Breaking a tooth can be unexpected and alarming, but prompt action can make all the difference in saving the tooth and avoiding complications. At Oaks Dental Care in The Villages, we help patients every day with urgent dental care, from cracked crowns to broken molars and everything in between.

If you’ve broken a tooth, whether it’s a natural tooth or part of a restoration like a crown or denture, don’t panic—follow these steps.

Step 1: Rinse and Assess the Damage

Start by gently rinsing your mouth with warm water to clear away debris. If there’s any bleeding, apply gentle pressure with gauze or a clean cloth. Use a cold compress on the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling.

Try to determine the severity of the break:

• Is the tooth sensitive to temperature?
• Is there visible pulp or nerve tissue exposed?
• Did you lose a filling or crown?

The more information you can give your dental provider, the easier it is to plan appropriate treatment.

Step 2: Call Your Dentist Right Away

Even if the tooth isn’t hurting, a broken tooth is a dental emergency. Delaying treatment can lead to infections, nerve damage, or the need for a tooth extraction.

At Oaks Dental Care, we reserve time for emergency dental visits and will make every effort to see you as soon as possible. Whether you're in The Villages or coming from Lady Lake, we’re here to provide quick, professional care.

Step 3: Temporary Measures While You Wait

If you can’t be seen immediately, here’s how to minimize discomfort and prevent further damage:

• Avoid chewing on the broken side of your mouth.
• Stick to soft foods.
• Use over-the-counter pain relievers if needed.
• Cover any sharp edges with dental wax or sugar-free gum to protect your tongue and cheek.

If a crown has fallen off, try to gently place it back over the tooth using a small amount of toothpaste or dental adhesive until you can be seen.

Step 4: Treatment Options for a Broken Tooth

Once we assess the damage, we’ll recommend a treatment that restores your tooth’s structure, function, and appearance. Options may include:

• Dental bonding for small chips
• Crowns for larger fractures (especially molars)
• Root canal therapy if the pulp is exposed
• Tooth extraction and replacement, often with a dental implant

We offer high-quality dental crowns near Lady Lake, and can even provide implant restorations if the tooth cannot be saved.

What If You Break a Denture?

Dentures can also break, crack, or lose teeth. If you damage your denture in The Villages or Lady Lake, don’t try to repair it with glue—it can be toxic and may damage the material further.

Call us right away. In many cases, we can repair or reline your denture quickly, so you’re not without a smile for long.

How to Prevent Future Breaks

Tooth fractures aren’t always avoidable, but there are ways to lower your risk:

• Use a nightguard if you grind your teeth
• Avoid using your teeth to open packages
• Get regular checkups to catch cracks before they worsen
• Address underlying issues like decay or weakened enamel

For those with a history of gum disease near Lady Lake, maintaining gum health is critical. Weakened gums and bone can make teeth more vulnerable to fractures and looseness.

Your Emergency Dental Team in The Villages

Whether you’ve broken a crown, cracked a molar, or chipped a denture, Oaks Dental Care offers fast, compassionate treatment. With years of experience in restorative dentistry and dental implants in The Villages, we’re equipped to handle even the most complex dental emergencies.

From gum disease therapy to full dentures and crowns in Lady Lake, our team is here to restore your smile and give you peace of mind—no matter the situation.