What to Do If You Break a Tooth
Emergency Steps and Long-Term Care
Best Dental Implant Dentistry in Solon, OH
A broken tooth can happen at any time—during a meal, after a fall, or from grinding your teeth while you sleep. No matter how it occurs, it’s essential to act quickly to minimize pain, prevent infection, and protect your overall oral health. At Good Health Dental in Solon, we help patients handle dental emergencies with confidence and ease.
If you’ve ever searched “dentist near me Solon” after breaking a tooth, you’re not alone. Here's what you should know—and do—if you or a loved one experiences a chipped, cracked, or fractured tooth.
Step 1: Stay Calm and Assess the Damage
Dental emergencies can be alarming, but staying calm is key. Check the affected area to determine the extent of the damage. Is the tooth cracked or completely broken? Are you bleeding or in pain? Does the tooth feel loose?
Even if the damage seems minor, it's always wise to have it evaluated by a dental professional. A small chip may not hurt, but it could expose the inner layers of your tooth and lead to sensitivity or decay if left untreated.
Our team at Good Health Dental is experienced in emergency care and will help guide you on the best next steps.
Step 2: Rinse and Protect the Area
Rinse your mouth gently with warm water to remove debris and reduce the risk of infection. If there’s bleeding, apply light pressure with clean gauze until it stops.
Avoid eating or chewing on the injured side of your mouth. If you’re in pain or swelling develops, a cold compress on the outside of your cheek can help manage discomfort until you can see a dentist.
If the broken tooth has sharp edges, dental wax or sugarless gum can be used to cover the area temporarily and prevent cuts to your tongue or cheek.
Step 3: Call Your Dentist Immediately
Even if you're not in significant pain, a broken tooth should never be ignored. Contact your dentist as soon as possible. At Good Health Dental, we prioritize emergency cases and can often accommodate same-day visits for urgent situations.
If you’ve chipped a tooth and need cosmetic repairs, we can discuss bonding or veneers to restore appearance and function. More severe breaks may require crowns, root canals, or even extractions.
Patients who rely on dentures in Solon should also have them evaluated if a supporting tooth is broken or damaged.
What Treatment Options Are Available?
Your treatment plan will depend on the severity of the damage. At Good Health Dental, we offer comprehensive restorative and cosmetic solutions to address broken teeth efficiently and comfortably.
Minor Chips or Cracks
For small chips, we may use dental bonding—a tooth-colored resin that’s shaped and hardened to restore your tooth’s appearance. This is a quick, painless procedure ideal for front teeth or cosmetic repairs.
Bonding can also be a good alternative for patients who want to enhance their smile without committing to full veneers.
Moderate Breaks
If the break has damaged a larger portion of the tooth or exposed the inner dentin, a crown may be necessary. Dental crowns help restore both function and aesthetics, protecting the remaining tooth structure from further damage.
Crowns are a long-lasting option and can be color-matched to blend naturally with your smile.
Severe Breaks or Root Damage
If the fracture extends into the root or pulp of the tooth, a root canal may be needed to remove infection and save the tooth. After treatment, the tooth is typically restored with a crown to ensure full protection.
Good Health Dental provides expert care for root canal therapy, helping you return to a pain-free, functional smile quickly and comfortably.
In some cases, if the damage is beyond repair, an extraction may be the only solution. Our team will guide you through replacement options, such as implants or dentures, depending on your needs.
Cosmetic Repairs and Smile Restoration
For patients concerned about the appearance of their smile following a dental emergency, our cosmetic services in Solon can help restore both confidence and comfort. Whether you’re exploring veneers, teeth whitening, or even facial fillers to enhance your overall look, we tailor treatment plans to your goals.
We also offer dentures in Solon for patients who need full or partial tooth replacement following trauma or decay. Our priority is making sure your smile looks and feels natural—no matter your treatment path.
Preventing Future Breaks
While accidents happen, many dental emergencies can be prevented with the right habits and care.
- Wear a mouthguard if you play contact sports.
- Avoid chewing ice, popcorn kernels, or non-food items.
- Get regular dental checkups to detect problems before they escalate.
- Use a nightguard if you grind your teeth while sleeping.
- Follow good oral hygiene to keep your teeth and restorations strong.
If you’ve had cosmetic treatments or restorations in the past, regular follow-ups are especially important. Patients with veneers or fillings in Solon should keep an eye out for wear or loosening that could make the tooth more vulnerable to damage.
Have a Dental Emergency? Call Good Health Dental in Solon
Whether you’re dealing with a minor chip or a serious fracture, our experienced team is here to help. As a trusted family dentist in Solon, we offer emergency care, cosmetic restoration, and full-service treatment options for every age and stage of life.
From same-day appointments to long-term solutions like implants or dentures, we provide personalized care in a supportive environment. If you’re searching for the best dentist in Solon for emergency dental care, you’ve found your team.
Don’t wait—contact Good Health Dental right away if you’ve broken a tooth. We’re here to protect your smile and your peace of mind.
6200 Som Center Rd, Solon, OH 44139, United States of America