A broken tooth can happen suddenly: biting into something hard, a sports injury, or even just chewing on ice. When it happens, the first few minutes matter. Here's exactly what to do and when to seek emergency dental care.
Need emergency care right now? Call East Lake Dental at (248) 437-4119. Same-day emergency care for a broken, cracked, or knocked-out tooth when we can get you in.
Immediate Steps: What to Do First
- Stay calm. Most broken teeth can be repaired. Take a breath and assess the situation.
- Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area and see the damage.
- Stop any bleeding by applying gentle pressure with gauze or a clean cloth for 10 minutes.
- Save any pieces of the tooth. Rinse them gently and store in milk or saliva.
- Reduce swelling by applying a cold compress to your cheek (20 minutes on, 20 minutes off).
- Manage pain with over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen. Avoid aspirin on the gums.
- Call your dentist to schedule an emergency appointment.
Types of Broken Teeth and Urgency Level
| Type of Break | Symptoms | Urgency |
|---|---|---|
| Minor chip | Small piece missing, no pain | See dentist within a few days |
| Cracked tooth | Visible crack, sensitivity to hot/cold | See dentist within 24-48 hours |
| Broken cusp | Piece of chewing surface broken | See dentist within 24 hours |
| Serious break | Tooth fractured, possible nerve exposure | Same-day emergency care |
| Split tooth | Crack extends below gumline | Immediate emergency care |
| Knocked-out tooth | Entire tooth dislodged | URGENT: Within 30-60 minutes |
When Is It a True Dental Emergency?
Seek immediate emergency care if you experience:
- Severe pain that won't subside
- Heavy bleeding that won't stop
- A completely knocked-out permanent tooth
- Visible nerve (pink or red tissue inside tooth)
- Swelling spreading to your face or neck
- Fever along with tooth pain
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
For life-threatening symptoms (difficulty breathing, severe swelling of throat), go to the emergency room first, then follow up with a dentist.
What NOT to Do
- Don't ignore it. Even a small chip can worsen or become infected.
- Don't chew on that side. Protect the damaged tooth from further damage.
- Don't use the tooth as a tool. No opening packages or biting nails.
- Don't apply aspirin directly to gums. This can burn the tissue.
- Don't eat hard or sticky foods. Stick to soft foods until treated.
- Don't wait too long. Delays can turn a simple repair into a root canal or extraction.
How We Treat Broken Teeth
Treatment depends on the severity of the break:
Minor Chips
Small chips can often be smoothed or repaired with dental bonding in a single visit. Bonding uses tooth-colored resin to restore the natural appearance.
Moderate Breaks
If more of the tooth is damaged, a dental crown (cap) may be needed. This involves reshaping the tooth and placing a custom-made cover that looks and functions like a natural tooth.
Severe Breaks with Nerve Damage
If the break exposes the pulp (nerve), you may need a root canal to remove damaged tissue before placing a crown. This saves the tooth from extraction.
Knocked-Out Teeth
If you act quickly (within 30-60 minutes), a knocked-out tooth can sometimes be reimplanted. Keep the tooth moist in milk or saliva and get to a dentist immediately.
Cost of Emergency Dental Treatment
| Treatment | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Dental bonding (chip repair) | $100 - $400 per tooth |
| Dental crown | $1,000 - $1,500 per tooth |
| Root canal + crown | $1,500 - $2,500 per tooth |
| Tooth extraction | $150 - $400 per tooth |
| Emergency exam | $50 - $150 |
Most dental insurance covers a portion of emergency treatment, and we'll explain all costs before we begin so there are no surprises.
Preventing Future Dental Emergencies
- Wear a mouthguard during sports and physical activities
- Don't chew ice, hard candy, or popcorn kernels
- Never use your teeth as tools (opening bottles, tearing packages)
- Get regular dental checkups to catch weak spots early
- Treat grinding/clenching with a night guard if recommended
Same-Day Emergency Appointments
Dental emergencies do not wait. Call East Lake Dental at (248) 437-4119 as early as you can. We offer same-day emergency care in South Lyon when we can get you in. Visit Our South Lyon office at 201 S. Lafayette St.
Dental emergency? Call (248) 437-4119 for same-day emergency care in South Lyon when we can get you in.
Broken Tooth Questions
Do you see broken-tooth emergencies the same day in South Lyon?
Yes when we can get you in; call as early as you can at (248) 437-4119.
What should I do if I knock out a tooth?
Keep it moist in milk or saliva and get in within 30-60 minutes.
Not sure if it's an emergency? Call us anyway. We're happy to assess your situation over the phone and advise on next steps. We serve patients from South Lyon, Brighton, Milford, Pinckney, Howell, Green Oak Township, Hamburg, Whitmore Lake, Wixom, Salem, Northville, and Novi.
Questions About Your Dental Health?
We're here to help. Schedule an appointment or give us a call.
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