A knock while playing sport, biting something hard or decay that has weakened the tooth: breaking a tooth is more common than it seems. The key is to act quickly and correctly, because what you do in the first hours can make the difference in saving it. Here's what to do in each case.
First: stay calm and check your mouth
Rinse with lukewarm water to clean the area and see what has happened: has just a small piece of the edge broken off? Is the tooth loose? Has it come out completely? Is it bleeding? If you can, take a photo: it helps us assess the urgency when you message us.
What to do depending on what happened
A piece of the tooth has broken off
- Look for the fragment. If you find it, rinse it with water without rubbing and keep it in milk or your own saliva. In some cases it can be bonded back on.
- If the edge is sharp, you can cover it with a little orthodontic wax or sugar-free gum until your visit.
- Avoid chewing on that side and very hot or cold foods.
The whole tooth has come out
If it's a permanent tooth, every minute counts:
- Always hold it by the crown (the white part), never by the root.
- Don't rub it or clean it with soap; if it's dirty, just rinse it for a few seconds.
- Keep it in milk or your saliva and see a dentist as soon as possible.
If it's a baby tooth, it isn't put back, but the area should be checked to make sure the permanent tooth underneath is fine.
The tooth is loose or has moved
Don't try to force it back into place. Bite gently on a gauze to hold it in position and come to the clinic.
It's bleeding
Bite on a clean gauze with pressure for a few minutes. If the bleeding won't stop or the knock to the face was hard, go to a medical emergency service.
Severe toothache
Sudden, sharp or throbbing pain that keeps you awake may be due to deep decay that has reached the nerve or an infection. Painkillers ease the symptom, but the problem is still there: it usually needs a root canal or other treatment. Meanwhile, you can apply cold to the outside of your face and take the painkiller you usually take, following the leaflet. Don't apply heat or put tablets directly on the gum.
Abscess or facial swelling
Swelling of the gum or cheek usually indicates an infection. Apply cold on and off and book an appointment as soon as possible. If you have a fever or the swelling is spreading quickly, go to a medical emergency service.
How is a broken tooth repaired?
It depends on how much of the tooth has been lost and whether the nerve is affected:
- Small fractures: rebuilt with tooth-coloured resin, sometimes in the same visit.
- Large fractures: a crown or veneer may be needed.
- If the nerve is affected: first a root canal, then the restoration.
- If the tooth can't be saved: we replace it, for example with an implant.
Dental emergencies at Somriures (Gavà)
We see emergencies during our clinic opening hours (Monday to Friday) and fit you in as soon as possible. The quickest way is to message us on WhatsApp telling us what happened, with a photo if you can, or to call us. We see patients from Gavà, Viladecans and Castelldefels.
Outside our opening hours, if it's serious (significant swelling, fever, bleeding that won't stop or a hard knock to the face), go to a medical emergency service or call 112.
How to prevent a broken tooth
- Wear a mouthguard for contact sports.
- Don't open packaging or bite hard objects with your teeth.
- If you clench or grind your teeth at night, ask us about a night guard.
- Treat decay early: a tooth with a large cavity breaks more easily.
