What to Do If You Break a Tooth
Emergency Steps and Long-Term Care
Best Family Dentistry in Weston, FL
Breaking a tooth can be a stressful and painful experience—but knowing what to do in the moment can make all the difference. Whether your tooth cracked from biting down on something hard or you experienced a traumatic injury, quick action can help preserve your smile and prevent complications.
At First Weston Dental, we treat dental emergencies with urgency and compassion. Our experienced team in Weston, FL is here to help you understand what steps to take if you ever find yourself dealing with a broken tooth.
Step 1: Stay Calm and Assess the Damage
The severity of a broken tooth can range from a minor chip to a complete fracture. If you’re in pain, experiencing bleeding, or noticing sharp edges, take note of your symptoms. While some breaks are purely cosmetic, others can expose nerves or lead to infection, especially if the damage extends to the root.
Regardless of how the injury occurred, it’s always safest to contact your dental provider to evaluate the situation. If you’re searching for an emergency dentist near me in Weston, First Weston Dental offers same-day appointments whenever possible to help you get relief fast.
Step 2: Rinse and Protect the Area
Until you can get into the office, rinse your mouth with warm water to clear away debris. If you’re bleeding, gently press a clean gauze or cloth to the area until the bleeding stops. For swelling, apply a cold compress to the outside of your face in 10-minute intervals.
If part of the tooth has broken off, try to save the fragment and bring it to your appointment. Avoid chewing on the affected side, and stick to soft foods to prevent further damage.
Step 3: Call First Weston Dental
We understand how important it is to get care quickly. A broken tooth isn’t something you should try to manage on your own. Our team will walk you through the next steps and schedule an urgent evaluation.
Many of our emergency cases involve patients who require dental fillings in Weston, FL or dental crowns to restore the strength and function of a damaged tooth. Depending on the break, we may be able to repair it with composite bonding or place a crown the same day.
If you're experiencing pain, swelling, or signs of infection, don’t delay. Seeking prompt attention is essential to avoiding further complications.
Step 4: Understand Your Treatment Options
At First Weston Dental, we offer a variety of restorative solutions tailored to your needs:
- Tooth-colored fillings can repair small chips or minor breaks.
- Dental crowns are ideal for larger fractures that compromise the tooth’s structure.
- Dental bridges may be recommended if the break is severe enough to require extraction and tooth replacement.
- Veneers can help restore the appearance of front teeth with chips or cracks.
- If the break has affected the pulp, a root canal may be necessary before placing a crown.
Our team will also assess your bite, oral health, and any underlying conditions—like decay or bruxism—that may have contributed to the injury.
Step 5: Prevent Future Breaks
After your treatment is complete, we’ll guide you on how to protect your smile going forward. That may include avoiding hard foods, getting fitted for a mouth guard in Weston if you grind your teeth, or reviewing your bite alignment to prevent future damage.
For athletes or those with active lifestyles, we can create custom-fit mouthguards to shield your teeth during sports or high-impact activities.
If you’ve had cosmetic or restorative dental work done—like veneers or dental bridges—it’s especially important to stay vigilant, as these restorations can be affected by trauma or poor bite force distribution.
When a Tooth Breaks, We’re Here for You
Dental emergencies are never convenient—but they don’t have to be overwhelming. At First Weston Dental, we prioritize fast, effective care in a comfortable setting. Whether you need a same-day crown or a longer-term restoration plan, we’re here to restore both your smile and your peace of mind.
If you’re in pain or concerned about a broken tooth, call us today. From emergency care to advanced cosmetic dentistry and restorative solutions, our Weston team is ready to help you smile with confidence again.
2239 N Commerce Pkwy, Weston, Florida, 33326, United States