What to Do If You Break a Tooth
A Guide from Your Norcross Dental Team
Best Cosmetic Dentistry in Peachtree Corners, GA
A broken tooth can happen in an instant—but knowing how to respond can make all the difference in saving your smile. Whether it’s from a sports injury, biting into something hard, or an underlying dental issue, a fractured tooth is always a reason to visit your dentist promptly.
At Link Dental Care, we serve patients in Peachtree Corners, Norcross, and nearby communities with same-day and emergency dental care when accidents strike. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to do if you break a tooth, how treatment works, and how to prevent it from happening again.
Step 1: Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
When a tooth breaks, it’s easy to panic. But your first step is to assess what happened and where the damage occurred. Is the tooth cracked, chipped, or completely broken? Are you bleeding or in pain?
If the broken tooth is causing discomfort, try rinsing your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help temporarily. If bleeding is present, apply gentle pressure with a clean gauze or cloth.
Don’t wait to see if the pain “goes away.” Even minor chips can expose inner tooth layers to bacteria, increasing your risk of infection or long-term damage.
Step 2: Call Your Emergency Dentist in Norcross
The sooner you seek treatment, the better your outcome. Our dental team offers emergency dentistry in Norcross for patients with broken teeth, lost crowns, severe decay, and other urgent concerns.
When you call, we’ll ask a few quick questions to assess the severity and schedule your visit—often on the same day. In the meantime, avoid chewing on that side of your mouth and protect the area from temperature extremes.
If you’ve broken a restoration like a dental bridge, crown, or veneer, bring the piece with you if possible. Even if it can’t be reattached, it helps us understand what kind of treatment will be needed.
Step 3: Understand Your Treatment Options
Treatment for a broken tooth depends on the extent of the damage. At Link Dental Care, we provide a wide range of restorative and cosmetic solutions to repair teeth and protect your smile.
Here are a few possible treatments we may recommend:
Dental Bonding
For small chips or cosmetic cracks, bonding can often be completed in one visit. We’ll apply a tooth-colored resin to restore the shape and smoothness of the damaged tooth. This option is ideal for front teeth or minor injuries and blends seamlessly with your natural smile.
Dental Crowns
When a tooth has lost a significant portion of its structure or is at risk of breaking further, a crown may be needed. Crowns provide long-term protection while restoring full function and appearance.
We offer durable and aesthetic crowns that match the natural color of your teeth. If you're in Norcross or Peachtree Corners and need dental crowns after a break, we can often prepare and place your crown in just two visits—or sometimes even the same day.
Root Canal Therapy
If the break exposes the inner pulp of the tooth, you may need root canal treatment to remove the damaged tissue and prevent infection. Afterward, a crown is typically placed to strengthen and protect the tooth.
We use advanced techniques to make root canal therapy comfortable and efficient, helping you preserve your natural tooth and avoid extraction.
Tooth Extraction and Replacement
In cases where the tooth is fractured below the gum line or is otherwise beyond repair, extraction may be necessary. Don’t worry—your smile doesn’t have to stay incomplete.
We offer several tooth replacement options, including dental implants and bridges. Implants, especially, are a long-lasting and natural-looking solution for missing teeth. If you’ve already had a tooth extraction or are planning for one, we also provide bone grafting services to prepare the site for future implants.
When Is It an Emergency?
Many people aren’t sure whether a broken tooth qualifies as a dental emergency. The answer is: often, yes. If you’re in pain, bleeding, or the tooth has sharp edges that could cut your mouth, you should be seen as soon as possible.
Additionally, if the tooth was already compromised—due to decay, previous dental work, or infection—a fracture could signal a more serious underlying issue.
Our team is here for same-day dental care in Norcross and surrounding areas when the unexpected happens. Even if the damage seems minor, it’s always best to let a professional evaluate the situation.
Prevention: Protecting Your Smile from Future Breaks
While not every dental emergency can be avoided, there are many steps you can take to reduce your risk of a broken tooth:
- Avoid chewing on hard objects like ice, pens, or hard candies.
- Wear a custom mouthguard if you play contact sports.
- Consider a nightguard if you grind your teeth at night—grinding can significantly weaken enamel and lead to fractures.
- Address underlying dental issues such as cavities or weakened fillings, which may leave your teeth vulnerable.
- Get regular cleanings and exams to catch small issues before they become big problems.
Whether you're undergoing cosmetic treatments like veneers or relying on full or partial dentures, protecting your dental investment is a key part of your overall health.
Why Choose Link Dental Care for Emergency Treatment?
We understand how stressful dental emergencies can be. That’s why our office is equipped with the latest technology and a compassionate team to provide immediate care when you need it most.
Our patients trust us not only for general care but also for advanced services like cosmetic makeovers, periodontal therapy, and dental implants. Whether you need a same-day solution or are exploring long-term options, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
With a reputation as a top dental provider in Peachtree Corners and Norcross, we pride ourselves on prompt, personalized care when it matters most.
Don’t Wait—Get Relief Today
If you’ve broken a tooth, don’t wait for the pain or damage to get worse. Call Link Dental Care today to schedule your emergency appointment. We’ll help you restore your smile with compassionate care and expert treatment—right here in your neighborhood.
Your smile deserves the best protection, no matter what life throws your way.
6270 Smithpointe Dr NW, Peachtree Corners, GA 30092, United States of America