As a specialist, I would like to tell you that Dental mishaps and emergencies happen every day and obviously it is important to contact your dentist immediately if you have sudden severe pain, a swollen face, swollen gums, a loose tooth, or tender gums—as these are signs of an infection or an acute abscess. If you just broke off a significant portion of your tooth and if the tooth has a large filling, there’s a good chance the filling is secure. If the tooth fragment has broken off completely, the initial pain will often fade and you can continue your meal remembering to avoid cold, sweets and extreme heat. If the tooth breaks and your dangling cusp is being held in by your gum, go to the restroom with your ice water. Place a piece of ice against the gum where the tooth is loose for 30 seconds, being careful not to put the ice directly on the tooth. Your gum will be numb enough that you will be able to gently and painlessly remove the loose broken piece of tooth dangling by a thread (like a baby tooth that’s ready to go). If your gum bleeds a bit, bite on a tissue or paper towel for a few minutes and the bleeding should stop.
