Cracked or Chipped a Tooth? What to Do Before You Can Get In

A cracked or chipped tooth can happen in an instant — biting down on something hard, a fall, a bump during sports, or sometimes for no obvious reason at all. However it happened, the first few minutes matter. Here's what to do right now, and how to know whether it's a true emergency or something that can wait for a regular appointment.

Step 1: Stay Calm and Assess the Damage

Take a breath first. Most chipped or cracked teeth look — and feel — worse than they actually are. Rinse your mouth gently with warm water to clear away any blood or debris so you can get a clearer look.

Ask yourself:

• Is there any pain, and if so, how severe?
• Is the tooth loose or completely knocked out?
• Is there visible bleeding from the gums?
• Can you see or feel a sharp edge?
• Did you save any broken piece of the tooth?

Your answers here will help you and our team figure out how urgent the situation is.

Step 2: Immediate First Aid

While you're getting ready to call us or head in, a few simple steps can protect the tooth and keep you more comfortable:

• Save any broken pieces. If a piece of the tooth broke off, rinse it gently and place it in a small container of milk or your own saliva. Don't let it dry out.
• Rinse with warm water. This clears debris and helps you (and us) see the extent of the damage.
• Apply a cold compress. Hold it against your cheek near the affected tooth in 15-minute intervals to reduce swelling and ease discomfort.
• Cover sharp edges. If the tooth has a jagged edge that's irritating your tongue, cheek, or lip, a small piece of sugar-free gum or dental wax (if you have it on hand) can help until you're seen.
• Take an over-the-counter pain reliever if needed, following the label directions. Avoid placing aspirin directly on the tooth or gums — it won't help and can actually irritate the tissue.
• Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth, and steer clear of very hot, cold, or sugary foods and drinks, which can trigger sharp sensitivity in a cracked tooth.

Step 3: Know What's a True Emergency

Not every chip or crack requires an immediate visit, but some situations should never wait. Call us right away if:

• You're in significant pain that isn't controlled by over-the-counter medication
• The tooth is loose, shifted, or completely knocked out
• There's a lot of bleeding that doesn't stop with gentle pressure
• You can see the inner layer of the tooth (which may look pink, yellow, or reddish) — this can mean the nerve is exposed
• The crack or chip resulted from a fall or injury that also affects your jaw, face, or head

It's usually safe to schedule a regular appointment (rather than an emergency visit) if:

• The chip is small and doesn't cause pain or sensitivity
• There's no visible bleeding or swelling
• You don't see any exposed inner tooth structure

When in doubt, it's always better to call and ask. Our team can help you figure out how quickly you need to be seen based on what you're describing.

What Happens at an Emergency Visit

When you come in for a cracked or chipped tooth, we'll start with an exam and, if needed, an X-ray to see how deep the damage goes and whether it's affecting the tooth's nerve or root. Depending on what we find, treatment might include:

• Smoothing and polishing for minor chips that don't need a full restoration
• Bonding to rebuild small to moderate chips using a tooth-colored resin
• A dental crown to protect and restore a tooth with a larger crack or chip
• A root canal if the crack has reached the nerve and it's causing infection or significant pain
• Extraction, in rare cases where the tooth is too damaged to save

Our goal is always to save the natural tooth whenever possible, and to get you comfortable and back to normal as quickly as we can.

Same-Day Emergency Appointments in Fargo

If you've cracked or chipped a tooth, don't wait it out. Call North University Dental at 701-293-8625 and let our team know it's a dental emergency — we'll get you in as quickly as possible. You can also request an appointment online, though for urgent situations, a phone call will always get you the fastest response.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a chipped tooth a dental emergency?It depends on severity. A small chip with no pain is usually fine to address at a regular appointment. A chip or crack that causes significant pain, bleeding, looseness, or exposes the inner tooth should be treated as an emergency.

Can a cracked tooth heal on its own?No. Unlike a broken bone, a cracked tooth cannot heal itself. Left untreated, a crack can worsen over time, allow bacteria to reach the inner tooth, and lead to infection. Even a minor crack should be evaluated by a dentist.

How much does it cost to fix a chipped tooth?Cost depends on the treatment needed — bonding is typically the most affordable option, while a crown or root canal costs more due to the complexity of the procedure. We'll walk you through cost and insurance coverage before any treatment begins.

What if I can't get in right away — is there anything else I can do at home?Rinse with warm salt water, avoid chewing on that side, use a cold compress for swelling, and take an over-the-counter pain reliever as needed. These steps manage discomfort but don't replace professional treatment — see a dentist as soon as you can.