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A broken tooth can occur when you least expect it, biting into something hard, a fall, or a sporting mishap. It’s unsettling, but there are positive steps you can take straight away to manage the situation and protect your smile. Knowing what to do with broken tooth until dentist care is available can help you stay calm, reduce discomfort, and prevent further damage.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know, including handling a chipped or broken tooth, temporary solutions, ways to reduce pain, and when to seek urgent care.

Whether you’re dealing with a cracked tooth, a tooth missing a piece, or jagged edges causing discomfort, we’re here to help you navigate your next steps confidently.

What To Do With A Broken Tooth

When you realise you’ve broken or chipped a tooth, pause and take a deep breath. Your first actions can significantly reduce the risk of further injury or infection.

1. Stay Calm And Assess The Damage

Take a moment to evaluate the severity. Is it a broken tooth with no pain? Or a broken tooth with sharp edges and sensitivity? Understanding the situation can help you make clear decisions.

2. Rinse Your Mouth With Salt Water

Saltwater can clean the area and eliminate bacteria. Add a teaspoon of salt to a glass of water and swish it around your mouth. This step supports your oral hygiene until you can get professional dental care.

3. Find And Preserve Any Broken Pieces

If part of your tooth has come off, locate it and place it in a clean container. You can store it in milk or your own saliva to help preserve it for your emergency dental appointment.

4. Avoid Biting Or Chewing On The Affected Tooth

Try not to use the affected area when eating or speaking. Avoid biting down, especially on hard foods. Adhere to soft foods like mashed potatoes, smoothies, or soups to minimise further damage to the broken or chipped tooth.

 

 

Managing Broken Tooth Pain

Pain levels can vary based on how much of the tooth is broken. Mild discomfort or severe pain may occur.

The good news is that there are steps you can take to reduce pain as much as possible.

1. Use A Cold Compress

Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek near the affected area. This helps manage swelling and can offer relief if you’re experiencing discomfort due to a cracked tooth.

2. Take Over-The-Counter Painkillers

Over-the-counter painkillers can be effective in reducing pain and inflammation. If you’re unsure which option is best, follow dosage instructions.

3. Apply Clove Oil For Temporary Relief

Clove oil contains natural properties that may help reduce pain. Dab a small amount on a cotton ball and place it gently near the broken tooth. Avoid direct application if the area is too sensitive.

Temporary Solutions Before Your Dental Appointment

There are temporary ways to protect the affected tooth and minimise discomfort until your dentist appointment.

1. Use Dental Wax Or Sugar-Free Gum

If the broken tooth has jagged edges, cover it with either dental wax or sugar-free chewing gum. This will act as a barrier between the sharp edges and your soft tissues, such as the tongue and cheeks.

2. Consider A Temporary Crown Or Filling

Some pharmacies carry dental repair kits containing materials for temporary crowns or dental fillings. These may help protect the tooth’s surface until your emergency dentist visit.

3. Gently Bite Down On Gauze If Bleeding

If there’s minor bleeding, place clean gauze over the area and gently bite down. This can help control the bleeding while you arrange urgent care.

Types Of Broken Teeth And How They Affect Treatment

Not all broken teeth are the same. Recognising the type can help you understand potential treatment options when you see a dentist.

Small Chips

Small chips may not cause pain, but should still be checked. The dentist may use dental bonding or composite material to smooth and repair the area.

Large Chips Or Cracks

A large chip or cracked tooth often involves more of the tooth structure and may require more dental treatments, like a dental crown or root canal therapy.

Split Or Severely Broken Tooth

When a tooth is split into multiple parts or the entire tooth is missing above the gumline, it requires urgent attention. In such cases, saving the tooth might not always be possible.

What Causes A Broken Or Chipped Tooth?

Understanding the causes can help you avoid similar incidents in the future and protect your surrounding teeth.What To Do With Broken Tooth Until Dentist symptoms

  • Biting Down On Hard Foods: Hard foods like nuts, ice, or hard lollies can cause a tooth break, especially if the tooth is already weakened.
  • Accidents or Sports Injuries: Falls, facial trauma, and sports accidents are common causes of fractured teeth. Wearing a custom mouthguard during activities can significantly reduce the risk.
  • Old Dental Work or Weakened Teeth: Fillings or crowns that have worn out can leave a tooth vulnerable. Ageing dental work may make the tooth more prone to damage.

When Is It A Dental Emergency?

While not every broken tooth is a dental emergency, in some situations, an emergency appointment is called for as soon as possible.

  • Severe Pain or Bleeding: If you’re experiencing severe pain, bleeding that doesn’t stop, or signs of infection (such as swelling or pus), seek emergency dental care immediately.
  • Sharp Edges Cutting Soft Tissues: Jagged edges can cause damage to your tongue, cheeks, or lips. Cover them temporarily and arrange to see a dentist as soon as possible.
  • Tooth Missing or Dislodged: If the entire tooth has been knocked out or significantly dislodged, time is of the essence. Store it in milk and reach out to a dentist immediately.

Why You Shouldn’t Delay Treatment

Delaying treatment can cause complications, including infection, further damage to the affected tooth, or issues with surrounding teeth.

  • Risk of Infection: Cracks in the tooth can expose the pulp to bacteria, causing a dental infection that may require root canal treatment.
  • Damage to Other Teeth: A broken or chipped tooth may shift or pressure nearby teeth, affecting your bite and overall oral health.
  • More Extensive Treatment Later: Early care may allow for a simpler solution, such as dental bonding or a temporary crown. Delaying treatment may require more complex work, such as a permanent crown or extraction.

What Your Dentist Might Recommend

At your dental appointment, your provider will assess the damage and discuss the most suitable treatment options according to the condition of your tooth.

  • Root Canal: A root canal might be necessary if the inner pulp is exposed or infected. This involves getting rid of the damaged pulp and sealing the tooth.
  • Dental Crowns: For larger cracks or breaks, a dental crown can protect and strengthen the remaining tooth structure.
  • Tooth Extraction and Replacement: If the tooth is beyond repair, it may need to be removed and replaced with options such as implants, bridges, or partial dentures.

How To Prevent Future Tooth Breaks

Being proactive can help reduce the risk of future dental emergencies.

  • Use A Mouthguard During Sports: Custom-fitted mouthguards provide excellent protection during physical activities.
  • Avoid Hard Foods: Try to avoid chewing on hard foods like ice, hard lollies, or unpopped popcorn kernels.
  • Maintain Regular Dental Check-Ups: Routine check-ups help detect weaknesses in teeth or dental work before they cause issues.
  • Address Grinding Or Clenching: Nighttime teeth grinding (bruxism) can wear down teeth. Your dentist may recommend a nightguard to protect your teeth.

Caring For Your Tooth After Treatment

Once the emergency is addressed, it’s important to care for your tooth to aid healing and prevent recurrence.

  • Stick To Soft Foods Initially: Eat soft foods for a few days to give the tooth time to settle, especially after bonding, fillings, or crowns.
  • Keep The Area Clean: Brush gently and rinse with salt water if advised. Maintaining good oral hygiene supports recovery.
  • Attend Follow-Up Visits: Your dentist may schedule a follow-up to ensure healing is progressing well and your treatment is holding.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my tooth broke on a weekend?

Many practices offer urgent appointments or after-hours care for dental emergencies. We’ll connect you with dentists in Adelaide who are available during your time of need.

Does getting teeth pulled out hurt?

Thanks to modern anaesthesia, tooth pulling is usually more comfortable than expected.

You may feel some pressure during the procedure, but not excruciating pain.

Afterwards, mild discomfort is common as the numbness wears off, but this can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relief and the aftercare advice your dentist provides.

How soon should I see a dentist?

Aim to see a dentist immediately or book an emergency appointment as soon as possible. Prompt care reduces the risk of further injury.

Conclusion

Experiencing a chipped or broken tooth can be unsettling, but you’re not alone; solutions are within reach.

What To Do With Broken Tooth Until Dentist checkTaking calm, informed steps before your dental appointment can significantly reduce pain, protect your tooth, and improve your treatment outcome.

Whether you’re dealing with a large chip, a cracked tooth, or an entirely compromised tooth, seeking emergency dental care quickly ensures you’re supported and cared for every step of the way.

If you’re facing a dental concern, especially a broken or chipped tooth, you don’t have to wait. We’re here to help connect you with available emergency dentists in Adelaide, any day, any time.

Contact us now at (08) 7078 8263, and let us help you find the care you need when you need it most.

Stay positive, protect your smile, and trust that expert dental care is only a phone call away. You’ve got this!

Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

Sources

Dunkin M Anne. Repairing a Chipped or Broken Tooth [Internet]. WebMD. 2025 [cited 2025 May 20]. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/repairing-a-chipped-or-broken-tooth

Watson S. Cracked or Broken Tooth Pain Relief [Internet]. Verywell Health. 2023 [cited 2025 May 20]. Available from: https://www.verywellhealth.com/toothache-relief-from-a-cracked-or-broken-tooth-1059317

Cracked Tooth (Fractured Tooth) [Internet]. Cleveland Clinic. 2024 [cited 2025 May 20]. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21628-fractured-tooth-cracked-tooth

McSwiggin J. What Happens When You Chip a Tooth? [Internet]. Health. 2024 [cited 2025 May 20]. Available from: https://www.health.com/chipped-tooth-8667456

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