A broken tooth can happen at the most unexpected time. Whether you bite into something hard, sustain an injury, or experience sudden sensitivity, knowing how to respond is crucial. At Tuscaloosa Family Dentistry, we’re here to guide you through urgent dental situations and restore your smile as quickly as possible.

First Steps: What to Do Immediately

If you’ve broken a tooth, try to remain calm. Rinse your mouth gently with warm water to clear away debris. If you’re bleeding, apply gauze to the area. An ice pack on the outside of the mouth can help reduce swelling and discomfort.

Next, contact our office right away. As an emergency dentist in Tuscaloosa, AL, we keep room in our schedule for urgent visits and will prioritize getting you in as quickly as possible.

If you can recover the broken piece, bring it with you. In some cases, it may be possible to bond the fragment back in place.

Treatment Options for a Broken Tooth

The best treatment depends on the extent of the damage. For minor chips or cracks, dental bonding can quickly restore appearance and function. Our cosmetic dentist in Tuscaloosa, AL uses high-quality, tooth-colored material to shape and polish your tooth to its original form.

For more significant fractures that compromise structure or function, a dental crown is often recommended. Our team uses durable, natural-looking materials to protect and strengthen compromised teeth while restoring a seamless appearance.

If the break has exposed the inner pulp or caused severe pain, a root canal may be necessary before placing a crown. Fortunately, our team is skilled in root canal therapy and will ensure your comfort every step of the way.

Dental Implants and Extractions

If a tooth is too damaged to save, we may recommend an extraction. Wisdom teeth extractions in Tuscaloosa, AL are common procedures and are handled with care and expertise. Following the extraction, you may consider options like dental implants or dental bridges to restore the missing tooth and maintain your bite alignment.

Dental implants in Tuscaloosa, AL are a long-term solution that offers durability, aesthetics, and function. They’re particularly beneficial when the broken tooth was a front tooth or one used heavily in chewing.

Don’t Ignore the Symptoms

Even if your broken tooth doesn’t hurt immediately, it’s important to seek care quickly. Bacteria can enter through a crack or chip and lead to infection, abscesses, or more complex treatment needs.

Patients who’ve received treatment for gum disease in Tuscaloosa, AL are especially vulnerable to complications from broken teeth. Weak gum support or receding tissue can increase the risk of tooth loss if issues are left unaddressed.

Prevention Tips

To reduce your risk of future breakage, avoid chewing on hard objects like ice or pens. If you grind your teeth at night, ask about custom nightguards. Regular dental checkups allow us to catch early signs of weakening enamel or cracks before they worsen.

If you wear dentures in Tuscaloosa, AL, keep them well-fitted and avoid using them to chew very hard or sticky foods.

Trust Tuscaloosa Family Dentistry in an Emergency

From cosmetic solutions like veneers to advanced restorative treatments, we’re here to repair and restore your smile. If you’ve experienced a broken tooth or need urgent dental care, contact our office immediately. Our experienced team will guide you through the next steps and help you get back to smiling with confidence.