{"id":10089,"date":"2026-02-24T10:01:25","date_gmt":"2026-02-24T15:01:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cliniquedentaire1935.ca\/?p=10089"},"modified":"2026-02-24T10:05:20","modified_gmt":"2026-02-24T15:05:20","slug":"what-to-do-broken-tooth","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cliniquedentaire1935.ca\/en\/blogue\/what-to-do-broken-tooth\/","title":{"rendered":"What to do if you chip or break a tooth"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Article verified and updated on February 24, 2026<\/em><\/p>

A broken tooth is an event that is as sudden as it is stressful. Whether it is a simple fall, a sports accident, or biting down on something a bit too hard, your reaction in the first few minutes is critical to the survival of your tooth. Fortunately, modern dentistry offers restoration solutions that are nearly invisible. At Clinique Dentaire 1935<\/strong>, we handle these emergencies daily to restore both the function and the aesthetics of your smile.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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The Essentials in 30 Seconds<\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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  • \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRetrieve the fragment: Never throw it away, even if it seems small.<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
  • \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tKeep it moist: Store the tooth in milk, saline solution, or your own saliva.<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
  • \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAct fast: The prognosis for success drops significantly after 24 hours.<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
  • \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tDental Emergency: Contact your dentist immediately for a priority appointment.<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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    Why Do Teeth Break?<\/h2>

    Dental fractures are not always a matter of bad luck. While direct trauma (a blow or a fall) is the most obvious cause, several internal factors can weaken the structure of your enamel over time:<\/p>

    • Untreated Cavities:<\/strong> By eating away at the tooth from the inside, a cavity creates a hollow space that weakens the walls. The tooth eventually collapses during simple chewing.<\/li>
    • Bruxism:<\/strong> The involuntary grinding of teeth, often at night, wears down the enamel and creates microscopic cracks that are invisible to the naked eye but eventually give way.<\/li>
    • Root Canal-Treated Teeth:<\/strong> A tooth that has undergone a root canal becomes drier and more brittle, much like dead wood. Without a protective crown, it is highly vulnerable.<\/li>
    • Thermal and Food Shocks:<\/strong> Biting into ice or an olive pit can cause pressure that exceeds the mechanical resistance of the tooth.<\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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      Timeframe<\/th>\nWhat is Normal<\/th>\nPriority Action<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
      0 to 60 Minutes<\/td>\nShock, gum bleeding, sharp pain.<\/td>\nFind the fragment and place it in milk or saliva.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Hour 1 to 24<\/td>\nIncreased sensitivity to heat\/cold, potential swelling.<\/td>\nConsult an emergency dentist to prevent pulp infection.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Day 2 to 3<\/td>\nRisk of abscess or root necrosis.<\/td>\nRoot canal treatment often becomes necessary.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      After Treatment<\/td>\nAdaptation to the crown or implant.<\/td>\nRegular follow-ups to check prosthesis integration.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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      How to React Immediately<\/h2>

      The success of the repair depends on preserving the vitality of the dental cells.<\/p>

      Store the fragment carefully:<\/strong> Do not attempt to clean the tooth with soap or brush it vigorously, as you could destroy the still-present ligament fibers. The ideal method is to place the piece in a small sterile container filled with milk<\/strong> (which has a balanced pH) or saline solution<\/strong>. If neither is available, place the tooth between your cheek and gums: your own saliva is an excellent natural protector, provided you do not swallow the fragment!<\/p>

      Manage pain and swelling:<\/strong> If the break exposes the nerve, the pain can be excruciating. Apply a cold compress to your cheek in 15-minute intervals to limit inflammation. An over-the-counter analgesic (such as ibuprofen) can help, but avoid aspirin if you are bleeding heavily, as it thins the blood.<\/p>

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      Professional Repair Solutions<\/h2>

      Once at the clinic, the dentist will take a digital X-ray to evaluate the depth of the fracture. The treatment will depend on whether the “life” of the tooth (the pulp) has been affected.<\/p>

      Scenario A: Superficial Fracture<\/h3>

      If only the enamel is affected, the dentist can perform bonding<\/strong>. Using high-tech composite resin, they can reattach your original fragment or sculpt a missing part with a shade that perfectly matches your neighboring teeth. This is a quick and painless intervention.<\/p>

      Scenario B: Exposed Pulp<\/h3>

      If the nerve is exposed, the pain is generally intense. To save the structure of the tooth, a root canal treatment<\/strong> is necessary to remove infected tissue. The tooth is then strengthened with a dental crown<\/strong>. Modern hybrid ceramics now offer strength and transparency that perfectly mimic nature.<\/p>

      Scenario C: Root Fracture<\/h3>

      This is the most complex case. If the root is split vertically, the tooth often cannot be saved. Extraction is then inevitable to prevent bone infection. The dentist will then suggest:<\/p>

      • Dental Implant:<\/strong> The “gold standard” solution that replaces the root with a titanium screw.<\/li>
      • Dental Bridge:<\/strong> To bridge the gap by anchoring onto the healthy neighboring teeth.<\/li><\/ul>

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        Innovation and Prevention<\/h2>

        Technology has transformed the patient experience. Thanks to computer-aided design (CAD)<\/strong>, it is sometimes possible to manufacture a ceramic crown on-site, allowing you to leave with your repaired tooth the very same day.<\/p>

        To avoid reliving this stress, a few simple habits are essential:<\/p>

        1. Wear a Mouthguard:<\/strong> Indispensable for contact sports or cycling.<\/li>
        2. Manage Bruxism:<\/strong> A night guard can save your teeth from premature wear.<\/li>
        3. Annual Check-ups:<\/strong> An exam allows for the detection of microscopic fissures before they widen.<\/li><\/ol>

          \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>

          A broken tooth is not a fatality, but it is a race against time. By acting calmly and quickly, and by entrusting your smile to experts, you increase your chances of keeping your natural tooth for your entire life. At Clinique Dentaire 1935<\/strong>, we are here to turn this emergency into a distant memory.<\/p>

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          FAQ - Your questions about break a tooth<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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            Can a broken tooth be glued back together?<\/h3>

            Yes, if the fragment is well-preserved and the pulp is not too damaged, a dentist can reattach the piece using a special bonding resin.<\/p>\t

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            How do you store a knocked-out tooth?<\/h3>

            Milk is the best household storage medium. Alternatively, use saline solution or keep the tooth inside your mouth against your cheek.<\/p><\/ul>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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