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Do you have questions for us? We invite you to take a look at our FAQs. However, if your question isn't answered here, we welcome your call! One of our friendly team members will be pleased to speak with you and answer any questions you may have.
Broken Teeth
In short, a broken tooth can sometimes be saved. Whether a broken tooth can be saved or must be extracted depends on the location of the fracture on the tooth as well as the extent of the damage.
Minor cracks may be treated while maintaining a tooth's structure with dental bonding or crowns. In some cases, a root canal treatment can salvage a badly damaged tooth. However, if a severe break extends into the root or damages the tooth’s structure, extraction is likely necessary. Early evaluation and prompt treatment are crucial to determining the best course of action and increasing the chances of saving the tooth.
Thus, the best ways to prevent broken teeth is to attend regular dental check-ups and to be conscious of specific risk factors and activities.
Common Causes of Broken Teeth
Teeth can break as a result of a number of factors, including:
- Trauma from an accident or sports
- Biting down on hard objects like olive pits or unpopped popcorn kernels
- Teeth grinding, or “bruxism”
- Tooth decay, which weakens enamel and makes teeth more susceptible to fractures
Of course, only a dentist or oral surgeon, after considering a patient’s oral and overall health, can definitively determine the best option.
Treating Broken Teeth in Sydney
If you’re in Sydney and want to ensure quality care in the event of a broken tooth or any other dental emergency, contact the Sydney Emergency Dentist team to arrange an appointment or consultation.
A broken tooth doesn’t always cause pain. The level of discomfort from a broken tooth depends on the extent and location of the fracture. Minor chips or cracks that don't reach the nerve may not be painful, while more severe breaks that expose the nerve can be extremely painful. Broken teeth still require professional attention because breaching enamel can destabilize the tooth.
Other examples of instances when a broken tooth tends to be rather painful include:
- Severe fractures that expose the tooth’s inner nerve
- A cavity that’s allowed to fester to the point of tooth decay
- A broken tooth can create an opening for bacteria to enter, causing an abscess (infection) that results in throbbing pain and swelling.
In any case, regardless of pain, it's essential to seek dental care immediately upon discovering a broken tooth to prevent the risk of further damage or infection.
Of course, only a dentist or oral surgeon, after considering a patient’s oral and overall health, can definitively determine the best option.
Treating Broken Teeth in Sydney
If you’re in Sydney and want to ensure quality care in the event of a broken tooth or any other dental emergency, contact the Sydney Emergency Dentist team to arrange an appointment or consultation.
First and foremost, please try to stay calm. A broken tooth can feel shocking, but the good news is that most dental emergencies can be treated quickly and effectively when you act fast. If you’ve cracked, chipped or completely broken a tooth, your first step should be to call our emergency dentist in Sydney right away. We offer same-day appointments and will prioritise getting you out of pain and into treatment as soon as possible.
While you’re waiting to be seen, here’s what you can do:
- Rinse your mouth gently with warm water to keep the area clean.
- Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek or jaw near the injured tooth. This can help reduce swelling and discomfort.
- Avoid eating on that side of your mouth and steer clear of hard, crunchy or hot foods.
If you have the broken piece, try to place it in a clean container with milk or saline solution to keep it moist, and bring it with you to your appointment. In some cases, we may be able to bond it back in place.
We Welcome Your Call
A broken tooth in Sydney—whether caused by a sports injury, a fall or biting into something hard—can often be saved if you get prompt care. At Sydney Emergency Dentist, our experienced team will assess the damage, relieve any pain and recommend the best treatment option. We offer various treatments and will determine which is best for your unique situation. Some of the treatments we offer are dental bonding, dental crowns and root canal therapy.
If you've broken a tooth, please give us a call now so we can help restore your smile.
Dealing with dental emergencies in Sydney, Neutral Bay, Manly, Northern Beaches, or North Sydney? Dr Jenny Ling and her team at Sydney Emergency Dentist are here to help. If you experience any of the following issues, call us now for after-hours emergency dental services.
Chronic or Severe Toothache in Neutral Bay:
Intense, throbbing pain in your tooth can indicate an infection or abscess.
What to do?
Swift attention by a professional is crucial to alleviate pain and prevent complications such as root canal treatment or tooth extraction.
If you're in Neutral Bay and the surrounding North Sydney area, seek Dr Jenny Ling, your emergency dentist immediately.
Knocked-Out Tooth in North Sydney:
If a tooth has been completely knocked out of the socket, don't panic!
What to do?
If the tooth is clean and has no dirt or debris on it, try to put the tooth back into the socket immediately.
If the tooth is not clean and has dirt on the root surface, gently rinse the tooth with milk or warm salt water. Avoid touching the root with your fingers. Then put the tooth back into the socket.
If you cannot put the tooth back into the socket, cover the tooth in a glass of milk or your own saliva, and call our after hours emergency dental team in Sydney. The survival of the tooth depends on how soon you can find Dr Jenny Ling for help, ideally within 2 hours.
DO NOT store the tooth in tap water.
Broken or Fractured Tooth in Neutral Bay:
A cracked or broken tooth can expose nerves, leading to sensitivity and discomfort.
What to do?
Keep the broken pieces of the tooth in a clean box and if possible take it to our clinic with you.
Rinse your mouth with warm water to remove any dirty bits.
Lost Filling or Crown in North Sydney:
Losing a dental restoration can leave your tooth vulnerable to further damage.
What to do?
Keep the crown or filling in a box and take it to Dr Jenny Ling's clinic in Neutral Bay.
Avoid eating, squishing liquid, and brushing around the tooth as it can be quite sensitive.
Contact Us Straight Away
For any dental emergency, remember: "We are here to help." Don't wait; your oral health is crucial!