A broken tooth
A tooth that has chipped, cracked or broken needs a look, and some breaks need one soon. Call us. We tell you what to do first and when we can see you.
- Swelling that spreads to your face, eye or neck, trouble breathing or swallowing, a serious blow to the head, or bleeding that won't stop needs emergency care now. Go to an emergency room or call 911. If a tooth is knocked out or broken, call our office right away.
What to do first
Until you reach us:
- 01
Keep the piece
If you have the broken piece, keep it in milk or a clean, damp cloth and bring it with you.
- 02
Rinse gently
Rinse your mouth with warm water. Don't chew on that side.
- 03
Call us
Call (801) 555-0107. Tell Katia what happened, and she will tell you when Dr. Sorensen can see you.
- 04
Go to the emergency room if
Swelling is spreading, you can't breathe or swallow easily, or the blow was to your head.
We can't promise a same-day visit. Katia tells you what the schedule allows when you call.
What the visit is
The exam
Dr. Sorensen looks at the tooth and takes an X-ray if she needs one, then tells you what she sees and the choices.
The repair
A small chip can be a filling. A larger break can be a crown or an onlay. A tooth that can't be saved is referred for removal.
Comfort
We use a local anesthetic. You can ask for a break at any time.
How it's billed
The fee is in your written estimate before treatment, except where care can't wait for it.
How fees work
Questions about a broken tooth
Can you see me today?
Sometimes, but we can't promise it. Call and Katia will tell you what the schedule allows.
Should I put the piece back in?
No. Keep it somewhere safe and bring it with you.
Is it an emergency?
Spreading swelling, trouble breathing or swallowing, or a serious blow to the head is. Go to an emergency room or call 911.
Provided by a general dentist
Dr. Gail Sorensen, DDS, general dentist, licensed in Utah.