How to Handle a Chipped or Cracked Tooth Right Now

By Dr. Boris Zusin · Published August 8, 2026

A chipped or cracked tooth almost always happens at the worst possible moment. What you do in the first few minutes matters, so here's a clear, practical 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 with a little milk or water and bring it with you — it's occasionally usable in the repair. A cold compress against the cheek near the area helps with both pain and swelling, and avoid chewing on that side 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 crack extending toward the gumline, a sharp edge cutting your tongue or cheek, or 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, a root canal referral may come into the picture before restoration.

Dealing with this right now? Don't wait — call our office for same-day emergency care.