Cal Dental Group · Patient guide
Broken, Chipped, or Cracked Tooth: What to Do
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Michael Issakharian, DDS
Call a dentist promptly after breaking or cracking a tooth. Severe pain, looseness, bleeding, or a changed bite makes the concern more urgent. A small painless chip and a deep fracture can require very different treatment.
Call to confirm an appointment before visiting.
936 Crenshaw Blvd, Suite 101 · Los Angeles, CA 90019
Medical emergency? Call 911 for trouble breathing, uncontrolled bleeding, or a life-threatening injury. Difficulty swallowing or swelling spreading toward the eye or neck needs emergency medical care. Do not wait for a dental appointment.
What to do when a tooth breaks
A tooth can chip during a meal or break in an accident. Sometimes a crack causes pain without an obvious missing piece. For help arranging an evaluation, contact Cal Dental Group’s emergency dentistry team in Los Angeles at 323-934-2804. Call before traveling to confirm availability.
Protect the area while arranging care
Rinse gently, save any broken pieces, and avoid biting on the affected tooth. A cold compress outside the cheek can help with swelling. Do not file the tooth, probe the crack, or use household glue. If an entire adult tooth has come out, follow the different instructions in our knocked-out tooth guide and seek immediate dental care.
A chip, crack, and split are different problems
A small chip may affect a limited area of enamel. A crack can extend farther into a tooth, and a split may separate portions of it. The size of the visible defect does not reliably tell you how deep the damage goes. Pain when chewing or releasing a bite and temperature sensitivity are useful details for your dentist.
How the dentist chooses a repair
The examination considers the location and extent of damage, remaining tooth structure, and the health of tissues inside and around the tooth. Depending on the findings, options can include bonding, a filling, or a dental crown. Some teeth need root canal treatment before restoration. A tooth that cannot be saved may require extraction.
A crack does not heal like a broken bone. A protective restoration can help selected teeth function, but it is not a guarantee that a crack will stop progressing. Ask your dentist about the outlook for your specific tooth.
Questions to bring to your visit
- Is the damage limited to the outer tooth, or does it involve deeper structures?
- Can this tooth be repaired, and what are the reasonable alternatives?
- Is today’s treatment temporary or definitive?
- What should I avoid until the next appointment?
- What symptoms mean I should call sooner?
After an accident
Explain how the injury occurred and whether other teeth feel different. Report any head or jaw injury as well. Medical assessment may be needed before dental repair for major trauma. After dental treatment, follow the instructions for cleaning, food, activity, and follow-up rather than testing the tooth by biting hard objects.
For a restoration that came out without an obvious tooth injury, see our lost filling and crown guide. Each situation needs an examination rather than a one-size-fits-all repair.
Your next step
Arrange a dental assessment
Call 323-934-2804 and describe your symptoms, when they began, and any recent treatment or injury.
Emergency dentistry in Los Angeles →
Same-day and after-hours appointments depend on availability. Follow the telephone instructions if you call outside regular hours.
Questions about broken & cracked teeth
Can I wait if a chipped tooth does not hurt?
Call for advice about timing. Lack of pain does not establish the depth of the damage. Describe any sharp edge, looseness, bleeding, or change in your bite.
Will a broken tooth always need a crown?
No. Repair depends on how much tooth remains and where the damage extends. The dentist will explain whether bonding, a filling, a crown, or another approach is appropriate.
Should I bring the broken piece?
Yes, if you can find it safely. Bring it to the appointment and tell the dentist when the break occurred. Do not delay care while searching for a fragment.
Explore related concerns
More emergency dental guides
Patient education from Cal Dental Group. Updated October 21, 2026. Meet our dentists and specialists.
General information cannot diagnose a dental problem or replace an examination. Follow instructions from your treating clinician.
Further reading: American Association of Endodontists: cracked teeth · ADA: dental emergency first aid
Need help with an urgent dental concern?
Call Cal Dental Group to discuss symptoms and confirm the next available appointment.