Chipped or Cracked a Tooth? Here's What to Do Right Away

By Dr. Boris Zusin · Published August 1, 2026

A chipped or cracked tooth almost always happens at the worst possible moment — mid-meal, mid-workout, or out of nowhere. What you do in the first few minutes matters, so here's a clear checklist.

Right Away

Rinse your mouth gently with warm water to clear any debris. If you can find the broken piece, save it in a small container of milk or water and bring it with you — it's occasionally usable in repair. If there's swelling, a cold compress against the cheek near the area helps with both pain and swelling. Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth until you're seen.

How Urgent Is It?

A small chip with no pain can usually wait for a next-day appointment. Significant pain, a visible crack extending toward the gumline, a sharp edge cutting your tongue or cheek, or any sensitivity to hot and cold are all reasons to call us the same day — the deeper a crack goes, the more time-sensitive it becomes.

What Treatment Usually Looks Like

Small chips are often fixed the same day with composite bonding. Larger fractures, or ones that compromise more of the tooth's structure, typically need a crown to fully protect and restore it. If a crack has reached the tooth's nerve, that's when a root canal referral may come into the picture before restoration.

If you're dealing with this right now, don't wait — call our office for same-day emergency care.