Emergency Services
Broken/Chipped Tooth Emergency Repair
A chipped or broken tooth can range from a small cosmetic chip to a fracture that exposes the inside of the tooth. Prompt assessment can help prevent further damage.
Why a broken tooth needs attention
Teeth can chip or break from biting something hard, a fall or sports injury, or because a tooth has been weakened by decay or a large old filling. Even when a chip does not hurt, the damaged area can be more likely to crack further, collect bacteria, or irritate your tongue and cheek with a sharp edge.
When a break reaches the inner layers of the tooth, you may notice sensitivity to temperature or pain when biting. Deeper fractures can expose the nerve, which may need more involved treatment.
What to do right away
If you have chipped or broken a tooth, these first steps may help until you can be seen:
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Rinse gently
Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area.
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Control swelling and bleeding
Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek. If there is bleeding, press gently with clean gauze.
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Save any pieces
Keep any tooth fragments in a small container of milk or saliva and bring them with you.
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Protect the area
Avoid chewing on that side. Dental wax or sugar-free gum may cover a sharp edge temporarily.
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Call us
Call 780-944-2828 to arrange an assessment as soon as possible.
Signs the damage may be more serious
Call promptly if a broken tooth comes with any of the following:
- Pain that is constant or severe, or sharp pain when biting
- Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers
- A pink or red spot visible in the broken area
- Swelling of the gum near the tooth
- A tooth that feels loose or has shifted position
Some cracks are not visible and may only show on X-rays. Only an exam can confirm how far the damage extends.
Possible repair options
The right repair depends on the size and location of the break. A small chip may be smoothed or repaired with tooth-coloured bonding or a filling. A larger break may need a crown to cover and protect the tooth. If the nerve is affected, root canal treatment may be recommended before the tooth is restored.
Sometimes a tooth is stabilized at the emergency visit and the final repair is completed at a follow-up appointment. Your dentist will explain your options and costs before starting.
If the injury involves more than the tooth
If the tooth was broken in an accident and you also have a possible jaw injury, a head injury, or bleeding that will not stop, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department first.
Emergency Services
- Emergency Services Overview
- Emergency Appointments
- Same Day Emergency Appointments
- Toothache Relief
- Broken/Chipped Tooth Emergency Repair
- Knocked-Out Tooth Treatment
Chipped or broken a tooth?
Call 780-944-2828 or book an appointment online.