https://leaguecity.dentist/dental-emergencies-what-to-do-if-you-crack-chip-or-knock-out-a-tooth/

A dental emergency can happen at any time—whether you bite into something hard, take a fall, or get injured while playing sports. Knowing how to react in the moment can make the difference between saving or losing a tooth. If you crack, chip, or knock out a tooth, taking quick action can prevent further damage and improve the chances of a successful dental treatment.

What to Do If You Crack a Tooth

A cracked tooth can be painful and leave the inner layers of your tooth exposed to infection. Here’s what to do:

✔ Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area.
✔ Apply a cold compress to the outside of your face to reduce swelling.
✔ Avoid chewing on the affected side until you see a dentist.
✔ Take over-the-counter pain relievers if needed for discomfort.
✔ See a dentist as soon as possible—delaying treatment can lead to further damage or infection.

💡 Treatment Options: Minor cracks may be repaired with dental bonding, while severe cracks might require a crown or root canal. If the tooth is split beyond repair, extraction may be necessary.

What to Do If You Chip a Tooth

A chipped tooth is one of the most common dental injuries. Even if it doesn’t hurt, it’s important to see a dentist to prevent further damage.

✔ Save any broken pieces if possible and bring them to your appointment.
✔ Rinse your mouth with warm water to remove debris.
✔ Cover any sharp edges with dental wax (available at drugstores) to prevent cuts on your tongue or cheeks.
✔ Avoid eating hard or sticky foods until the tooth is treated.
✔ Schedule a dental visit—even small chips can weaken a tooth over time.

💡 Treatment Options: Small chips can be smoothed out or repaired with dental bonding, while larger chips may require veneers or crowns for strength and aesthetics.

What to Do If You Knock Out a Tooth

A knocked-out tooth is a serious emergency, but if you act quickly, a dentist may be able to reinsert and save the tooth.

✔ Find the tooth and pick it up by the crown (top), NOT the root.
✔ If dirty, rinse it gently with water—do not scrub or use soap.
✔ Try to place the tooth back into the socket and hold it in place.
✔ If reinsertion isn’t possible, store the tooth in milk or saliva—never let it dry out.
✔ Get to a dentist within 30 minutes—this greatly increases the chance of saving the tooth.

💡 Treatment Options: If reinserted quickly, the tooth may heal on its own. If not, a dental implant or bridge may be needed to replace it.

When to See an Emergency Dentist

If you experience any of the following symptoms after a dental injury, see a dentist immediately:

⚠ Severe pain or bleeding that won’t stop
⚠ Loose or partially dislodged teeth
⚠ Swelling or pus around the gums (signs of infection)
⚠ A broken filling, crown, or dental restoration
⚠ Jaw pain or difficulty opening your mouth

How to Prevent Dental Emergencies

✔ Wear a mouthguard during sports to protect your teeth from impact.
✔ Avoid chewing on ice, hard candy, or non-food objects to prevent cracks and chips.
✔ Do not use your teeth as tools—use scissors, not your teeth, to open packages.
✔ Maintain regular dental checkups to catch small issues before they turn into big problems.

Need Emergency Dental Care in League City?

At Tuscan Lakes Family Dentistry, we offer same-day emergency dental appointments to help you when accidents happen. If you’ve cracked, chipped, or knocked out a tooth, don’t wait—contact us immediately for fast, professional care. Your smile depends on it!