When to seek emergency care
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department for difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding, rapidly spreading facial swelling, high fever with facial swelling or another life-threatening symptom.
What this symptom means
A "broken tooth" describes any loss of tooth structure — from a small chip to a fracture that reaches the inner layers of the tooth. Only an examination can determine how much of the tooth is affected and whether the inside of the tooth or the surrounding tissues are involved.
Common possible causes
- Biting on something hard or unexpected
- A blow to the face or mouth
- A large existing filling weakening the tooth
- Grinding or clenching over time
- A tooth previously treated with a root canal without full coverage
- Decay that has undermined tooth structure
Warning signs to take seriously
- Sharp pain when biting or releasing pressure
- Bleeding from the tooth or gum
- A visible crack, jagged edge or missing piece
- Swelling of the face or gum near the tooth
- Sensitivity to temperature that lingers
When it may be urgent
Major dental trauma, uncontrolled bleeding, a knocked-out permanent tooth, rapidly spreading facial swelling or symptoms following a head injury should be evaluated urgently. Life-threatening symptoms require emergency medical care.
Safe temporary comfort measures
- Rinse gently with warm water to clear debris
- Apply light pressure with clean gauze if there is bleeding
- Use a cold compress on the outside of the cheek in short intervals
- Save any tooth fragment in a clean container of milk or saline
What to avoid
- Chewing on the affected side
- Aggressively probing or attempting to reshape the tooth at home
- Applying home glues or fillers to the tooth
- Ignoring bleeding, swelling or pain that does not improve
How a dentist evaluates the problem
A dentist typically examines the tooth, checks nearby teeth and soft tissue and may take diagnostic images to assess the depth of the fracture and the condition of the nerve. Bite testing and cold testing may help characterize the damage.
Possible treatment categories
Recommendations depend on the underlying cause and the results of an examination. Possible treatment categories may include:
- Smoothing or bonding for small chips when appropriate
- Filling or onlay for more substantial loss of tooth structure
- Crown when the tooth needs greater structural coverage
- Root canal treatment if the inner tooth is affected
- Extraction when the tooth cannot be predictably restored, followed by a discussion of replacement options
Factors that can affect cost
- Size and depth of the fracture
- Whether imaging is needed
- Material selected for the restoration
- Whether the inner tooth or nerve is involved
- Whether tooth replacement is required after extraction
Related dental services and resources
- Chipped tooth guide
- Urgent dental care guidance
- Restorative dentistry options
- Toothache causes
- How dental costs work
Ready to have a dentist evaluate the concern?
Call (432) 999-4078 or use the appointment-request form to discuss your symptoms with the practice. Submitting a request does not guarantee an appointment; the office will follow up to confirm availability.
Frequently asked questions
This information is provided for general educational purposes and is not a diagnosis or a substitute for an examination by a qualified dental professional. Individual causes, symptoms, treatment options and recovery can vary.