Emergency Dental Repair—What to Do if You Break or Crack a Tooth

Life is full of surprises—some better than others. One moment, you’re biting into your favourite snack or playing a friendly scrimmage, and the next, you’re feeling a sharp crack and sudden pain in your mouth.

At Somerset Dental on James, we understand that dental emergencies can feel overwhelming. Whether it’s a chipped front tooth or a molar that cracked while eating, our team is here to guide you with compassionate, expert dental care in Somerset.

Here’s what to do right away and how we can help.

What Is Considered a Dental Emergency?

Dental emergencies include any sudden issue that causes pain, discomfort, or impacts your ability to eat or speak. A cracked, broken, or knocked-out tooth definitely qualifies.

Common dental repair emergencies include:

• A chipped or cracked tooth from an accident or hard food
• Sudden pain when biting or chewing
• Tooth sensitivity following a fracture
• Loss of part or all of a dental crown or filling

Not sure if it’s urgent? When in doubt, get in touch! We’re here to care for you.

What to Do if You Break or Crack a Tooth

Step 1: Stay Calm and Assess the Damage

First things first: don’t panic. While a broken or cracked tooth can be uncomfortable and stressful, many dental repair options are available. Take a moment to assess the situation:

• Is it painful? Sharp pain, especially when biting down or exposed to hot/cold, might mean the nerve is involved.
• Is there bleeding? Gently rinse your mouth with warm water to clear the area.
• Can you find the broken piece? If so, place it in a clean container with milk or saliva. Our dentists may be able to use it in your repair.

Step 2: Protect the Tooth Until You See the Dentist

Until you can get professional dental care, follow these tips to protect your tooth:

• Avoid chewing on the affected side of your mouth.
• Cover any jagged edges with dental wax or sugar-free gum.
• Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling.
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers if needed (avoid aspirin if there’s bleeding).

Step 3: Seek Prompt Dental Repair

Cracked or broken teeth won’t heal on their own. Even if the pain fades, the damage can progress—leading to infection or deeper fractures. Prompt treatment prevents long-term complications and protects your smile.

📍 Somerset Dental offers same-day appointments for urgent dental repair in Somerset (SW Calgary), so you don’t have to wait in pain or uncertainty.

Common Causes of Cracked or Broken Teeth

You might be surprised how often broken teeth occur. According to the American Association of Endodontists, cracked teeth are one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults. Here are a few common causes:

• Biting down on hard foods like ice, nuts, and hard candies
• Using teeth as tools (opening packages!)
• Trauma from sports injuries or falls
• Grinding or clenching teeth (bruxism)
• Large fillings that weaken the tooth structure

Identifying the cause helps your dentist determine the best approach to dental repair and prevent future issues.

Types of Tooth Damage and How They’re Repaired

Not all cracked or broken teeth are the same. Your dental care team will assess the damage and recommend a treatment based on the type and severity of the break.

Minor Chips
Small chips in the enamel can often be smoothed out or repaired with a tooth-coloured composite filling.

Moderate Cracks or Breaks
If the crack goes deeper but doesn’t reach the pulp (the inner part of the tooth), bonding or a dental crown may be recommended.

Severe Breaks
If the crack extends into the pulp or root, a root canal followed by a crown might be necessary. In extreme cases, extraction could be required—though this is typically a last resort.

Knocked-Out Tooth
While not a crack or break, this is still an emergency. If handled quickly (within 30-60 minutes), the tooth can sometimes be re-implanted. Keep the tooth moist and call your dentist immediately.

Prevention Tips: Protecting Your Smile

Of course, the best dental repair is the one you never need! Here are some practical ways to protect your teeth:

• Wear a mouthguard when playing contact sports
• Avoid chewing on hard objects like pens, ice, or popcorn kernels
• Address teeth grinding with a nightguard if needed
• Don’t use your teeth as tools
• Visit your dentist regularly to catch small issues before they become big problems

Preventive dental care helps keep your teeth strong and healthy, reducing the risk of fractures and other emergencies.

Why Choose Somerset Dental for Dental Repair?

When dental emergencies strike, you want a team you can trust. At Somerset Dental, we’re committed to providing gentle, prompt, and effective dental repair for patients of all ages.

Whether you’re dealing with a small chip or a serious break, we’ll walk you through your options and help restore your smile.

Our welcoming environment, state-of-the-art technology, and caring approach make us a top choice for dental care in Somerset. Plus, we offer flexible scheduling and same-day emergency appointments whenever possible.

We’re Here When You Need Us

A broken tooth can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. Our team at Somerset Dental is here to help you get the care you need, fast. Timely dental repair not only relieves pain and restores function—it protects your long-term oral health.

📞 Contact us now to schedule your visit!

Let’s Hear From You!

Have you ever had a chipped or broken tooth? What helped you stay calm before seeing the dentist?

Your questions and stories help others feel more confident about handling unexpected dental issues—share them in the comments below!