Emergency Steps and Long-Term Care

Breaking a tooth can be sudden and stressful, but quick action and expert care can make a major difference in preserving your smile. Whether it happens during lunch, a sporting event, or while chewing something unexpectedly hard, a broken tooth should always be evaluated by a professional as soon as possible.

At Salem Dental Arts, we offer same-day emergency care for patients experiencing dental trauma, including chipped, cracked, or fractured teeth. Our team is equipped to assess the damage and deliver fast, effective treatment to prevent further complications.

Common Causes of Broken Teeth

Understanding what leads to a broken tooth can help you take preventative steps. The most frequent causes include:

• Biting down on hard objects like ice or unpopped popcorn kernels
• Using your teeth to open packages or cut thread
• Untreated decay weakening the tooth structure
• Sports injuries or falls
• Teeth grinding or clenching, especially at night
• Old dental fillings or restorations that have worn down

Many patients who come to us for wisdom teeth extractions in Salem also experience crowding, which can place undue pressure on adjacent teeth and contribute to cracks or fractures.

First Steps After Breaking a Tooth

If you break a tooth, follow these steps while waiting to see your dentist:

1. Rinse your mouth with warm water to keep the area clean.
2. Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
3. Avoid chewing on the side of the injury.
4. Use over-the-counter pain medication if needed.
5. Save any broken fragments and bring them to your appointment.

Don’t delay in calling us. We are proud to be a trusted emergency dentist in Salem, MA, with a team ready to assess and restore your tooth quickly.

Treatment Options for a Broken Tooth

Treatment will depend on the severity of the break:

• Minor chips may be repaired with dental bonding.
• Moderate fractures that affect the outer layers of enamel and dentin often require dental crowns.
• Deep fractures that reach the pulp may necessitate root canals, followed by crown placement.
• Severe damage or breaks below the gumline could require extraction and replacement.

We always explore tooth-saving options first, but if removal is necessary, we’ll guide you through replacement options such as implants or bridges.

What If the Tooth Was Previously Restored?

If your tooth had a previous filling or crown that broke, we’ll assess whether it can be repaired or replaced. For patients who have received veneers in Salem, fractures may happen due to pressure or impact and may require new placement or temporary protection.

Maintaining routine dental visits allows us to monitor older restorations and intervene before they become emergencies.

Can a Broken Tooth Be Prevented?

While not all accidents are avoidable, you can reduce your risk with a few smart choices:

• Use custom sports mouthguards for contact sports
• Wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth
• Avoid chewing ice, bones, or hard candy
• Stay up to date with preventive care and cleanings
• Replace older fillings or crowns before they weaken

Patients undergoing orthodontic care with clear aligners in Salem, MA are also advised to handle their aligners gently and avoid hard snacks when aligners are out to protect newly aligned teeth.

How Salem Dental Arts Helps in a Dental Emergency

Our practice is committed to offering quick, reliable care when emergencies strike. When you come in with a broken tooth, we:

• Perform a comprehensive exam and x-rays
• Provide same-day pain relief and stabilization
• Offer restorative solutions tailored to your smile
• Ensure comfort through compassionate care

Our goal is to restore function and aesthetics as quickly as possible so you can return to your routine with confidence.

Get Help Fast and Restore Your Smile

A broken tooth is never convenient, but getting the right care quickly can make all the difference. Whether you need bonding, a crown, a root canal, or help managing a dental emergency, the team at Salem Dental Arts is here to help.

From urgent appointments to long-term solutions, we’re proud to be known as one of the best dentists in Salem, MA for personalized, effective care.