What to Do If You Break a Tooth
Emergency Steps and Long-Term Care
Best Dentist in Kent, WA
A broken tooth can happen unexpectedly—from biting into something hard to a sports injury or even night grinding. The good news? You have options. And if you act quickly, your smile can be restored to full health and beauty.
At Meridian Dental Clinic, we provide emergency care and restorative options to fix chipped, cracked, or broken teeth with precision and comfort. Whether you’re dealing with minor cosmetic damage or a major break, our team is ready to help.
First Steps After a Broken Tooth
Here’s what to do right away:
- Rinse your mouth gently with warm water to clean the area
- Apply a cold compress if you notice swelling
- If bleeding occurs, apply pressure with gauze or a clean cloth
- Use over-the-counter pain relief if needed
If you can locate the broken piece, place it in milk or saline and bring it with you to your dental visit.
When to Seek Emergency Dental Care
A broken tooth is a reason to call an emergency dentist in Kent, WA. Even if the tooth isn’t causing pain, internal damage may have occurred. Waiting too long could lead to infection or more extensive treatment.
Signs that you need immediate care include:
- Severe pain or sensitivity
- Swelling in the gums or face
- Visible tooth root or exposed pulp
- Broken dental crown or veneer
Treatment Options for a Broken Tooth
Depending on the severity of the damage, our team may recommend:
- Dental bonding – ideal for small chips
- Dental crowns – for larger breaks that compromise structure
- Root canal treatment – if the inner pulp is exposed or infected
- Dental implant – in cases where the tooth cannot be saved
Patients looking for dental crowns in Kent, WA, will find strong, natural-looking solutions that protect the remaining tooth while restoring your smile.
If extraction is necessary, we provide tooth replacement options including dental implants and bridges to restore function and appearance.
Repairing Cosmetic Damage
Even minor chips in your front teeth can affect your confidence. We offer cosmetic solutions such as veneers and whitening that can enhance your results after a repair. Our teeth whitening in Kent can be combined with bonding or other services for a fully refreshed look.
Preventing Future Breaks
Prevention is key when it comes to dental injuries. Here’s how you can reduce your risk:
- Wear a mouthguard during sports or contact activities
- Avoid chewing on hard items like ice or pens
- Use scissors—not teeth—to open packaging
- Address TMJ or grinding with a custom nightguard
Comprehensive Support From Your Kent Dental Team
Whether you’re already a patient or just searching for a dentist near me in the Kent area, our dental team is committed to getting you out of pain and back to smiling confidently. From root canals to same-day crowns, we provide personalized care for broken teeth and beyond.
422 E Smith St, Kent, WA, 98030, United States