Did you recently suffer some sort of physical trauma to your face that resulted in a tooth breaking off? If so, you'll need to go to an emergency dentist right away to help stop the tooth from feeling any pain. Here are some ways that a dentist will help deal with the tooth for you.

Perform Dental Bonding

If the tooth is not in pain, it may be a clean break on the top of the tooth's crown. The dentist will likely fix it with dental bonding. This is when the tooth's surface is built back up with a composite resin that will match the look of the tooth. The material is hardened in the office at the time of the procedure, so the tooth will be ready to use by the time you leave the office. 

Dental bonding material can be a great way to fix a tooth in the moment, but it is not a permanent solution that will last forever. It is likely that the bonding material will break down over time, and you will eventually need to put a crown on the tooth.

Perform A Root Canal

If the tooth is causing you a lot of pain, it is likely a deep break in the tooth that has exposed the pulp. This will be treated similarly to a tooth that has a lot of decay that has reached the pulp, and you'll need to get a root canal. The dentist will essentially remove the pulp on the inside of the tooth, put a filler material on the inside of the tooth, and seal it up. The tooth will then be shaved down, and a crown is then placed on top of the tooth to protect it. A root canal will protect the natural root of the tooth that provides your jawbone with stimulation to keep the bone healthy.

Perform A Tooth Extraction

If the tooth is beyond saving, the dentist will remove the tooth and replace it with an artificial tooth. You'll be given the option of using a partial denture, dental crown, or dental implant. A dental implant is going to mimic an actual tooth the most, by placing a titanium post into the gums that will give the jawbone the stimulation it needs. A bridge can be effective at filling in the gap, but won't provide you with that jawbone stimulation. A partial denture should only be seen as a temporary solution until you decide what you want to do.

If you recently broke a tooth, contact an emergency dentist for help.