Tooth Cracked or Chipped? Here’s What to Do Before You Get to the Dentist

You’re enjoying your favourite snack, biting into something crunchy… and snap. You feel something odd in your mouth. You rush to the mirror – and there it is. A chip or crack in your tooth.

First thought: Panic.

Second thought: Can I fix this?

Third: Is this an emergency?

We get it. A chipped or cracked tooth is one of those problems that feels small but quickly becomes a big deal, especially if there’s pain, sensitivity, or you’re worried about how it looks.

So, if you’re reading this while holding a piece of tooth in your hand or running your tongue over a jagged edge, don’t worry – we’re going to walk you through everything you need to know about what to do before you get to the dentist (and when to come in urgently).

First, Let’s Talk About the Types of Tooth Damage

Not all chips or cracks are the same. Some are tiny and mostly cosmetic. Others can be serious and put your tooth at risk. Here’s a quick breakdown:

1. Small Chip
   • Usually affects the edge or corner of a tooth
   • No pain, no sensitivity
   • Commonly happens to front teeth
   • May be purely cosmetic
2. Moderate Chip or Crack
   • May expose the inner layer (dentin)
   • Causes mild sensitivity to temperature or pressure
   • May feel rough on the tongue or lips
3. Severe Crack
   • Crack extends deep into the tooth, possibly reaching the pulp
   • Pain when chewing or pressure is applied
   • Sometimes invisible, but causes deep, aching pain
4. Fractured Cusp (Back Tooth)
   • A chunk of tooth breaks off (especially around a filling)
   • Often painful when chewing
   • May leave a sharp edge or exposed filling
5. Split Tooth or Vertical Root Fracture
   • The tooth is split down the middle or cracked below the gum
   • Often can’t be saved and may require extraction
   • Usually caused by trauma or heavy grinding over time

Step-by-Step: What to Do Right After Your Tooth Chips or Cracks

Even if you’re not in pain, it’s important to take the right steps quickly—you could save the tooth and prevent further damage.

1. Rinse Your Mouth
   • Use warm water to gently rinse your mouth. This clears away blood, debris, or broken pieces.
   • Avoid using mouthwash that contains alcohol—it can sting or irritate exposed areas.
2. Check for Tooth Fragments
   • If part of the tooth broke off and you can find it, keep it! Place it in a clean container with saline or milk. In some cases, your dentist may be able to re-bond it.
3. Stop Any Bleeding
   • If the gum or lip is bleeding due to a sharp edge, apply gentle pressure with gauze or a clean cloth.
4. Cover Sharp Edges
   • If the broken part of the tooth is sharp or jagged, you can use:
     • Orthodontic wax
     • Sugar-free chewing gum
     • Paraffin wax
   • This prevents cuts to your tongue or inside cheek until you can see the dentist.
5. Manage Pain or Swelling
   If you’re in pain or notice swelling:
   • Take over-the-counter pain relief, like paracetamol or ibuprofen
   • Apply a cold compress on the outside of your cheek (10 minutes on, 10 off)
   • Avoid hot or cold foods and drinks that trigger sensitivity
6. Avoid Chewing on That Side
   Stick to soft foods and chew on the opposite side of your mouth. Avoid:
   • Nuts
   • Hard sweets
   • Crunchy foods
   • Ice (seriously – don’t chew it!)

When Is a Cracked or Chipped Tooth a Dental Emergency?

We’ve seen it all, from teens knocking out front teeth during sports to stressed-out adults cracking molars from grinding.

Here’s how to tell if your chipped tooth is an emergency:

Seek Immediate Help If:

• You’re in severe pain
• The crack or chip is large
• The nerve is exposed (sensitive to air, heat, or cold)
• There’s bleeding from the tooth itself
• A tooth fragment is loose or causing a choking hazard
• The tooth feels unstable or moves when you touch it

Not an Emergency If:

• The chip is small and there’s no pain
• You’re just feeling a rough edge
• It’s purely cosmetic and not affecting function

Even if it’s not urgent, don’t ignore it! A small crack can get worse over time if not repaired.

How Will the Dentist Fix a Chipped or Cracked Tooth?

At 24-Hour Emergency Dentist, our goal is always to save and restore the tooth, not rush into extraction.

Depending on the type of damage, here’s what we might do:

Dental Bonding (For Minor Chips)

A tooth-coloured resin is shaped and smoothed onto the tooth, then hardened with a light. Quick, painless, and perfect for front teeth.

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Dental Veneers (For Front Teeth with Cosmetic Damage)

A thin layer of porcelain or composite is bonded to the front of the tooth for a flawless smile.

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Tooth-Coloured Fillings

If the crack exposed the inner part of the tooth, a filling can seal it and restore function.

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Dental Crown

For larger breaks or cracked molars, a crown covers the entire tooth, protecting it from further damage and restoring strength.

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Root Canal Treatment

If the crack reaches the pulp (nerve), a root canal may be needed before placing a crown. This removes the infection and saves the tooth.

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Tooth Extraction (Last Resort)

If the crack runs below the gum or the tooth is split in two, extraction may be necessary.
We’ll guide you through replacement options, like implants or bridges.

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How to Avoid Chipped or Cracked Teeth in the Future

No one plans for a cracked tooth, but here’s how you can reduce your chances:

• Wear a mouthguard if you play sports
• Avoid chewing on ice or hard objects
• Don’t use your teeth as tools (no opening bottles or tearing bags!)
• Get a nightguard if you grind your teeth while sleeping
• Keep up with dental check-ups – we can spot cracks before they become a problem

Need Help Right Now? We’ve Got You.

At 24-Hour Emergency Dentist, we know that tooth trouble can happen anytime—not just during business hours. Whether you chipped a front tooth or cracked a molar, we’re here to:

• See you quickly – the same day or even the same hour
• Start treatment immediately – we don’t just do consultations
• Use advanced in-house tech, including CT scans, to assess deep cracks
• Provide expert care, from cosmetic dentists to oral surgeons

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Final Thought: Don’t Wait for Things to Get Worse

Chipped or cracked teeth might not always feel like an emergency – but the damage can worsen very quickly if not treated. What starts as a small chip could lead to decay, infection, or even tooth loss.

So if you’ve chipped a tooth, cracked a filling, or feel something isn’t quite right, give us a call. We’ll take care of you with expert treatment – and a smile.