a broken tooth. Knowing how to react can make a world of difference in preserving your oral health. 

 

If your tooth is hurting, take an over-the-counter pain medication like acetaminophen to relieve discomfort. You can also gently rinse your mouth with salt water to help manage discomfort while the medication takes effect. 

 

If your broken tooth has sharp or jagged edges you may want to use a small piece of wax or even sugarless chewing gum to prevent damaging your tongue or cheek tissue. Call Smile Bright Dental right away to set up a same- day emergency visit. 

 

Can a broken tooth be saved?

The answer depends on what portion of your tooth was lost. Small to medium- sized chips can often be repaired with dental bonding. This approach uses a tooth-colored material to build up the chipped area and blends in with the surrounding natural tooth tissue. A small filling is also an option if the damage was limited to a smaller piece of enamel. 

 

Dental veneers and crowns can also restore a broken tooth. In some cases a special material must be used to “build up” the tooth so a crown can be installed. If your tooth was broken off at or near the gum level, a root canal can remove all traces of pulp and a tiny pin can be installed in the root to provide a surface to build upon. 

 

A root canal is required any time a fracture reaches the inner chamber of your tooth. Left untreated, infection can develop and eventually spread to the underlying bone tissue. 

 

What if my tooth is cracked but doesn’t hurt?

A cracked tooth is a serious dental condition that should be treated promptly. Cracked teeth are weakened, and are subject to further cracking or fracture.

 

Cracks are also dangerous because they provide a path for bacteria to enter the inner chamber of your tooth. It’s impossible to thoroughly clean the interior portion of a crack, so bacteria can thrive in that tiny space. 

 

Treating a cracked tooth is often straightforward, especially if the crack does not extend beneath your gum line. If your tooth has a significant crack or break, extraction is sometimes the best available option. 

 

Call Smile Bright Dental right away to book a same- day appointment and receive a customized treatment plan to restore your dental health.

 

We are open on Saturdays and will take emergency patients as soon as possible.