Closeup of a cracked tooth

What to Do When You Crack a Tooth

Cracked teeth can result from contact sports, biting hard foods, or just wear and tear on your teeth over time. While there’s never a good time to crack a tooth, knowing what to do in advance can help save you stress if it does happen. Here are some tips to follow:


  1. Stay Calm
  2. Do not panic! Take a few deep breaths and remind yourself that it’ll be OK. There are several treatments available for a cracked tooth. Depending on the severity of the crack, our team may recommend a filling, dental crown, or root canal therapy. Only in very serious cases will we recommend a tooth extraction.


  3. Rinse Your Mouth
  4. Gently rinse your mouth with clean warm water mixed with table salt. This can help reduce the risk of infection and ease any pain. Gentle pressure can stop any bleeding, and a cold compress can reduce swelling.


  5. Call Our Office
  6. You should call our office as soon as possible. Our team will ask you to describe the damage, what happened, and any pain or discomfort you are feeling. These details can help us guide you through your best next steps and prepare for your treatment.


Is a Cracked Tooth a Dental Emergency?

No matter how you cracked your tooth, you should treat it as a dental emergency and seek care immediately, especially if you’re experiencing severe bleeding and/or severe pain. A crack opens up your tooth to infection because bacteria can access the inner sensitive layer of your tooth, called the pulp. The pulp is made up of nerves, blood vessels, and soft tissue. Infection in this area can result in a buildup of debris and pus in the root canal of your tooth, called an abscess.

If you crack a tooth, call us for an appointment so our team can restore the look and function of your tooth! We also invite you to talk to us at your next visit about how to handle other types of dental emergencies.


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May 31, 2022 1:54 am
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