My Tooth Broke — What Should I Do? | Merchant's Walk Dental East Cobb

It depends on the severity of the break. Some situations require same-day care:

• The tooth broke to or below the gumline
• You can see or feel exposed nerve tissue (sharp pain to air or touch)
• There is significant bleeding that does not stop
• A large portion of the tooth is missing
• You are in severe pain

A small chip on the edge of a tooth is less urgent but should still be evaluated — sharp edges can cut your tongue or cheek, and the exposed area can become sensitive or decay more quickly.

Treatment depends on how much of the tooth remains and whether the nerve is involved:

• Minor chip or crack — a dental filling or bonding can often restore the shape and protect the tooth
• Larger break — a dental crown covers and protects what remains of the tooth
• Break that reaches the nerve — a root canal may be needed before placing a crown
• Tooth broken below the gumline — extraction may be necessary if the tooth cannot be restored

A broken tooth does not heal on its own. Delaying care can allow bacteria to enter the exposed tooth structure, leading to decay, infection, or a more complex (and expensive) repair. If the nerve becomes infected, a root canal may become necessary when it could have been avoided with earlier treatment.

Merchant's Walk Dental provides emergency dental services for patients throughout East Cobb, Marietta, Roswell, Kennesaw, Smyrna, Woodstock, and Alpharetta. Call us at (770) 691-5051 or schedule online — same-day appointments are often available.