Toothaches & Broken Teeth

From a sudden jolt of pain when biting into your lunch to a lingering ache that worsens overnight, toothaches and broken teeth are some of the most common dental emergencies patients face. At Hammons Family Dental, we offer prompt, effective treatments for these issues to keep residents of North Austin and Georgetown, Texas, smiling with confidence. Our team understands how debilitating dental pain can be, and we’re here to provide relief and restore your oral health as quickly as possible.

Why Toothaches Occur

Toothaches can stem from a variety of causes, ranging from simple to more serious:

Cavities: Decay eats away at tooth enamel, eventually reaching deeper layers of the tooth if left untreated.
Gum Disease: Advanced periodontal disease can cause inflammation, infection, and pain around the tooth’s roots.
Abscess or Infection: A deep infection in the tooth or gums typically produces throbbing or severe discomfort.
Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Chronic grinding places excessive pressure on teeth, sometimes leading to sensitivity or fractures.
Impacted Teeth: Wisdom teeth or other impacted teeth can push against surrounding teeth, causing pain.

If you notice persistent or worsening pain, don’t ignore it. Early diagnosis often means simpler, less invasive treatment. Waiting could result in complications like abscesses or even tooth loss.

What to Do When a Tooth Breaks

If you break a tooth, first rinse your mouth gently with warm water to clear any debris. If there’s bleeding, apply pressure with gauze or a clean cloth. Use a cold compress to manage swelling and pain, then call our office for an emergency appointment. If you can find the broken fragment, store it in a clean container or wrap it in wet gauze—bring it with you to your visit. Although not always feasible to reattach, having it on hand helps us evaluate all restoration options.

Treatments for Broken Teeth

Dental Bonding: For small chips, we can apply a tooth-colored resin to rebuild the missing portion and protect the tooth from further damage.
Porcelain Veneers: A popular cosmetic solution for front teeth with moderate chips or fractures.

Crowns (Caps): Larger fractures often require a dental crown to restore structural integrity and full function.
Root Canal or Extraction: If the break extends into the pulp or beneath the gum line, a root canal—or, in severe cases, an extraction—may be necessary.

Handling Toothaches at Home

While professional care is crucial, certain steps can help manage pain until you reach our office:

Rinse with Warm Salt Water: This helps to keep the area clean and may reduce inflammation.
Cold Compress: If your face is swollen, apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek for 15-minute intervals.
Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers: Medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can lessen discomfort temporarily—but avoid placing aspirin directly on the gums or tooth.
Avoid Hard or Chewy Foods: Stick to softer options and chew on the opposite side of your mouth to avoid aggravating the area.

Broken Teeth: Causes and Complications

Teeth are strong—but they’re not indestructible. A slip on the pavement, biting down on hard candy, or a sports injury can lead to chips, cracks, or full fractures. Minor chips might just affect the enamel, while more severe breaks can expose the inner dentin or even the pulp. Ignoring a broken tooth is risky, as it can:

Create sharp edges that irritate your tongue or cheeks.
Allow bacteria to enter, leading to cavities or infections.
Result in difficulty biting or chewing effectively.

Diagnosing Tooth Pain

When you arrive at Hammons Family Dental, our first step is a thorough examination. We may take digital X-rays to look for hidden cavities, fractures, or infections. Depending on what we find, your treatment plan could include:

Fillings: If decay is the culprit, a tooth-colored filling can seal the cavity and prevent further damage.
Root Canal Therapy: For infections that reach the tooth’s pulp, a root canal can remove the infected tissue and save the tooth.
Periodontal Treatment: Scaling, root planing, or other procedures can address gum-related pain.
Nightguards: If grinding is the issue, a custom nightguard can shield your teeth from further damage.

Throughout the process, we prioritize your comfort, offering local anesthesia and sedation options if needed.

Preventing Toothaches and Breaks

While accidents can’t always be avoided, certain habits can reduce your risk:

Consistent Oral Hygiene: Brushing at least twice a day and flossing daily keeps enamel strong and gums healthy.
Regular Checkups: Routine dental exams help catch early signs of decay or small cracks before they worsen.
Wear Protective Gear: If you play contact sports or grind your teeth at night, a custom mouthguard can protect against fractures.
Choose Foods Wisely: Hard candies, ice, and popcorn kernels can easily chip or break a tooth if bitten incorrectly.
Stay Hydrated: Drinking water helps rinse away food particles and maintain optimal saliva production, which naturally protects teeth.

Pain Management and Follow-Up

No matter the type of procedure, our goal is to minimize your discomfort and speed up recovery. We utilize local anesthetics to numb the area, and sedation methods like nitrous oxide or oral sedation are available for patients with anxiety or a low pain tolerance. After treatment, we’ll give you detailed aftercare instructions—covering everything from brushing techniques to dietary recommendations—to ensure a smooth healing process.

The Hammons Family Dental Advantage

When toothaches or broken teeth strike, you want a dental team you can trust for immediate relief and lasting solutions. Our practice offers:

State-of-the-Art Technology: From digital X-rays to high-quality restorative materials, we ensure each patient benefits from modern techniques.
Customized Care: Whether it’s a minor chip or severe toothache, we create treatment plans tailored to your specific situation.
Compassionate Approach: We understand how stressful dental emergencies can be. Our friendly staff is here to put you at ease and support you through every step.
Convenient Location: Serving both North Austin and Georgetown means you have easier access to urgent care when an unexpected problem occurs.

Don’t Suffer in Silence

Persistent tooth pain or a broken tooth shouldn’t keep you from enjoying life’s simple pleasures. Hammons Family Dental is here to offer prompt, professional care for all your emergency needs. Contact our office at the first sign of trouble, and our team will schedule an appointment to diagnose the issue and set you on the path to recovery. Don’t let an unexpected dental problem derail your day—let us restore your comfort and confidence with gentle, effective treatment.

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At Hammons Family Dental, we make it easy for you to enjoy optimal oral health.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact us today.