Medically Reviewed by Dr. Nancy Herbst, DDS on August 13, 2026
If you just broke a tooth, the first thing to do is rinse your mouth, control any bleeding or swelling, and contact an oral surgeon or emergency dental office as soon as possible. What you do in the hours right after a break plays a major role in whether the tooth can be saved.
You may have bitten down on a hard food or object, or perhaps a cavity had already weakened the tooth before it broke. Either way, your tooth is now broken, and the steps you take next will help determine whether you get to keep your natural tooth. Millions of people experience broken teeth every year, so you are not alone, but that does not mean a newly cracked tooth can wait for attention.
What Is a Broken Tooth?
A broken tooth is one that has been fractured, chipped, cracked, broken apart, or completely knocked out of the mouth. You may or may not feel the tooth break at the moment it happens, depending on the extent of the break and whether the tooth was already decaying. It is usually easy to recognize a broken tooth because the evidence is visible. With hairline cracks, you may instead notice sensitivity to hot or cold near the fracture rather than an obvious chip. Our guide on why teeth break in the first place covers the most common causes in more detail.
The Right Way to Handle a Broken Tooth
As soon as you know your tooth is broken, chipped, or fractured, make an appointment to visit our emergency dental office. Even the smallest fracture needs attention, since bacteria can infect the area and put the tooth at risk of being lost altogether.
- Rinse your mouth with warm salt water after every meal until you are seen.
- Manage pain with an over-the-counter medication such as Tylenol.
- Apply a cold compress to the outside of your face to reduce swelling and inflammation.
- Avoid chewing on the affected side, and skip very hot, cold, or hard foods.
Pain medication and a cold compress can help you manage discomfort at home, but they are only a temporary fix. Broken teeth should never be treated solely at home, and over-the-counter solutions are not a substitute for professional dental care. Failing to make an appointment with our team after breaking or chipping a tooth can put your oral health at risk.
When a Broken Tooth Becomes a Dental Emergency
Not every chip needs to be treated at the emergency room, but some situations call for urgent same-day care rather than a routine appointment. Significant bleeding, a tooth that is loose or fully knocked out, or pain severe enough to disrupt sleep or eating are all signs you should be seen right away. If you are unsure whether your situation is urgent, our comparison of emergency dental care versus an ER visit can help you decide where to go.
Treatment
Treating your broken tooth depends on the type of break you have and how much of the tooth is affected. A minor chip or small fracture line can often be repaired with simple bonding. A more serious break that exposes the tooth’s pulp may require a root canal or, in some cases, a tooth extraction to prevent infection from spreading. If an extraction is necessary, options like a dental implant or a bridge can restore the function and appearance of the tooth afterward. Our team here at Legacy Oral Surgery and Implants will explain the treatment plan that best fits the condition and extent of your break.
If you have broken, cracked, chipped, or fractured one or more of your teeth, do not hesitate to contact our office immediately. We provide emergency dental care and are available to help you protect your smile.
Call us today at (201) 601-9262 or complete our contact form to schedule an emergency appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Broken Teeth
Can I wait a few days to see a dentist after breaking a tooth?
It is best not to wait. Even a small crack can let bacteria reach the inner tooth, and delaying care increases the risk of infection, pain, and losing the tooth entirely.
What should I do with a piece of tooth that broke off?
If you can find the broken piece, rinse it gently and bring it with you to your appointment in a clean, damp container. In some cases, your provider may be able to use it as part of the repair.
Will a broken tooth need to be extracted?
Not always. Many broken teeth can be repaired with bonding, a crown, or a root canal. Extraction is generally reserved for breaks that are too extensive or too close to the gumline to restore.
How much does it cost to fix a broken tooth?
Cost depends on the treatment needed, from simple bonding to a crown, root canal, or extraction with a replacement option. Your provider can walk you through pricing and insurance coverage during your evaluation.
Can a broken tooth get infected?
Yes. A fracture that reaches the inner pulp exposes the tooth to bacteria, which can lead to an infection if it is not treated promptly. Watch for increasing pain, swelling, or a bad taste in the mouth, and seek care right away if these develop.
About the Author
Founder, Legacy Oral Surgery and Implants
Dr. Nancy Herbst has over 25 years of experience treating patients and leads the team of board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons at Legacy Oral Surgery.
