Broken Tooth Emergency: What to Do Before You See a Dentist

Rinse your mouth with warm water to clear debris, and avoid chewing on that side. Hold a cold compress against the outside of the cheek if there is swelling, and take over-the-counter pain relief as directed if you need it. Save any fragments in milk or water. Then contact a dentist promptly, since the exposed inner tooth is vulnerable to bacteria.

Yes. A break can expose the inner layers of the tooth to bacteria long before any symptoms appear, and a crack may extend deeper than what you can see. Painless breaks often become infected or worsen with normal chewing. Having it assessed quickly usually means a simpler repair and a better chance of keeping the tooth.

Most broken teeth can be restored, and the option depends on how much tooth structure remains. Small chips are often smoothed or rebuilt with bonding, larger breaks are commonly covered with a crown, and a break reaching the nerve may need root canal treatment before restoration. Only a fracture extending well below the gum line typically means the tooth cannot be saved.

Bacteria enter through the break and can reach the nerve, leading to infection, abscess, and increasing pain. The weakened tooth is also more likely to fracture further under normal chewing, which can turn a repairable tooth into an extraction. Sharp edges may cut the tongue or cheek in the meantime. Prompt treatment keeps the repair as simple as possible.