A broken tooth can be painful, stressful, and sometimes even frightening. Whether it happens during a weekend sports game, while biting into hard food, or as a result of untreated decay, knowing what to do next can make all the difference. At Cape Fear Smiles, we’re committed to helping Wilmington patients get the care they need quickly and comfortably—especially when emergencies strike.

Here’s what to do if you break a tooth and how we help patients restore their smiles with advanced care options.

Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

The first step is to stay calm. Not all dental injuries require immediate treatment, but acting quickly can help prevent further damage and reduce discomfort.

Start by checking the area:

• Is the tooth painful?
• Is it bleeding?
• Is there a visible crack, chip, or break?
• Have you lost a large portion of the tooth?

If pain or bleeding is significant, or if the break is severe, you may need to contact an emergency dentist in Wilmington right away. Our team is prepared to handle urgent dental issues with compassion and efficiency.

Rinse and Protect the Area

Gently rinse your mouth with warm water to remove debris and reduce the risk of infection. If bleeding is present, apply light pressure with clean gauze. If swelling occurs, use a cold compress on the outside of the cheek.

If the tooth is jagged or sharp, avoid irritating the surrounding tissues by covering it with dental wax or sugarless gum until you can be seen. For children, reach out to a pediatric dentist in Wilmington, NC, for immediate care tailored to their needs.

Avoid Certain Foods and Habits

Until the tooth is evaluated, avoid chewing on the affected side. Refrain from consuming anything sticky, hard, or hot/cold that could worsen the break or increase sensitivity. If the break occurred due to biting something too hard, it’s a good reminder to be mindful of food textures going forward—especially if you have restorations like crowns or veneers.

Call Cape Fear Smiles for an Evaluation

Even if the damage seems minor, schedule a dental visit as soon as possible. What appears to be a small chip on the outside could hide a larger issue inside the tooth. Our experienced providers will examine the tooth, take any necessary X-rays, and recommend treatment based on the severity of the break.

As a trusted provider of Wilmington family dentistry, we offer same-day emergency care whenever possible to help you get out of pain and restore your smile quickly.

Treatment Options for a Broken Tooth

The right solution depends on how much of the tooth has broken, whether the pulp (nerve) is affected, and whether there is infection or structural damage beneath the surface. Common treatments include:

Dental Bonding or Tooth-Colored Fillings

For small chips or surface cracks, bonding can be used to reshape the tooth with composite resin. It’s fast, affordable, and blends seamlessly with your natural enamel. This is ideal for front teeth or minor cosmetic injuries.

Veneers or Crowns

If a larger portion of the tooth is compromised or weakened, a dental veneer or crown may be necessary. Veneers in Wilmington are a popular cosmetic fix for front teeth with chips, cracks, or discoloration, while dental crowns are more protective and typically used for molars or structurally weakened teeth.

Root Canal Therapy

If the nerve of the tooth has been exposed or infected, a root canal may be needed to remove the damaged tissue and save the tooth. Following this procedure, a crown is usually placed to restore strength and appearance.

Extraction and Tooth Replacement

In severe cases, the tooth may be beyond saving. When this happens, we’ll discuss comfortable tooth removal options and replacement solutions such as dental implants, bridges, or dentures. With proper planning, we can often complete both the extraction and begin the replacement process in one visit.

Using your dental insurance in Wilmington wisely can help reduce the cost of emergency treatment and restorations. Our office team is happy to help review your coverage and provide financing options if needed.

How to Prevent Future Breaks

While accidents aren’t always avoidable, some steps can reduce your risk of future dental injuries:

• Wear a mouthguard when playing sports or grinding your teeth at night.
• Avoid chewing on hard items like ice, pens, or hard candy.
• Stay up-to-date with cleanings and checkups to identify potential problems early.
• Address any signs of gum disease or decay before they weaken the teeth.
• Work with your provider on a personalized oral care plan.

If you’re someone who’s had cosmetic dental work like veneers or crowns, we also recommend touch-up visits and regular cleanings to ensure everything stays intact and well-aligned.

Why Choose Cape Fear Smiles for Emergency Dental Care?

As a comprehensive provider of Wilmington family dentistry, we’re here for you through every stage of dental health—from prevention to restoration. Whether you need a pediatric dentist for your child’s dental emergency or a long-term cosmetic fix after an injury, our team offers advanced care with a gentle approach.

Our office also works with most insurance plans and offers flexible options for patients without coverage. So whether your treatment includes dental bonding, crowns, veneers, or even full dentures, we can help you make a plan that restores your smile and your peace of mind.

In Summary

Breaking a tooth can feel overwhelming, but acting quickly and choosing the right provider makes all the difference. At Cape Fear Smiles in Wilmington, we help patients of all ages recover from dental emergencies and restore their oral health with comfort and confidence. If you or a family member breaks a tooth, don’t wait—contact us right away so we can help you smile again.