What to Do If You Break a Tooth
Emergency Steps and Long-Term Care
Best Family Dentistry in Metairie, LA
A broken tooth can catch you off guard—whether it’s caused by biting into something too hard, a sports injury, or an untreated cavity. Whatever the cause, knowing what to do and where to turn for care is key. If you’re dealing with a chipped, cracked, or broken tooth in Metairie, LA, the team at Concord Family Dental is here to help you regain your confidence and comfort.
First Steps After Breaking a Tooth
When a dental emergency strikes, it’s easy to panic. But the first few minutes are critical. Start by rinsing your mouth with warm water and checking for any bleeding. Apply a cold compress to the outside of your face to minimize swelling, and if there’s bleeding, gently press with clean gauze or cloth. If you can locate the broken piece of tooth, store it in milk or saliva and bring it with you to your dental appointment.
Most importantly, contact an emergency dentist in Metairie as soon as possible. Acting quickly can improve your chances of saving the tooth or avoiding further complications.
Common Causes of Broken Teeth
Patients in Metairie experience broken teeth for a range of reasons:
- Accidents during contact sports
- Untreated cavities that weaken tooth structure
- Biting into hard foods like nuts or ice
- Old fillings that no longer support the tooth
- Bruxism (grinding or clenching)
Our dental team can assess the underlying cause to help prevent future damage and recommend the best treatment for restoring the tooth.
Treatment Options for Broken Teeth
At Concord Family Dental, we offer a wide range of treatments depending on the severity of the damage.
- Dental bonding is a quick and cost-effective solution for minor chips. This involves applying a tooth-colored resin to reshape and restore the tooth.
- Dental crowns are ideal when a larger portion of the tooth is lost. A custom crown covers the tooth entirely, restoring strength and appearance. Our Metairie office offers crowns made from durable, natural-looking materials.
- Dental veneers are a great option if the front surface of your tooth is damaged. They’re also used for cosmetic upgrades, and many patients seeking a metairie cosmetic dentist choose veneers to enhance their smile.
- Root canal therapy may be necessary if the inner pulp of your tooth is exposed or infected. We provide this service with care and precision to help you keep your natural tooth when possible.
- Tooth extractions might be required in more severe cases. If the tooth cannot be saved, we offer gentle extractions and can help replace the tooth with dental implants or bridges.
What Happens If You Don’t Treat a Broken Tooth?
Ignoring a broken tooth can lead to serious consequences. The fracture may widen, decay can set in, and infection may spread to other parts of the body. Pain, sensitivity, and chewing difficulty may worsen over time. If the pulp inside the tooth becomes infected, it can lead to an abscess and other complications.
Early intervention from a dentist in Metairie can save your tooth and prevent expensive treatments later on.
Replacing a Severely Damaged or Missing Tooth
If your tooth can’t be saved, don’t worry—our practice offers advanced tooth replacement options.
- Dental implants are a permanent, natural-looking option that helps preserve bone health and restore your full bite. Patients looking for dental implants in Metairie appreciate the long-term value and aesthetics of this treatment.
- Dental bridges offer another reliable solution for replacing missing teeth. Our team can design bridges that look and feel natural, improving both function and appearance.
- Dentures are available for patients who have lost multiple teeth. Whether you need full or partial dentures, we can create a custom solution that fits comfortably and restores your ability to eat and speak clearly.
We Make Emergency Dentistry More Accessible
Dental emergencies don’t always happen during regular office hours. That’s why Concord Family Dental offers responsive care when you need it most. We’re committed to being the go-to emergency dentist in Metairie. Our goal is to relieve your pain, protect your oral health, and restore your smile as quickly as possible.
Financing Options for Unexpected Dental Care
We understand that dental emergencies aren’t always in your budget. That’s why we offer flexible dental financing in Metairie. Our team can work with you to find a payment plan that fits your needs, so you can get the treatment you need without delay. Ask us about our dentist payment plans for more information.
Preventing Broken Teeth in the Future
While some accidents are unavoidable, many broken teeth can be prevented. We recommend the following for long-term protection:
- Wear a mouthguard during contact sports or if you grind your teeth at night
- Avoid biting hard foods or using your teeth to open packages
- Visit your pediatric dentist in Metairie early if your child is involved in sports
- Get regular checkups so we can catch small cracks or weakening restorations before they worsen
Schedule Prompt Care in Metairie Today
If you’re dealing with a broken tooth or other dental emergency, Concord Family Dental is here to help. Whether you need a same-day repair or a comprehensive tooth replacement plan, our team provides expert, compassionate care.
Looking for a dentist near me in Metairie? Call today to schedule an appointment and restore your healthy, confident smile.
2636 Athania Pkwy, Metairie, LA 70002, United States of America