Small chip
Smoothing, bonding, or filling.
Emergency Dentistry
I Broke a Tooth. What Should I Do?
A broken tooth can be a small cosmetic chip, a painful fracture, or a sign that the tooth is structurally compromised.
Quick Take
A broken tooth can be minor, painful, infected, or structurally hopeless. Call first so Elm Ridge can help decide whether you need urgent care and what to avoid until you are seen.
I broke a tooth. What should I do right now?
If the tooth has a sharp edge, avoid chewing on that side. If a piece came off, save it if available. Call first, especially if there is pain, swelling, bleeding, or sensitivity.
Can this wait?
A painless small cosmetic chip can often wait briefly, but deeper breaks, pain on biting, exposed inner tooth, swelling, or trauma should be handled urgently.
When should I go to the ER?
Go to the ER for severe swelling, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding, major trauma, or any medical emergency.
What can Elm Ridge do?
Treatment might be smoothing, bonding, a filling, a crown, root canal treatment, or extraction if the tooth cannot be restored predictably.
What might the treatment involve?
A crown is common when the tooth is weak or cracked. Root canal treatment may be needed if the nerve is involved. Extraction and implant or bridge planning may be discussed if the tooth is not restorable.
Common next decisions
Large break or cracked cusp
Crown, sometimes with buildup.
Pain, swelling, or nerve exposure
Root canal vs extraction depending on restorability.
Split tooth below the gumline
Extraction and replacement planning may be more predictable.
Will insurance apply?
Emergency exam, X-ray, and triage commonly range from $150-$350 for emergency exam, X-rays, and triage; treatment is separate. Treatment such as a filling, crown, root canal, extraction, medication, or follow-up care is separate. We can estimate benefits, but final payment is determined by the insurance company.
Related Questions Patients Ask
Dental crowns
When a broken tooth needs stronger coverage than a filling.
Root canals
When a fracture or deep decay reaches the nerve.
Tooth extractions
When a tooth cannot be predictably saved.
Related Care
Emergency FAQ
Yes, if you have it. Bring it with you, but do not delay calling if you cannot find it.
Sometimes, but not always. A painless crack can still worsen, so call for guidance.
Go to the ER for major trauma, uncontrolled bleeding, severe swelling, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, or a medical emergency.
Call first for urgent dental problems
Same-day care is offered when the schedule allows, but calling is the best way to get triaged.