Breaking a tooth can be stressful and painful, especially when it happens unexpectedly. Whether your child fell at the playground or you bit into something hard, a broken tooth is a dental emergency that requires fast attention. At Snowy River Dental, we provide emergency care for patients of all ages in Bellevue and surrounding areas.

As your trusted pediatric dentist in Bellevue ID, we’re particularly experienced in helping children through urgent dental situations with comfort and compassion. And if you’re an adult who’s had a filling fall out or cracked a crown, we can help you, too.

Common Causes of Broken Teeth

While teeth are incredibly strong, they can still break due to:

• Sports injuries
• Biting hard foods like ice, nuts, or candy
• Untreated decay that weakens the tooth
• Teeth grinding at night
• Trauma from falls or accidents
• Previous dental work failing due to age or damage

Children are especially prone to chipped or cracked teeth during play or sports, which is why mouthguards and routine checkups are so important.

What to Do Immediately After a Tooth Breaks

If you or your child breaks a tooth, here’s what to do:

1. Rinse the mouth gently with warm water
2. Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling
3. Save any tooth fragments if possible
4. Avoid chewing on that side of the mouth
5. Contact our office right away

Our team is here to guide you through next steps and get you scheduled quickly. We offer same-day and next-day appointments for dental emergencies.

Treatment Options for Broken Teeth

Treatment depends on the severity of the break and the age of the patient. Here are some options we may recommend:

• Dental bonding: For small chips or cosmetic cracks
• Crowns: If the break is significant or involves previous dental work
• Pulp therapy or baby root canals: For children with damaged primary teeth
• Extractions: If the tooth is too damaged to save
• Tooth-colored fillings: For moderate damage in both children and adults

For younger patients, we focus on preserving space for adult teeth and preventing pain or infection. If your child breaks a baby tooth, we’ll assess whether it can be repaired or needs to be removed.

How to Prevent a Broken Tooth

While some accidents are unavoidable, many broken teeth can be prevented. We recommend:

• Wearing a mouthguard during sports
• Avoiding hard or sticky snacks
• Never using teeth as tools (like opening bottles)
• Treating cavities early before they weaken tooth structure
• Scheduling regular exams to monitor the health of all teeth and dental work

As your dentist near Bellevue, we’ll always discuss age-appropriate preventive tips during your visits.

When to Call for Emergency Dental Care

A broken tooth isn’t something to “wait and see” about. If there’s pain, bleeding, or visible damage, you should seek care immediately. Delaying treatment increases the risk of infection or permanent damage to the tooth.

At Snowy River Dental, we prioritize your comfort and safety. Our gentle approach to emergency dentistry helps patients of all ages feel at ease—even during a stressful experience.

Your Family’s Trusted Dental Partner in Bellevue

Dental emergencies like broken teeth are never convenient, but having a reliable team makes all the difference. As a family-focused practice and pediatric dentist in Bellevue ID, we are here to support you with expert care, prompt treatment, and a calming environment.

Don’t let a broken tooth compromise your health or your child’s smile. Reach out to Snowy River Dental for personalized support and long-term solutions.