What to Do If You Break a Tooth
Emergency Steps and Long-Term Care
Best Dentist in New Orleans, LA
A broken or chipped tooth isn’t always preventable. You could be biting into something hard, playing a sport, or experiencing an unexpected injury. No matter how it happens, acting quickly can save your tooth and minimize future treatment needs.
At Concord Family Dental in Algiers, we treat dental emergencies with urgency and care. Whether you’re dealing with a painful fracture or a minor chip, we’re here to help you get back to smiling comfortably.
Step One: Stay Calm and Assess the Damage
First, don’t panic. A broken tooth can often be repaired—but what you do next matters. Rinse your mouth gently with warm water and inspect the area. If there’s bleeding, apply gauze and slight pressure to control it. Over-the-counter pain relievers and cold compresses can help reduce swelling or discomfort.
If you find the broken piece, store it in milk or saliva and bring it with you to our office.
When to Call an Emergency Dentist
Some breaks are more urgent than others. If you're in severe pain, bleeding won't stop, or you have nerve exposure (visible pulp), call Concord Family Dental immediately. We're available to help with dental emergencies throughout Algiers and the surrounding New Orleans area.
Even if the damage seems minor—like a small chip—it’s still essential to have your tooth evaluated. Untreated fractures can lead to infection, decay, or further breakage.
Common Treatment Options for Broken Teeth
The best way to repair your tooth depends on the extent and location of the damage. At Concord Family Dental, we offer several solutions, including:
- Dental bonding: For small chips or cracks, bonding is a quick, effective solution. A tooth-colored resin is shaped and polished to restore appearance and function.
- Dental crowns: Larger breaks may require a crown to protect the remaining structure and prevent future damage. We’ll match the crown to your natural tooth color for a seamless look.
- Root canal therapy: If the break extends into the nerve or pulp, a root canal may be necessary to remove infection and preserve the tooth. Afterward, a crown is typically placed.
- Dental veneers: For visible front teeth with cosmetic damage, veneers may be an ideal option to restore the appearance of a flawless smile.
- Extraction and replacement: In rare cases, a severely broken tooth may need to be removed. We offer long-term tooth replacement options like dental bridges and dental implants for comprehensive restoration.
Preventing Future Breaks
While not all accidents can be avoided, there are ways to protect your teeth:
- Wear a mouthguard: Especially if you play contact sports or grind your teeth at night.
- Avoid chewing hard objects: Ice, pens, and even popcorn kernels can pose a risk to your enamel.
- Don’t ignore small chips: Even minor cracks can become worse over time without treatment.
- Schedule regular dental checkups: Consistent care helps us detect weakened teeth or restorations early before they fail.
Cosmetic and Functional Restorations Available
We understand that a broken tooth affects more than just your health—it can also impact your self-confidence. That’s why our office provides advanced cosmetic and restorative options tailored to each patient’s needs.
If your break requires a crown, bridge, or veneer, we’ll ensure the final result blends beautifully with your smile. Our team also offers comprehensive services like clear aligners, teeth whitening, and gum therapy to support full smile transformations.
Don’t Wait—Your Smile Deserves Immediate Attention
Waiting to treat a broken tooth can lead to more serious complications, including infection, tooth loss, and the need for more invasive treatments. If you’ve chipped, cracked, or broken a tooth, the best thing you can do is contact Concord Family Dental in Algiers as soon as possible.
We’ll guide you through your options and help you restore both comfort and appearance.
3727 MacArthur Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70114, United States of America