Broken Tooth: What to Do and What to Expect
Many broken teeth can be restored, but the right treatment depends on how deep the fracture is and where it extends. A minor chip may need only a small repair, while a fracture reaching the nerve or extending into the root may require root canal treatment, a crown, or extraction.
A dental examination and X-ray are the only reliable way to determine how far a fracture has gone and what is possible. Call a dental office as soon as you can to describe the injury and arrange an assessment.
We Prioritise Dental Emergencies.
Call us to describe your injury and we will work to see you as soon as possible.
Emergency appointments availableDigital X-rays on siteTreatment options explained upfrontTypes of Tooth Fracture
Not all broken teeth are the same. Understanding the type of fracture helps explain why treatment varies — and why an X-ray is needed to confirm how far the damage extends.
Minor Chip
A small piece of enamel has broken away, leaving the deeper tooth structure largely intact.
May require: bonding or a tooth-coloured filling, often in a single appointment.
Broken Cusp
A larger section of the tooth has broken off, often exposing the sensitive dentin layer beneath the enamel.
May require: a dental crown to restore the full shape and protect the remaining structure.
Deep Fracture
The fracture reaches the pulp — where the nerve is located — causing significant pain, sensitivity, or spontaneous aching.
May require: root canal treatment to remove damaged tissue, followed by a crown.
Below-the-Gumline Fracture
The fracture extends into the root or below the gumline, making structural restoration difficult or not possible.
May require: extraction, followed by a discussion of tooth replacement options.
What to Do Immediately After Breaking a Tooth
These steps may help protect the tooth and manage discomfort until you are seen by a dentist.
Rinse Gently
Rinse with warm water to clean the area around the broken tooth.
Save Any Fragment
Keep any broken piece moist in milk, saliva, or clean water and bring it to the appointment.
Control Bleeding
Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or gauze if the gum is bleeding.
Avoid That Side
Do not chew on the affected side — hard or sticky foods can worsen the fracture.
Call the Dental Office
Contact a dental office as soon as possible to describe the injury and arrange care.
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Rinse Gently
Rinse with warm water to clean the area around the broken tooth.
- 2
Save Any Fragment
Keep any broken piece moist in milk, saliva, or clean water and bring it to the appointment.
- 3
Control Bleeding
Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or gauze if the gum is bleeding.
- 4
Avoid That Side
Do not chew on the affected side — hard or sticky foods can worsen the fracture.
- 5
Call the Dental Office
Contact a dental office as soon as possible to describe the injury and arrange care.
When to Call a Dentist and When to Go to the ER
Most broken teeth are dental emergencies best handled by a dentist. Some injuries involving significant trauma require hospital care first.
Call the Dentist Today
- A visible piece of tooth has broken off
- The tooth is sensitive to air, pressure, or temperature
- Minor bleeding from the gum that is controlled or stopped
- The fracture is painful but manageable
- No significant trauma to the face or jaw accompanied the injury
Go to the Emergency Room Now
- The injury was caused by a serious fall, impact, or accident
- The jaw may be fractured or dislocated
- There is uncontrolled or heavy bleeding
- There is difficulty breathing or swallowing
- The injury involves major facial trauma or loss of consciousness
Do not wait for a dental appointment. Call 911 or go directly to a hospital emergency room.
For most visibly broken teeth without associated trauma, a dental office is the appropriate first contact. Call ahead to describe the injury so the team can prepare.
Emergency Exam and Possible Treatment Paths
The right treatment depends on fracture depth, nerve involvement, and how much healthy tooth structure remains. The three steps below explain how that is determined.
Examination and X-rays
The tooth is examined and a dental X-ray is taken. Together they show how far the fracture extends — above or below the gumline, and whether the root or pulp is affected.
Fracture Assessment
The depth of the fracture, nerve involvement, and remaining tooth structure are assessed to determine what is restorable and what the realistic options are.
Treatment Recommendation
Your dentist explains the findings and outlines which treatment path applies to your tooth — including what can be done at that appointment.
- 1
Examination and X-rays
The tooth is examined and a dental X-ray is taken. Together they show how far the fracture extends — above or below the gumline, and whether the root or pulp is affected.
- 2
Fracture Assessment
The depth of the fracture, nerve involvement, and remaining tooth structure are assessed to determine what is restorable and what the realistic options are.
- 3
Treatment Recommendation
Your dentist explains the findings and outlines which treatment path applies to your tooth — including what can be done at that appointment.
Bonding or Filling
Minor chips and small fractures that have not reached the nerve can often be restored with composite bonding or a filling.
Dental Crown
Larger fractures where the root and nerve are intact. A crown restores the tooth's shape and protects the remaining structure.
Root Canal Treatment and Crown
When the fracture has reached the pulp, root canal treatment removes the damaged tissue. A crown follows to restore the tooth.
Extraction
When the fracture extends too far below the gumline or through the root, the tooth cannot be structurally preserved. Replacement options are discussed once healing is complete.
Can a Broken Tooth Be Saved?
The decision depends on fracture depth, nerve involvement, any infection present, and how much healthy tooth structure remains. These factors can only be confirmed by examination and X-ray.
Tooth Can Likely Be Restored
The fracture is limited to the crown with enough structure remaining. Bonding, a filling, or a crown can restore function and appearance.
Root Canal Treatment May Be Needed
The fracture has reached the pulp. Root canal treatment removes the damaged tissue, and a crown placed afterward can preserve the tooth.
Extraction May Be Necessary
The fracture extends below the gumline or into the root. When insufficient structure remains for a lasting restoration, extraction is the more predictable option.
- 1
Tooth Can Likely Be Restored
The fracture is limited to the crown with enough structure remaining. Bonding, a filling, or a crown can restore function and appearance.
- 2
Root Canal Treatment May Be Needed
The fracture has reached the pulp. Root canal treatment removes the damaged tissue, and a crown placed afterward can preserve the tooth.
- 3
Extraction May Be Necessary
The fracture extends below the gumline or into the root. When insufficient structure remains for a lasting restoration, extraction is the more predictable option.
Recovery Depends on the Treatment
What to expect after a broken tooth appointment depends on which treatment was performed. The points below reflect what is generally expected in each case.
After Bonding or a Crown
Some sensitivity to temperature or pressure is normal for the first few days. Avoid hard or sticky foods on that side while the tooth settles. A follow-up may be scheduled to check the fit of the restoration.
After Root Canal Treatment
Tenderness around the tooth is common for several days after the procedure. A temporary restoration is often placed at the emergency appointment; a permanent crown is typically fitted at a separate visit once healing is confirmed.
After Tooth Extraction
Care instructions after extraction depend on the complexity of the procedure. Your provider will advise on diet, activity, and healing precautions. Tooth replacement options are typically discussed after initial healing is complete.
Why Choose Silver State Smiles for a Broken Tooth?
When part of a tooth breaks, knowing what to expect before you arrive helps. Here is how we approach emergency broken tooth appointments.
Diagnosis Before Any Procedure
We examine and X-ray the tooth before recommending treatment. You will understand what the fracture involves and what the options are before anything begins.
Digital X-rays on Site
Same-visit imaging allows us to confirm how far the fracture extends without sending you elsewhere for diagnostic imaging.
Treatment Options Explained Upfront
We explain what is possible at the emergency appointment and what may require a follow-up visit, with costs outlined before any procedure starts.
Multiple Las Vegas Locations
Several offices across the valley mean you can reach emergency care close to home.
Insurance Verification Available
We can check your insurance benefits before treatment begins so you have a clear picture of expected costs.
Opiniones de Pacientes
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Escuche lo que nuestros pacientes dicen sobre su experiencia en Silver State Smiles. Estamos orgullosos de proporcionar atención excepcional que transforma sonrisas y vidas.
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Nos sentimos honrados de ser reconocidos como Ganadores de Oro por el Las Vegas Review-Journal. Este prestigioso premio refleja nuestro compromiso de proporcionar atención dental excepcional y experiencias destacadas para los pacientes.
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Call Now for Emergency Dental Care
Describe your injury when you call. Our team will help assess the urgency and schedule you as soon as possible. Appointment times are requests that must be confirmed by the office.
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