What to Do If You Break a Tooth

May 26, 2025

Emergency Steps and Long-Term Care

Best Dentist in Surprise, AZ

Breaking a tooth can be sudden and alarming, but the good news is that fast, professional care can usually restore your smile with minimal discomfort. Whether it’s a chipped front tooth or a molar cracked down the middle, the team at RGC Dentistry in Surprise is here to help.

As a trusted dentist in Surprise, AZ, we provide emergency care and same-day treatment options to get you out of pain and back to your life as quickly as possible.

Common Causes of Broken Teeth

Tooth fractures can happen to anyone. The most common causes include:

  • Biting into something hard (ice, nuts, bones)
  • Accidents or sports injuries
  • Teeth grinding or jaw clenching
  • Large fillings or older restorations weakening the tooth
  • Sudden temperature changes (like eating hot soup and drinking ice water)

Sometimes, damage is minor. Other times, it can expose the sensitive inner layer (dentin) or nerve of the tooth, leading to significant pain.

Immediate Steps to Take

If you’ve broken a tooth:

  1. Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area.
  2. Apply gauze if there is bleeding.
  3. Use a cold compress on your cheek to reduce swelling.
  4. Save any broken fragments, if possible.
  5. Call your dentist immediately.

As a provider of emergency care, RGC Dentistry offers same-day appointments whenever possible for urgent needs like broken teeth or dental pain.

Treatment Options for a Broken Tooth

The best treatment depends on the severity of the damage. Our goal is to preserve your natural tooth whenever possible. Common solutions include:

  • Cosmetic bonding: For small chips or rough edges.
  • Dental crowns: For significant cracks or to restore structure.
  • Root canal therapy: If the pulp of the tooth is exposed or infected.
  • Tooth extraction and replacement: In severe cases where the tooth can’t be saved.

If a broken tooth is replaced, dental implants in Surprise are one of the most reliable long-term options. Implants not only restore aesthetics and chewing ability—they also help preserve your jawbone structure.

Wisdom Teeth Breaks

While it’s rare, wisdom teeth can break due to decay or impaction. In such cases, wisdom teeth extraction is usually recommended. RGC Dentistry offers gentle, expert wisdom teeth extraction in Surprise to prevent infection, pain, or alignment problems.

Pain Management and Temporary Relief

If you’re in pain and can’t get to the dentist immediately, you can:

  • Take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen
  • Avoid hot, cold, or sweet foods
  • Use dental wax to cover jagged edges
  • Eat on the opposite side of your mouth

But remember—these are only temporary fixes. Broken teeth require professional evaluation, even if the pain subsides.

Why You Shouldn’t Ignore a Broken Tooth

Even if a broken tooth doesn’t hurt, it’s still vulnerable to infection, decay, and further damage. The sooner you seek care, the better your chances are of avoiding complications or more costly treatments.

At RGC Dentistry, we make it easy for patients to get care when they need it. As a leading dental provider near Surprise, our team offers flexible scheduling, financing options, and a compassionate approach.

Preventing Future Damage

While some dental emergencies are unavoidable, you can reduce your risk by:

  • Wearing a nightguard if you grind your teeth
  • Using a sports mouthguard during physical activities
  • Avoiding chewing on ice or hard objects
  • Staying current with your checkups and cleanings

Your oral health is always worth protecting—whether you’re maintaining your dental implants or avoiding cracks and chips in your natural teeth.

Emergency Dentistry You Can Count On

From minor chips to major breaks, RGC Dentistry is here to help. We’re proud to be considered one of the best dentists in Surprise, AZ, not just for everyday care—but when you need us most.

If you’ve broken a tooth, contact our office immediately. We’ll guide you through next steps, relieve your discomfort, and provide the right solution to restore your smile.



Our Services

16944 W Bell Rd Surprise, AZ 85374 USA

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