The last time I saw a dentist, the pain was so bad that I promised myself I would not return. Unfortunately, I was so upset that I never found another dentist. Yesterday, I fell outside while changing a bulb with a chair instead of a ladder. I don’t feel any pain, but my tooth broke. Is there a way to fix it at home with a DIY kit from the drugstore? Thank you. Isaac from MT
Isaac,
Thank you for contacting our office.
Can You Fix a Broken Tooth at Home?
No, you cannot fix a broken tooth at home. Only a dentist can secure your tooth and bond it, if possible, to prevent future damage. Still, you did not explain to us which tooth broke, where it broke, and the severity of the break. Although you cannot repair your tooth, there are some things you can do at home to stabilize the situation.
What Can You Do If Your Tooth Breaks?
If your tooth breaks, you should quickly take these steps:
- Save the broken piece if you can find it, and keep it moist in gauze.
- Rinse your mouth with warm salt water.
- Apply pressure to minimize any bleeding.
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever as directed on the packaging, but do not take more than recommended.
- Schedule an appointment with a dentist.
How Can You Find a Gentle, Pain-Free Dentist?
You can find a gentle, pain-free dentist by asking friends or family members for recommendations. You can also search online for a pain-free dentist. Check the dentist’s Google or Yelp patient reviews. Please do not do a lengthy search because getting prompt care will help save your tooth.
What Will a Dentist Do for Your Broken Tooth?
Treatment for your tooth depends on which tooth broke and the severity of the break. Treatment may include:
- Examination
- X-ray for internal damage
- Bonding on the broken piece of you have it
- Root canal treatment for internal damage
- A dental crown for severe damage
- Tooth removal and a dental implant for an unsavable tooth
Find a dentist promptly, explain that you broke your tooth, and describe the break. Get treatment right away to prevent more costly and complex treatment.
Monroe, Louisiana, dentist Dr. David Finley sponsors this post. Dr. Finley is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry.
I have a front tooth that just broke this morning, and I want to glue it back in place. Please do not recommend an emergency dentist because I do not have the time or money to get to a dentist right now. The lower-left corner broke, but I have the piece of tooth. It is a decent size chunk. In June, I should be able to afford a dentist and get time off from work. What are the pros and cons of gluing the piece back on myself? Thanks. Kevin from TN
Last week, I had a follow-up appointment with an oral surgeon after removing four wisdom teeth. All teeth were impacted in my jawbone. The surgeon told me that I did not need to flush the sockets from the upper extractions. But I feel a salty taste from the extraction sites. After rinsing the area, a yellow discharge came out. Also, I wonder if the pressure I feel in my nose is from a sinus perforation. Are these symptoms typical? Tomorrow will be 12 days since the surgery. The symptoms are slowly improving, but I am concerned about my nose pressure. Do I need to schedule an urgent appointment with my dentist to take x-rays and see what’s happening? Thank you. Rowan from MS
In April, my dentist filled a front tooth with composite. Floss was getting stuck between my teeth, so I told my dentist about it when I had my checkup in October. She smoothed the surface, and the floss did not get stuck anymore. I thought the tooth was a little sensitive, and a few days later, when I was eating, the sensitivity was so intense that it felt like an electric shock. I returned to the dentist for an x-ray, and she told me to take ibuprofen because the tooth looked okay. I waited a month, then stopped taking ibuprofen, and the pain returned. If I return to the dentist, she will probably replace the filling. But the pain makes me wonder if I need a root canal. My dentist seems casual about the issue, so do you recommend a new filling or that I ask for a referral to a specialist? – Thank you. Irena from MS
After months of a toothache in my top left second molar, the pain got so bad that I had to see a dentist right away. I was between dentists because I decided not to return to the dental practice I used to visit. I was not fond of the large dental chain feel. Anyway, the dentist I saw had a same-day appointment available and said the tooth was so infected that he wanted to extract it right away. That was two days ago, but today when I was cleaning the surgical site, it looked like the dentist left two tooth roots behind. I am planning on getting an implant. Will the root be n the way? And what kind of problems might this cause later? Thank you. Alejandra from Arkansas
In May, my dentist placed three small filings with flowable composite. All fillings are on my lower right teeth. Unfortunately, I chew on that side of my mouth, and whenever I’m chewing something hard or crunchy, I feel sharp pain. My dentist replaced the filling with more flowable composite, but I don’t notice any improvement.
I began wearing braces at age 15 to close a gap between my front teeth. I had an orthodontist who failed to recommend removing the tissue mass between my front teeth. After braces, I did well for a few years but finally stopped using a retainer. Without a retainer, my teeth shifted quickly. Of course, my gap is back. Last fall, I began using teeth bands to close the gap. I wore the bands every night until last month when I noticed that my front teeth are loose. Now I am afraid of losing my teeth and embarrassed about using bands to close the gap without seeing my dentist. My anxiety level is high because I think that I ruined my teeth. Is it too late to save my loose teeth? Thank you. – Savannah from SC
