A broken tooth can be more than a cosmetic concern—it can be a dental emergency. Whether caused by a sports injury, biting down on something hard, or untreated decay, a fractured tooth requires immediate attention. At Fiorentini Family Dentistry, we help patients in Monroe and Highland Park navigate dental emergencies with confidence and expert care.

Here’s what you need to know if you or a family member breaks a tooth.

Step 1: Stay Calm and Assess

The first step is to stay calm and examine the severity of the damage. Is it a small chip? A large crack? Is part of the tooth missing entirely?

If you're in pain or notice bleeding, apply a cold compress and rinse with warm salt water to help control swelling and bacteria. Save any broken pieces and bring them with you to the appointment.

Step 2: Contact Your Dentist Immediately

A broken tooth should be evaluated as soon as possible. Call Fiorentini Family Dentistry, and we’ll guide you through the next steps.

Emergency treatment may include smoothing out a minor chip, placing a temporary filling, or planning for a permanent solution such as a dental crown or root canal.

In more complex situations—such as if you've broken a tooth that already received a root canal or been restored with dentures or a bridge—we may need to explore replacement options. Prompt action prevents further damage and pain.

Step 3: Avoid Further Injury

Until you're able to visit the office:

• Avoid chewing on the injured side.
• Stick to soft foods and avoid anything hot, cold, or sweet that could trigger sensitivity.
• Use over-the-counter pain relief if necessary.

These steps help minimize discomfort and reduce the chance of additional breakage.

Treatment Options for Broken Teeth

Depending on the location and extent of the fracture, treatment options may include:

Bonding or Dental Fillings
Minor chips and cracks can often be corrected with composite bonding, blending seamlessly with your natural enamel.

Dental Crowns
More severe breaks often require crowns to restore structure and protect the remaining tooth. Patients from Monroe often choose this option to maintain both function and aesthetics.

Root Canal Therapy
If the inner pulp of the tooth is exposed or infected, a root canal may be necessary before restoring the tooth with a crown.

Tooth Extraction and Replacement
In cases where the tooth cannot be saved, we’ll discuss options such as bridges or dentures in Monroe to fill the gap and preserve oral function.

Preventing Future Breaks

To minimize your risk of breaking a tooth in the future:

• Wear a mouthguard during contact sports.
• Don’t use your teeth as tools to open things.
• Avoid chewing on hard objects like pens, ice, or popcorn kernels.
• Keep up with regular exams so we can catch weakened enamel or decay early.

If you grind your teeth at night, we may recommend a nightguard to prevent fractures and long-term damage.

Comprehensive Care You Can Trust

At Fiorentini Family Dentistry, we specialize in restoring function and beauty—even after emergencies. Whether it’s a cracked tooth, a dislodged crown, or the need for a full tooth replacement, our team is here to guide you through every option.

From dentures and bridges to custom crowns and root canal therapy, we provide tailored treatment plans that meet the unique needs of our Monroe and Highland Park patients.

Don’t wait to get help if you’ve broken a tooth. Reach out to Fiorentini Family Dentistry today—we’re here to protect your smile and your comfort.