A cracked tooth is one of the most common dental emergencies, and one of the most stressful. The good news is that what you do in the first few hours makes a real difference to how the tooth can be treated. Here’s exactly what to do, and when to stop waiting and call a dentist.
- Rinse with warm water, manage pain with over-the-counter relief, and protect the tooth with dental wax or a saved fragment while you wait for an appointment.
- Stick to soft foods and avoid hot, cold, or sugary foods, cracked teeth are often far more sensitive because the crack can expose the inner layers of the tooth.
- Severe pain, visible pulp, facial swelling, fever, or a loose tooth are signs of a true emergency and require immediate attention, not a wait-and-see approach.
- A crack that doesn’t hurt much today can still worsen over time. Chewing forces gradually widen it, which is why a simple bonding fix left untreated can turn into a root canal or extraction.
- Treatment ranges from same-day bonding to a crown, root canal, or extraction, depending on how deep the crack goes and whether it’s reached the nerve.
Step 1: Rinse with warm water
Gently rinse your mouth with warm (not hot or cold) water. This clears away any blood or debris and lets you get a proper look at the damage without causing extra sensitivity.
Step 2: Manage the pain
Take an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen or paracetamol if you need to. Avoid putting aspirin directly on the tooth or gum, it won’t help and can actually burn the tissue.
If the area is swollen, a cold compress on the outside of your cheek for 10 to 15 minutes at a time can help.
Step 3: Protect the tooth
If part of the tooth has broken off completely, keep the piece if you can find it, wrapped in a damp cloth or kept in milk. Your dentist may be able to use it.
If the crack has left a sharp edge, dental wax (available at most pharmacies) can be pressed over it temporarily to stop it cutting your tongue or cheek. This is a stopgap, not a fix.
Step 4: Watch what you eat
Stick to soft foods and chew on the opposite side of your mouth. Avoid anything very hot, very cold, or very sweet, cracked teeth are often much more sensitive to temperature and sugar because the crack can expose the inner layers of the tooth.
When it’s a true emergency
Most cracks can wait for a same-day or next-day appointment, but call a dentist immediately if you notice:
- Severe, throbbing pain that isn’t controlled by pain relievers
- Visible pulp (a pink or reddish centre) inside the crack
- Significant swelling in your face or gum
- A fever alongside the tooth pain
- The tooth feels loose
These signs can point to nerve damage or infection, and delaying treatment increases the risk of losing the tooth.
Why you shouldn’t just “wait it out”
A hairline crack that doesn’t hurt much today can still worsen over time. Chewing forces gradually widen the crack, and bacteria can work their way into the inner tooth even without obvious pain. What starts as a simple bonding fix can turn into a root canal, or worse, an extraction if it’s left untreated for too long.
What treatment usually looks like
Depending on how deep the crack is, treatment can range from:
- Bonding – a same-day fix for minor cracks using tooth-coloured resin
- A dental crown – for cracks that affect a larger portion of the tooth
- Root canal treatment – if the crack has reached the nerve
- Extraction – only in cases where the tooth can’t be saved
Most patients are relieved to hear that the vast majority of cracked teeth can be saved when treated promptly.
Procare Dental Surgery offers emergency appointments for exactly this kind of situation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can a cracked tooth heal on its own? No. Unlike a bone, a cracked tooth cannot heal itself. A hairline crack that isn’t painful today can still worsen with normal chewing forces, and bacteria can enter the tooth even without obvious symptoms. Professional treatment is the only way to stop it progressing.
Is it safe to wait a few days before seeing a dentist about a cracked tooth? For minor cracks without severe pain, swelling, or visible pulp, a same-day or next-day appointment is usually fine. However, if you notice severe pain, swelling, fever, or a loose tooth, you should contact a dentist immediately rather than waiting.
Should I keep a broken piece of tooth if it falls out? Yes. If a fragment breaks off completely, keep it wrapped in a damp cloth or stored in milk and bring it with you to your appointment. Your dentist may be able to use it as part of the repair.
What’s the difference between bonding and a crown for a cracked tooth? Bonding is typically a same-day fix using tooth-coloured resin, suited to minor cracks. A crown is used for cracks affecting a larger portion of the tooth, providing more durable, long-term protection. Your dentist will recommend the right option based on how much of the tooth structure remains.