A broken tooth can be a shocking and stressful experience. Whether it’s a small chip or a severe fracture, a damaged tooth requires prompt attention to prevent further complications and ensure optimal repair. Here in London, Ontario, you have access to a variety of emergency dental care providers ready to address your broken tooth and restore your smile.

This article explores the various causes and types of broken teeth, the importance of immediate action, and the different repair options available in London, Ontario. It also provides valuable tips on what to do at home before seeking professional help.

1. Knowing Your Broken Tooth: Recognizing the Damage

Broken teeth can manifest in several ways, each requiring specific repair approaches. Here’s a breakdown of the common types of fractures:

• Chipped Tooth: This involves a small break in the enamel, the hard outer layer of the tooth. While pain might be minimal, it’s still crucial to seek professional care to prevent further damage.
• Cracked Tooth: This is a deeper fracture extending beyond the enamel, potentially reaching the dentin, the softer layer beneath. Cracked teeth often cause sensitivity and discomfort.
• Split Tooth: This severe break splits the tooth completely, often requiring extraction or complex restorative procedures.
• Root Fracture: Less visible, these fractures involve damage to the tooth root below the gum line. Symptoms like persistent pain, swelling, and difficulty chewing can indicate a root fracture.

2. Time is of the Essence: What to Do Immediately

Prompt dental care is critical when encountering a broken tooth. Here are some essential steps to take:

• Control Bleeding: Apply gentle pressure using a clean cloth to the area surrounding the tooth to control any bleeding.
• Reduce Pain: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can offer temporary relief.
• Locate the Tooth Fragment: If present, try to locate any broken pieces of the tooth. Keep them moist by placing them in milk or saline solution if possible.
• Schedule an Emergency Appointment: Contact an emergency dentist in London, Ontario, as soon as possible.

3. Home Care While You Wait: Minimizing Further Damage

While waiting for your emergency dental appointment, some simple steps can help minimize further discomfort and protect the broken tooth:

• Avoid Chewing on the Affected Side: Chewing on the broken tooth can exacerbate the fracture and cause additional pain.
• Apply Cold Compress: Hold a cold compress on your cheek near the broken tooth to reduce swelling and discomfort.
• Rinse Gently with Saltwater: Prepare a lukewarm saltwater solution (1/2 teaspoon salt in a cup of warm water) and gently rinse your mouth to keep the area clean.

4. Seeking Help in London, Ontario: Finding an Emergency Dentist

London, Ontario, boasts a network of skilled and experienced emergency dentists readily available to address your broken tooth. Here’s how to find an emergency dentist in your area:

• Consult Your Regular Dentist: If you have a regular dentist, they might be able to accommodate an emergency appointment or refer you to a qualified emergency dentist.
• Online Resources: Websites like the Ontario Dental Association (ODA) or online directories can help locate emergency dental clinics in London.
• Hospital Emergency Rooms: While not always equipped for complex dental repairs, most hospital emergency rooms can provide basic pain relief and refer you to a qualified dentist.

5. Evaluation and Diagnosis: Assessing the Damage

Upon arrival at the emergency dental clinic, the dentist will conduct a thorough examination of your broken tooth. This may involve:

• X-rays: Dental x-rays provide a clear picture of the fracture’s extent and its impact on the surrounding tooth structure and root.
• Physical Examination: The dentist will visually assess the broken tooth and check for pain, sensitivity, and loose tooth syndrome.
• Discussion of Symptoms: Understanding your experience with the injury and any specific concerns can help guide the dentist’s treatment plan.

6. Repair Options for Broken Teeth: Restoring Your Smile

Based on the severity of the fracture and the location of the break, your dentist will recommend the most appropriate repair option. Here are some common approaches:

• Dental Bonding: For minor chips or cracks, bonding involves applying a tooth-colored resin to fill the chipped area and restore the tooth’s appearance.
• Dental Crowns: For more extensive fractures, dental crowns (caps) are placed over the tooth to restore strength and structure.
• Root Canals: If the fracture exposes the tooth’s pulp (containing nerves and blood vessels), a root canal procedure might be necessary to remove infected tissue and preserve the tooth.
• Tooth Extractions: In severe cases with extensive damage or a fractured root, tooth extraction might be the only option.

7. Dental Crowns: Restoring Your Smile’s Strength and Beauty

Dental crowns are a popular choice for repairing severely broken teeth. They provide a durable and aesthetically pleasing solution.

• Types of Crowns: Crowns can be made from various materials, including porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination. Your dentist will recommend the best option based on your specific needs and preferences.
• Preparation Process: Before placing a crown, the dentist will prepare the tooth by removing a layer of enamel to create a foundation for the crown.
• Temporary Crown: While the permanent crown is being created, you’ll receive a temporary crown to protect the tooth and maintain its shape.

8. Root Canals: Saving a Damaged Tooth

When the tooth’s pulp is affected by a fracture, a root canal becomes necessary. This procedure involves removing the infected pulp and sealing the tooth to prevent further damage.

• Root Canal Process: The dentist will create a small opening in the tooth to access the pulp, remove it, clean the root canals, and fill them with a special material.
• Crown Placement: After the root canal, a crown is typically placed to strengthen and protect the tooth.
• Recovery and Care: Root canal treatment may cause temporary sensitivity, but it usually resolves within a few days. Proper oral hygiene is essential for long-term success.

9. Tooth Extraction: A Last Resort

In cases of severe damage or infection, tooth extraction might be the only viable option.

• Extraction Process: The dentist will carefully remove the broken tooth using specialized tools.
• Post-Extraction Care: Proper care after extraction is crucial to prevent complications. Your dentist will provide specific instructions, including how to manage pain and swelling.
• Replacement Options: If the extracted tooth is in a visible area, you might consider replacing it with a dental implant, bridge, or partial denture.

10. Preventing Future Breakages: Protecting Your Smile

Taking preventive measures can help reduce the risk of future broken teeth:

• Wear a Mouthguard: If you participate in sports or engage in activities with a risk of facial impact, wearing a mouthguard is essential.
• Regular Dental Checkups: Routine dental exams allow your dentist to identify and address potential problems before they become serious.
• Avoid Biting on Hard Objects: Refrain from using your teeth as tools to open packages or bite into hard objects.