What should I do if I break a tooth?

A broken tooth can happen to anyone at any time, causing pain and worry. Whether it is a sports injury, biting on something too hard or simply wear and tear over the years, knowing what to do is essential to protect the health of your smile.

In this article you will find a complete guide to dealing with a broken tooth, from the immediate emergency to the most advanced professional treatments. We speak from the experience of NeaBios Dental Clinic in Rome EUR, where for years we have been looking after patients from Laurentina, Tre Fontane, Torrino and all the surrounding neighbourhoods, offering specialist care for the whole family.

Why should I see a dentist straight away?

A broken tooth is never just a cosmetic problem. Even if the fracture looks small, it can hide serious complications that need treatment by a specialist dentist.

The main causes of a broken tooth include:

• Direct trauma (falls, knocks, sports injuries)
• Biting on hard objects (ice, fruit stones, hard sweets)
• Deep decay that weakens the structure of the tooth
• Bruxism (grinding your teeth at night)
• Natural wear with age

When a tooth breaks, the dental pulp can be exposed to bacteria, causing potentially dangerous infections. Dr Nihad Pljevljak at our clinic has noticed that many patients from EUR underestimate minor fractures, risking complications that could have been avoided with prompt treatment.

International guidelines on dental injuries stress that a correct diagnosis, prompt treatment and follow-up over time are important for a favourable outcome: this is why you should not put off your visit.

What to do straight away

If you find yourself with a broken tooth, here are the immediate steps to follow:

Essential first aid:

• Rinse your mouth gently with lukewarm water
• Apply ice to the outside of your face to reduce swelling
• Keep any broken fragments in milk or saline solution
• Avoid hot, cold or very hard food

Managing the pain:

• Take over-the-counter painkillers (paracetamol or ibuprofen)
• Do not put aspirin directly on the tooth
• Cover sharp edges with orthodontic wax or sugar-free chewing gum

When you should see a dentist urgently:

• Severe, persistent pain
• Bleeding that will not stop
• Significant facial swelling
• Fever or signs of infection
• Difficulty opening your mouth

At NeaBios we recommend following these steps while you wait for your appointment, which is still essential to assess how serious the fracture is.

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Professional treatments available

Modern treatments for a broken tooth vary depending on how severe the fracture is:

Minor fractures:

• Composite bonding: rebuilding the tooth with tooth-coloured materials
• Smoothing: polishing away small chips
• Dental veneers: for damaged front teeth

Moderate fractures:

• Dental crowns: full protection for the tooth
• Inlays: precise partial restorations
• Aesthetic restorations: using biomimetic materials

Severe fractures:

• Root canal treatment: when the pulp is involved
• Dental implants: replacing a tooth that cannot be saved
• Oral surgery: for root fractures

NeaBios Dental Clinic uses innovative technologies such as 3D digital X-rays and the latest ceramic materials, for natural-looking results designed to last. Our specialists are trained in the most modern techniques and always offer the least invasive treatment possible.

Prevention for the whole family

Prevention is always better than cure. Here is how to protect the whole family's teeth:

For adults:

• Wear a mouthguard when playing sport
• Avoid biting hard objects (pens, ice, fingernails)
• Get bruxism treated promptly
• Eat a balanced diet rich in calcium

For children:

• Keep an eye on rough-and-tumble games
• Use car seats suitable for their age
• Teach them not to run with objects in their mouth
• Book regular paediatric check-ups

Effective daily routines:

• Brushing at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
• Daily flossing
• Antibacterial mouthwash
• Dental check-ups every 6 months

Following this advice helps our patients from EUR, Laurentina and Torrino reduce their risk of dental problems.

Your dental health is in good hands

A broken tooth may seem like a serious problem, but with the right treatment at the right time most situations can be resolved successfully. The important thing is not to waste time and to rely on qualified professionals.

Prevention remains the best strategy, but when the unexpected happens, knowing what to do makes all the difference. Remember that every case is unique and needs a personalised assessment by a specialist.

Modern treatments can often save even badly damaged teeth, restoring both function and appearance to your smile. Do not let fear or worry stop you from getting the help you need.

Still not sure what to do about a broken tooth?

NeaBios Dental Clinic, directed by Dr Nihad Pljevljak, is the trusted dental practice for families in EUR, Laurentina, Tre Fontane and Torrino.

Our specialists are ready to welcome you with professionalism and warmth, using the latest technologies in a comfortable setting for adults and children.

Book your visit today:

• 📞 Phone: +39 06.50.13.817
• 📱 Mobile: 333.935.8432
• 📍 Address: Via Cesare Pavese 135, 00144 Rome
• 🚇 Easy to reach from Laurentina station (Metro line B)
• 🅿️ Parking available
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Specialists in care for the whole family

Your smile, and your family's smiles, are our priority.

Sources

1. Bourguignon C, Cohenca N, Lauridsen E, et al. International Association of Dental Traumatology guidelines for the management of traumatic dental injuries: 1. Fractures and luxations. Dent Traumatol. 2020;36(4):314-330. PubMed
2. American Dental Association. Dental emergencies. MouthHealthy [accessed 2026 Oct 20]. ADA
3. World Health Organization. Oral health. Fact sheet, 17 March 2025. WHO