Broken Tooth Treatment Options

Treatment for a broken tooth depends on the severity and location of the damage. A minor chip may be repaired in one visit, while a deeper break could require a crown, root canal, or extraction.

Treatment for Minor Chips and Cracks

Small chips can often be smoothed or repaired with tooth-colored bonding. If the damage includes a small area of decay or lost tooth structure, a dental filling may be used to restore the tooth.

Even if the tooth doesn’t hurt, it should still be examined. Small cracks can allow bacteria to enter the tooth and cause decay or infection.

Treatment for Moderate or Severe Breaks

Treatment options may include:

• Minor chip: Often smoothed or repaired with bonding during one visit

• Moderate break: May require a dental crown to restore and protect the tooth

• Break reaching the nerve: Usually requires a root canal followed by a crown

• Severe break: May require extraction if too little healthy tooth structure remains

Your dentist will examine the tooth and recommend the option that gives it the best chance of being saved.

Is a Broken Tooth an Emergency?

A broken tooth requires urgent care when it causes severe pain, exposes the nerve, creates a sharp edge, or occurs with bleeding or swelling. Even a painless break can become more serious if treatment is delayed.

For more guidance, learn what qualifies as a dental emergency, when a toothache requires emergency care, and the difference between an emergency root canal and extraction.

Schedule a Same-Day Evaluation

Don’t wait for a broken tooth to become painful or infected. Contact our emergency dental team for a same-day evaluation or schedule an appointment. You can also call us at (615) 383-7801.