Broken or Knocked-Out Tooth? Here’s When to Seek Emergency Dental Care

Broken Tooth: When It Becomes an Emergency

Not every chip is urgent. Small, painless chips can usually wait a short time. It becomes an emergency when you have pain, sharp edges that cut your cheek or tongue, a large fracture that exposes the inner layer, or signs of infection, such as swelling.

Common causes include biting hard foods, old fillings failing, and sports impacts. If the crack runs below the gumline, the tooth’s nerve may be affected. Rinse gently with lukewarm water, cover sharp edges with dental wax or sugar-free gum, and avoid chewing on that side. Over-the-counter pain relief can help; avoid aspirin directly on the gum because it can irritate soft tissue.

Fast Facts: Broken Tooth Triage 

• Small chip, no pain: Usually non-urgent; book soon.
• Moderate crack with sensitivity: Priority visit within 24–48 hours.
• Large fracture, severe pain, or swelling: Same-day emergency assessment.
• Tooth pieces saved in a clean container: Bring them to the appointment.

Knocked-Out Tooth: Act Fast for the Best Chance of Saving It

A knocked-out adult tooth is a true emergency. The first 30 minutes matter. Lift the tooth by the crown section, taking care not to disturb the root. If dirty, rinse gently with milk or saline for a second or two; do not scrub. If you can, place it back into the socket and bite gently on the gauze. If that’s not possible, store it in a container of cold milk or an emergency tooth preservation kit.

Arrive at the dental office as soon as possible. Your dentist will assess the socket, check for fractures, and splint the tooth. Even with the right first-aid steps, a knocked-out tooth can’t always be saved. Children who lose a baby tooth generally should not have it reinserted; call your dentist for guidance to protect the developing adult tooth.

When You Should Seek Emergency Dental Care

Seek urgent care if you notice:

• Severe or throbbing pain that disrupts sleep
• A tooth that is loose, displaced, or fully knocked out
• Facial swelling, fever, or a bad taste suggesting infection
• A broken tooth with bleeding that won’t stop after 10 minutes of pressure
• Trauma from sports or an accident, especially with jaw pain or limited opening

Many families in Calgary experience dental injuries during winter sports. Helmets and mouthguards reduce risk, but prompt care is still essential.

What Treatment Might Involve

Your dentist will examine the tooth, gums, and bite, and may take digital X-rays. Treatment depends on the injury’s depth and location:

• For small chips: Smoothing or a tooth-coloured bonding resin can restore shape.
• For larger fractures, Dental crowns offer strength and coverage.
• If the nerve is affected or infection develops, Root canal therapy can remove infected tissue and preserve the tooth.
• If a tooth cannot be saved, Dental implants may be considered after healing.

Your dentist will guide you toward the treatment that offers the best long-term comfort, function, and stability.  Your dentist will discuss benefits and limits, including the possibility of future repair if new cracks appear.

Staying Comfortable and Healing Well: What Happens Next

Numbing with local anesthesia helps you stay comfortable during urgent procedures. Mild tenderness is common afterward; stick to soft foods and avoid extremes of heat and cold for a few days. Most patients return to normal activities quickly, though complex injuries may need follow-up visits.

Understanding Typical Treatment Costs

Costs vary with severity, materials, and required imaging. A simple bonding is typically less than a crown, while root canal therapy and a crown cost more than a filling. If replacement is needed, implant treatment is generally the highest investment. Your dentist can provide a written estimate before treatment.

Tips to Prevent Future Dental Emergencies

• Wear a custom mouthguard for contact sports and skating.
• Do not use teeth to open packages or cut tape.
• Address clenching or grinding; a nightguard can protect enamel.
• Replace worn fillings and cracked restorations before they fail.
• Keep up with cleanings and exams; early care prevents fractures.
• Choose non-sticky treats and avoid chewing ice.
• Consider teeth whitening only under dental guidance to limit sensitivity.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Dental injuries are stressful, but timely, evidence-based care protects your smile and comfort. If you’re unsure whether an injury is urgent, call a dentist in SW Calgary for guidance and a prompt assessment. For compassionate, family-centred advice and care, the team at Renew Dental Family Dentistry – SW Calgary is ready to help.