You bite into something and feel a sharp pain. Or you notice a piece of tooth is missing when you run your tongue over it. Sometimes there’s no obvious break at all. The tooth just hurts when you chew, and you can’t quite tell why.
If you think you’ve cracked a tooth, call a dentist as soon as you can.
A small chip and a deeper crack can feel surprisingly similar, but they may need very different care. At Woodlake Dental Center, we reserve same-day appointments for dental emergencies, including broken teeth.
Call Woodlake Dental Center at (804) 606-2623.
Tell us what happened and whether you have pain or swelling. We’ll help you figure out the next step.
What should I do right now?
Rinse your mouth gently with warm water. If your face is swollen, hold a cold compress against the outside of your cheek. Try not to chew on that side until a dentist has examined the tooth.
Even if the pain fades, make the call. A cracked tooth won’t heal on its own, and putting pressure on it can allow the crack to spread.
Can a cracked tooth be saved?
Often, yes. The answer depends on where the crack is and how far it extends. That’s why we start by examining the tooth and listening to what you’ve noticed: Did it happen suddenly? Does it hurt when you bite down or when you release the bite? Are hot or cold drinks bothering you?
A minor chip may need a relatively simple repair. A tooth with a larger crack may need a crown to protect it when you chew. If the crack has reached the tissue inside the tooth, root canal treatment may be needed before a crown. Some teeth are too badly damaged to save, but we won’t assume that from a phone call or a photo. We’ll examine the tooth and explain what we find.
Could it be fixed the same day?
It may be possible, depending on the tooth and the treatment it needs.
Woodlake uses CEREC technology to make many dental crowns in the office. For a tooth that needs a crown and is a good candidate, that can mean completing the restoration in one visit, without waiting for a laboratory-made crown or wearing a temporary one.
Same-day treatment isn’t the right answer for every crack. Our first job is to find out what will give the tooth the best chance of lasting. If a different approach is needed, we’ll tell you why and talk through the options with you.
Learn more about same-day crowns at Woodlake Dental Center.
What if I’m nervous about coming in?
A broken tooth is unsettling, especially when you don’t know what treatment you’ll need. We’ll examine the tooth first, explain what we find, and talk you through the options before moving forward.
Leila M. shared this about her experience with Dr. Taylor:
“I had such a wonderful experience with Dr. Taylor and his team! I went into my appointment feeling very anxious, but Dr. Taylor was incredibly kind, patient, and understanding. He explained everything he was going to do before and during the procedure, which really helped me feel comfortable and at ease. By the time I left, I felt completely anxiety-free!”
— Leila M., Google Review
What if I can’t see a crack?
You may still feel one. Pain that comes and goes when you chew, especially pain when you release a bite, can be a sign of a cracked tooth. Sensitivity to hot or cold may be another clue. Those symptoms can have other causes, too, so an exam matters more than trying to diagnose it at home.
Let’s take a look before it gets worse
A cracked tooth can signal something else going on. You might be clinching at night and need a night guard, you might have something else happening in the tooth. You don’t need to know whether you need a filling, a crown, or something else before you call us. Just tell us what you’re feeling. The sooner the better.
Cracked or broke a tooth? Call (804) 739-9190 to speak with our team about a same-day emergency appointment. We’ll examine the tooth, explain your options, and help you decide what comes next.
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