A sudden tooth injury can be unsettling, whether it’s a small chip you notice while eating or a painful crack after an accident. Before visiting the dentist, rinse your mouth with warm water, apply a cold compress to control swelling, and save any broken pieces in milk or saliva. For a knocked-out tooth, handle it by the crown and try to place it back in the socket or keep it moist.
The first 30 to 60 minutes are crucial, and acting fast can often save the tooth. If you are in the Riverwalk District, Midtown, or anywhere in Reno and suffer an injury, call our team at Andresen Prosthodontics at 775-323-3574 for restoration. We are conveniently located at 1601 Lakeside Dr, Reno, NV 89509. We’ll assess the damage right away and provide the specialized restorative care needed to save your smile.
Common Types of Tooth Injuries
Not all dental injuries look the same, and each requires a slightly different response.
Chipped Tooth
A minor chip may not cause pain, but it can leave sharp edges or affect your smile. Even small chips deserve attention to prevent further damage.
Cracked Tooth
Cracks can be tricky. Some are superficial, while others extend deeper into the tooth, causing sensitivity or pain when chewing.
Broken Tooth
A more severe fracture can expose the inner layers of the tooth, often leading to discomfort and a higher risk of infection.
Knocked-Out Tooth (Avulsed Tooth)
This is a true dental emergency. Acting quickly—within the first hour—can significantly improve the chances of saving the tooth.
Immediate Actions for Specific Injuries:
Here’s how we guide our patients in Reno when they call us with different types of dental injuries:
Chipped Tooth — Act Early, Even If It Doesn’t Hurt
A chipped tooth may seem minor, especially if there’s no pain. Still, it can worsen if left unattended.
- Rinse your mouth with warm water to keep the area clean
- If the edge feels sharp, cover it with sugar-free gum or dental wax to protect your tongue and cheeks
- Save any fragments if you can find them
- Avoid chewing on that side until we evaluate it
Small chips are often easy to correct with bonding, restoring the shape of your tooth in a single visit.
Cracked Tooth — Reduce Pressure Immediately
Cracks are not always visible, but you may feel discomfort when biting or sensitivity to temperature.
- Stop chewing on the affected side right away
- Rinse gently with warm water
- Avoid very hot or cold foods and drinks
- If there’s swelling, apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek
Cracked teeth can deepen over time, if they’re under repeated pressure. In many cases, we protect the tooth with a custom crown to prevent the crack from spreading and to restore full function.
Broken Tooth — Protect the Tooth and Control the Area
When a larger portion of the tooth breaks, the inner layers may be exposed, which increases sensitivity and infection risk.
- Rinse your mouth carefully with warm water
- Save any broken pieces and bring them with you
- Use clean gauze to control any bleeding
- Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling
- Avoid eating on that side
Depending on the severity, we may restore the tooth with a crown or, if the inner pulp is affected, recommend root canal therapy to preserve the remaining structure.
Knocked-Out Tooth
A knocked-out tooth is one of the few true dental emergencies where minutes matter.
- Pick up the tooth by the crown (top), never the root
- If dirty, rinse it briefly with water—do not scrub or use soap
- Try to gently place it back into the socket if possible
- If that’s not possible, store it in milk or saliva
Treatment Options For Injured Teeth
Dental services for injured teeth depend on the extent of the damage.
Dental Bonding for Minor Chips
For small chips, bonding can smooth and restore the tooth using tooth-colored material in a single visit.
Crowns for Cracked or Broken Teeth
When a tooth is weakened, a custom crown protects it and restores its shape and strength.
Root Canal Therapy
If the inner pulp is affected, a root canal to remove infection and preserve the tooth structure.
Dental Implants for Lost Teeth
If a tooth cannot be saved, a dental implant offers a long-term, natural-looking replacement.
Local Care You Can Trust in Reno, NV
When a dental injury occurs, having a specialized team nearby makes all the difference. At Andresen Prosthodontics, we treat every injury with meticulous attention, combining years of expertise with modern restorative techniques to help you regain your comfort and your smile.
Contact our Reno office today to learn more about our treatment options for dental injuries and how we can help you get back to feeling your best.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a slightly chipped tooth become a bigger problem later?
Yes, it can. Even a small chip weakens the tooth structure. Over time, normal chewing pressure can cause the chip to spread into a crack or larger break. We often see patients in Reno who delayed care and ended up needing a crown instead of a simple repair. It’s always better to have us take a look early.
How do I know if my tooth injury has affected the nerve?
You may notice lingering pain, sensitivity to hot or cold that doesn’t go away, or discomfort when biting down. In some cases, the tooth may darken over time. These signs suggest the inner pulp could be involved, and we may need to step in to prevent infection and preserve the tooth.
Is it safe to wait a day or two before seeing a dentist after a tooth injury?
It depends on the injury, but waiting is risky. What feels manageable today can worsen quickly—especially with cracks or partially broken teeth. Bacteria can enter exposed areas and lead to infection. When in doubt, we recommend you contact our Reno office the same day so we can guide you appropriately.
What should I avoid eating after damaging a tooth?
Stick to soft foods and avoid anything hard, crunchy, or sticky. Foods like ice, nuts, or hard candy can worsen the damage. Also avoid very hot or cold items if you’re experiencing sensitivity. Keeping pressure off the injured tooth helps prevent further complications until we can treat it.
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