How can I control my pain after having treatment for a broken tooth?

A broken or cracked tooth can be painful. Treatment for a broken or cracked tooth depends on the size and location of the break and your symptoms. In some cases, your dentist can repair a broken tooth by filing it or by adding a crown to protect the tooth from further damage. Other treatment may include having a root canal if the dental pulp is involved or extracting the tooth if it cannot be saved. For the latter, your dentist may prescribe medicine to control pain and inflammation or to prevent infection. If your dentist does prescribe something, be sure to use it only as directed. If the pain medication doesn't work for you, do not take more pills or take them more often than directed--call your dentist. 

The pain you may experience after treatment for a broken tooth will depend on the type of treatment provided by your dentist. Normally, an over-the-counter pain reliever will be all you need, but ask your dentist about what medications will be appropriate for you.

Depending on the severity of the break, you may not experience any pain at all. If your tooth break is really just a slight chip, your dentist will be able to easily smooth and polish the tooth so you won't have any pain or even notice the uneven surface. If you have a more serious break or a complete splitting of a tooth, more extensive treatment will be needed. This more extensive treatment may include a crown or a root canal. Generally, if treatment includes a root canal, this procedure will eliminate the pain because the sensitive nerves are removed. If after your individual treatment you are experiencing pain, talk to your doctor about causes and solutions.