Emergency
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Chipped or Broken Tooth: What to Do Right Now
A chipped or broken tooth is scary, but quick, simple steps help a lot. Here is what to do right now, and when it can wait.
The short answer
Rinse your mouth with warm water, save any broken pieces in milk or a clean container, and use a cold compress for swelling. Call the dentist the same day. A small chip is rarely urgent, but pain, a sharp edge or a large break should be seen quickly.
Key takeaways
Do
- Rinse with warm water
- Save broken pieces in milk
- Use a cold compress
- Call the same day
Don't
- Chew on that side
- Use the tooth to bite hard foods
- Put aspirin on the gum
What should I do in the first hour?
- Rinse your mouth with warm water.
- Save any pieces in milk or a clean container.
- Hold a cold compress on your cheek to reduce swelling.
- Take a pain reliever if needed, following the label. Don't put aspirin on the gum.
- Call us the same day.
Is it an emergency?
| What happened | How soon |
|---|---|
| Small chip, no pain | Call to book within a few days |
| Sharp edge cutting your tongue or cheek | Call the same day |
| Large break, or pain | Call right away |
| Knocked-out adult tooth | Call immediately. The first hour matters most. |
| Swelling that affects breathing or swallowing | Go to the ER or call 911 |
How are chipped teeth fixed?
It depends on the size of the break. Small chips are often repaired with bonding in one visit. Larger breaks may need a crown. If the nerve is affected, a root canal may come first. Compare options in Bonding vs Veneers.
Chipped a tooth? Call (714) 505-9462 and we'll see you as soon as we can.
Book a consultationWhat does it cost?
A limited emergency exam with X-rays starts from $89. If you need treatment, we explain the cost before we begin, and most PPO plans help cover it.
How do I protect my teeth?
Wear a mouthguard for sports, a custom nightguard if you grind, and avoid chewing ice, pens or hard candy.
Emergency dentist in Tustin, close to Irvine, City of Orange, Santa Ana and the rest of Orange County
Our office is at 604 E 1st St in the Larwin Square Shopping Center in Tustin, a short drive from Irvine, City of Orange, Santa Ana and the rest of Orange County. We see emergency patients as quickly as we can, same-day or next-day, depending on the schedule, including Saturdays from 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM. Call (714) 505-9462 first.
Questions patients ask
Can a chipped tooth heal on its own?
No. Enamel doesn't grow back, though a small chip may not need urgent treatment.
Can I wait until Monday?
A small chip without pain can usually wait a few days. Pain, swelling or a large break should be seen sooner.
What if the nerve is exposed?
You may see pink or red in the center of the tooth, and it is usually very sensitive. Call right away.
Do you see emergencies on Saturday?
We're open every Saturday from 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM. Call first so we can fit you in.
What if a tooth is knocked out?
Hold it by the top, not the root, rinse gently, try to put it back in the socket or keep it in milk, and call us immediately.
Call first, we'll guide you
If you're not sure how urgent it is, call us. We'll tell you what to do and how soon you need to be seen.
Sources: ADA MouthHealthy: Dental Emergencies
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This guide is general information, not a diagnosis. Book a visit for advice about your own teeth.