Gloss & Floss Answers · Emergency Dentistry
Does a broken tooth need emergency dental care?
Short answer
A broken tooth may need emergency dental care if it hurts, has sharp edges, causes sensitivity, bleeds, moves, exposes the inner tooth, follows trauma or makes chewing difficult. Even if there is no pain, a broken tooth should be checked because cracks, exposed dentin or hidden decay can worsen over time.
Why a broken tooth should not be ignored
A tooth can break because of decay, a large filling, trauma, grinding, biting something hard or an old crack. The visible break may be small, but the damage can sometimes extend deeper into the tooth.
Early assessment helps determine whether the tooth can be repaired with a filling, protected with a crown, treated with root canal therapy or needs another solution.
When is a broken tooth urgent?
- There is strong pain or throbbing
- The tooth is sensitive to cold, heat or air
- A sharp edge cuts the tongue or cheek
- The tooth broke after an accident or fall
- The tooth feels loose or moves
- You see bleeding from the tooth or gum
- There is swelling, pus or bad taste
- You cannot chew normally
- A large filling or crown has broken with it
What happens at Gloss & Floss?
At Gloss & Floss Dental Care in Stockholm, the dentist examines the broken tooth, checks whether the fracture is superficial or deep and may take X-rays if the root, nerve or surrounding bone must be assessed.
The first goal is to protect the tooth and reduce pain or infection risk. Treatment may involve smoothing a sharp edge, placing a temporary filling, repairing the tooth, planning a crown, assessing the nerve or discussing extraction if the fracture is severe.
What can you do before the appointment?
- Avoid chewing on the broken tooth
- Keep the area clean
- Save any broken fragment if you have it
- Avoid very cold, hot or sweet foods if the tooth is sensitive
- Use dental wax temporarily if a sharp edge cuts the cheek
- Book a dental assessment as soon as possible
Frequently asked questions
Can a broken tooth be repaired with a filling?
Sometimes yes, especially if the fracture is small and enough tooth structure remains. Larger fractures may need a crown or other treatment.
Does a broken tooth always hurt?
No. Some broken teeth do not hurt immediately, but they may still be weakened or exposed to bacteria.
Can a broken tooth need root canal treatment?
Yes, if the nerve is exposed, infected or irreversibly inflamed. The dentist must assess this clinically and sometimes with X-rays.
Is it dangerous to wait?
Waiting can allow cracks, decay or infection to progress. The risk is higher if the tooth hurts, is sensitive, sharp or has a large missing part.
Related answers
- What symptoms can indicate a cracked tooth?
- What should I do if a filling falls out?
- Why does my tooth hurt when I bite?
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Disclaimer
This article provides general information from Gloss & Floss Dental Care in Stockholm. It does not replace a dental examination, X-ray assessment, diagnosis or treatment plan.
