Broken/Chipped Tooth Emergency Repair

Not all broken teeth are the same. How far the fracture goes and which parts of the tooth are involved shape what treatment, if any, is needed.

Minor chip

A small piece of enamel breaks off, often with no pain. The tooth may have a rough edge, but the inner structure is not affected. This may not need urgent care, but it is worth having checked so the edge can be smoothed and further damage prevented.

Cracked tooth

A crack runs through the enamel and into the tooth, and may or may not reach toward the root. Cracked teeth can hurt when you bite or be sensitive to temperature. The crack may not show on an x-ray, which makes diagnosis more involved. See cracked tooth treatment.

Larger break

A significant part of the tooth breaks away. This can expose the inner dentin layer or even the nerve (pulp), causing sensitivity or pain. Prompt assessment is important to prevent infection and keep as much of the tooth as possible.

Split tooth

A tooth that has split, often because a crack was left untreated, may not be saveable as a whole. Treatment depends on how far the split goes and whether the root is involved.

While you arrange to come in, these steps can help manage the situation:

1. 1

   Rinse with warm water

   Gently rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area and remove any debris.

2. 2

   Apply gauze if it is bleeding

   If the gum or soft tissue around the tooth is bleeding, press gently with a clean piece of gauze or cloth until it stops.

3. 3

   Cover any sharp edge

   If the broken tooth has a sharp edge rubbing your tongue or cheek, cover it for now with dental wax (sold at most pharmacies) or a small piece of sugarless gum.

4. 4

   Take over-the-counter pain relief if needed

   Ibuprofen or acetaminophen, taken as directed, can help with discomfort until your appointment.

5. 5

   Save any fragments

   If a piece of the tooth broke off, keep it and bring it with you. Sometimes fragments can be used in the repair.

6. 6

   Call the office

   Call 780-432-3430 to describe what happened and arrange an assessment. The team will advise on urgency based on your symptoms.

The right treatment depends on how much of the tooth is affected and whether the nerve is involved. The dentist examines the tooth, takes x-rays as needed, and explains your options.

• Dental bonding: for small chips or minor breaks, tooth-coloured composite resin is applied and shaped to restore the tooth's appearance and smooth rough edges. It is a fairly quick procedure done in one visit.
• Dental crown: a larger break can weaken the tooth so that a crown (a cap covering the whole tooth) is the best way to protect and restore it. This usually takes two appointments.
• Root canal treatment: if the fracture has exposed or affected the nerve, root canal treatment may be recommended before a crown is placed. It removes the affected tissue inside the tooth so the tooth can be kept.
• Extraction: if the fracture is severe, especially if it reaches below the gum line or into the root, the tooth may not be saveable. If extraction is needed, the dentist will talk through replacement options at the same appointment.

Every option is explained at your appointment, along with what it involves and what may happen if you choose to wait. There is no pressure. The dentist's role is to give you the information you need to make the decision that is right for you.