Chipped or Broken a Tooth? It's Very Fixable
A cracked tooth feels alarming, but most breaks repair beautifully when they are seen quickly. Call us first thing and we will make a plan for your emergency.
What to do right now
These steps protect the tooth and your mouth while you get in touch with us. Acting quickly gives us the best chance of a simple repair.
- 1
Save any broken pieces
If you can find the fragment, rinse it gently and keep it in a small container of milk or water. Sometimes we can bond a piece back in place.
- 2
Rinse your mouth with warm water
A gentle rinse clears away debris so you can see the damage and keeps the area clean while you get in touch with us.
- 3
Cover any sharp edge
A jagged edge can slice your tongue or cheek. A small piece of orthodontic wax or sugar-free chewing gum pressed over the edge protects the soft tissue until we see you.
- 4
Manage pain and swelling
Hold a cold compress against your cheek and take ibuprofen or acetaminophen as directed on the label. Avoid chewing on that side and skip very hot or cold foods.
- 5
Call us first thing
Even a small chip can expose the softer inner tooth and grow into a bigger break. Call us, describe what happened, and we will make a plan for your emergency.
Call (603) 924-3664
How we repair it
We assess how deep it goes
An exam and an X-ray show whether the break is limited to enamel or has reached the inner tooth or the root. That answer decides everything about the right repair.
We protect the tooth and calm the pain
We smooth sharp edges, seal exposed areas so air and temperature stop stinging, and treat any inflammation. Nitrous oxide and minimal oral sedation are available if you are anxious.
We rebuild it to look like nothing happened
Small chips are fixed with tooth-colored bonding. Larger breaks get a filling or a crown, made right here in-house. If the nerve is damaged and a root canal is needed, we coordinate promptly with trusted specialists.
When to go to the ER instead
A broken tooth from a fall, a collision, or a sports injury sometimes comes with injuries that matter more than the tooth. Go to the emergency room or call 911 first if you have:
- Trauma to the face with a possible jaw fracture, or a jaw that will not close normally
- Bleeding you cannot control with ten minutes of firm pressure
- A blow to the head with dizziness, confusion, or loss of consciousness
- Swelling that makes it hard to breathe or swallow, or a high fever
Once you are medically stable, call us and we will handle the dental repair.
A small chip today can become a big break later
The sooner we see the tooth, the simpler the fix tends to be. Call our Grove Street office and we will make a plan for your emergency.
- New patients welcome
- Most insurance accepted