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November 27, 2025You may feel fine one moment, then bite into something hard or get hit in the mouth, and suddenly part of your tooth is gone. The pain might come fast, or it might feel dull at first and get worse over time. A broken tooth can start as a small problem but turn into something serious if you do nothing. Many people feel unsure about what to do next or how soon they need help. In this article, we explain everything you need to know.
When a Broken Tooth Is Considered a Dental Emergency?
A broken tooth needs emergency care when the damage affects the structure or health of the tooth. Some breaks may not hurt right away, but they can lead to serious problems if ignored. Infection can spread, and nearby teeth may also suffer.
Acting early helps avoid more pain and costly treatments. A broken tooth emergency dentist in Avondale can provide the right solution before the condition gets worse. Emergency signs include:
- Sharp edges that cut the tongue or cheek.
- Pain when you chew or close your mouth.
- Bad taste or smell from the tooth.
- Darkening or discoloration of the tooth.
What to Do if You Have a Broken Tooth?
Taking the right steps can prevent more damage. Follow these tips before you get to the dentist:
- Rinse your mouth with warm water to keep it clean.
- Use clean gauze to stop any bleeding.
- Put a cold pack on your cheek to help with swelling.
- Take pain medicine like ibuprofen (do not take aspirin).
- If you find the broken piece, keep it safe in milk or saliva.
- Call a broken tooth emergency dentist in Avondale right away.
What Will an Emergency Dentist Do for a Broken Tooth?
The dentist first checks your tooth and take an X-ray or 3D scan to see how bad the damage is. After that, they will choose the best treatment. Before starting any work, they will numb the area so you do not feel pain. Here’s what the dentist might do:
- Use a filling or bonding for a small chip or crack.
- Place a crown if a large part of the tooth is broken.
- Do a root canal if the nerve is damaged.
- Remove the tooth if it cannot be saved.
Quick Fixes for a Broken Tooth Until You See a Dentist
If you can’t see the best dentist in Avondale right away, you need to take simple steps to protect your tooth. These won’t fix the tooth, but they stop it from getting worse or causing more pain. Here’s what you can do:
- Use dental wax from the drugstore to cover any sharp edges.
- Chew on the other side of your mouth.
- Have soft foods like soup, mashed potatoes, and yogurt.
- Stay away from hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks.
- Keep your mouth clean with gentle rinsing.
Tips to Avoid a Dental Emergency
You can avoid breaking a tooth by following a few smart habits. These small changes help protect your teeth and prevent painful emergencies. Here’s what you can do:
- Don’t chew on ice, hard candy, or popcorn kernels.
- Don’t use your teeth to open bottles, cans, or bags.
- Use a night guard if you grind your teeth while you sleep.
- Go to the dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning.
- Fix small cracks, old fillings, or loose crowns early.
- Floss and brush every day to keep your gums and teeth strong.
- Take care of small dental problems early before they get worse.
Let’s Recap
A broken tooth can feel scary and painful, but quick treatment can stop the problem from getting worse. You should not wait to get help. The team at Desert Lake Family Dentistry understands how serious this can be. We offer same-day care for dental emergencies. You can count on us for expert treatment that protects your smile and your health.
FAQs
How urgent is a broken tooth?
A broken tooth can be very urgent, especially if you feel pain or see bleeding. You should get help as soon as possible.
Can I wait a week with a broken tooth?
No, you should not wait a week. Waiting can cause more damage, infection, or tooth loss.
What qualifies as a dental emergency?
Severe pain, bleeding, swelling, cracked or knocked-out teeth, and infections are all dental emergencies.
Is an emergency dentist more expensive?
An emergency visit may cost more, but it depends on the treatment. Many offices explain costs before treatment begins.
How long will a tooth hurt before the nerve dies?
The pain can last for days or even weeks. Sometimes the pain stops when the nerve dies, but the infection may continue.




