Cracked, Chipped or Broken Tooth Repair

If you crack a tooth: Rinse your mouth with warm water. Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to control swelling. Take over-the-counter ibuprofen for pain. Avoid chewing on that side and call us.

If you break or chip a tooth: Rinse your mouth with water to clear any debris. If there's bleeding, apply gentle pressure with clean gauze. Use a cold compress for swelling and pain. Save any broken pieces if you can find them and bring them to your appointment.

If a tooth gets knocked out: Rinse the tooth gently with warm water. Hold it by the crown, not the root. Try to place it back in the socket if possible. If you can't, keep it moist in milk, saline, or hold it against the inside of your cheek. Get to us as fast as you can. Reimplantation works best within 30 minutes.

If you damage a crown, bridge, veneer, or filling: Call us right away. If a crown or bridge came loose, save it and bring it with you. Apply a cold compress for swelling and take ibuprofen for pain. Avoid chewing on that side until we see you.

The right treatment depends on the type and severity of the damage. Minor chips can often be fixed with dental bonding in a single visit. Larger chips or cracks may need a veneer or a crown to protect what's left of the tooth.

If a crack reaches the pulp inside the tooth, root canal therapy may be needed before placing a crown. If the tooth is fractured below the gumline or split vertically, extraction and replacement with an implant or bridge may be the best option.

Dr. Lee evaluates the damage, explains your options, and helps you choose the treatment that makes sense for your situation.

Grinding and clenching. Bruxism is one of the leading causes of cracked teeth. Most people who grind don't realize they're doing it because it happens during sleep. Over time, the constant pressure weakens teeth and causes cracks, and can also lead to jaw pain and headaches. A custom night guard protects your teeth while you sleep.

Chewing on ice or hard objects. Ice is harder than most people think. Combine that with an existing filling or weakened enamel and you have a high risk for a crack. Hard candy, pen caps, and popcorn kernels are common culprits too. Avoid chewing on anything that isn't food.

Sports injuries. Contact sports are a major source of dental injuries. A custom mouth guard is essential for football, hockey, lacrosse, basketball, soccer, martial arts, skateboarding, and any activity where a hit to the face is a real possibility. We strongly recommend them for high school athletes especially.