Emergency Tooth Repair Near You
When you chip, crack, or break a tooth, panic sets in fast. You may feel pain or frustration and want it resolved immediately. Whether it’s a visible chip or a deep fracture, an emergency dentist can help restore your tooth’s look, function, and comfort, quickly and safely. This page explains what qualifies as a dental emergency, what to do before your appointment, and how to find an emergency cosmetic dentist near you.
Language
Coverage
Type of Care
Do I Need Emergency Tooth Repair?
Chipped Tooth
A small piece of enamel has broken off, leaving a sharp edge or cosmetic flaw.
Cracked Tooth
A visible line or split running through the tooth, sometimes painful when biting.
Broken Tooth
A larger fracture that exposes the inner layers (dentin or pulp) often causing sensitivity or severe pain.
Knocked or Loose Tooth
A tooth that’s been hit, displaced, or feels unstable in the socket.
Lost Filling or Crown
Restorations that fall out unexpectedly, leaving the tooth unprotected.
Severe Tooth Pain
Persistent, throbbing pain meaning possible infection or nerve damage.
What to Expect During Your Emergency Visit
Find
Use our directory to locate a dentist near you who offers emergency tooth repair.
Call
Contact the office to describe your situation and schedule an appointment.
Repair
The dentist will examine, take X-rays, and determine the best course of repair, often completing treatment the same day.
A Broken Tooth Is an Open Door for Infection
Even a small chip can break through your tooth’s protective enamel, creating an open path for bacteria to reach the sensitive inner layers (dentin and pulp). Once bacteria invade, infection can develop rapidly, causing throbbing pain and abscesses that may require a root canal or extraction. Acting fast allows your dentist to seal the damaged area before bacteria can enter. Quick repair not only relieves discomfort but prevents much bigger—and more expensive—problems later. Don’t wait for pain to worsen. If your tooth is chipped, cracked, or broken, contact a dentist near you to protect your smile and your health.
What to Do Right Now: First Aid for a Broken Tooth
If you’ve just damaged a tooth, follow these steps:
- Find the Piece: If possible, locate the broken fragment.
- Hold it Carefully: Pick it up by the crown, not the root.
- Store it Safely: Place it in milk or saliva (never water).
- Rinse Your Mouth: Swish gently with warm salt water.
- Stop the Bleeding: Apply light pressure with clean gauze.
- Reduce Swelling: Hold a cold compress to your cheek.
- Call a Dentist: Getting care fast increases your chance of saving the tooth and restoring your smile beautifully. For help finding a dentist in your area, click here or call us at (888) 597-3896.
Your Emergency Repair Options: From Bonding to Crowns
The right repair depends on the severity of the damage. Your dentist will recommend the best option for strength, comfort, and appearance.
- Dental Bonding: Perfect for small chips or cracks. A tooth-colored resin restores shape and smoothness in one visit.
- Porcelain Veneer: A thin, custom-made shell for front teeth, ideal when appearance matters most.
- Dental Crown: A strong, natural-looking cap that covers and protects the entire tooth after larger fractures.
- Root Canal + Crown: Needed if the break exposes the tooth’s nerve. Removes infection, relieves pain, and restores function.
How to Get an Emergency Appointment (The 2-Step Process)
Step 1: Find a Dentist. Use the search tool on Dentistry.com to locate an emergency or cosmetic dentist near you.
Step 2: Call Their Office. You must call directly to explain your situation. Tell them: “I just chipped or broke a tooth.” The staff will guide you through the next steps and schedule you as soon as possible.
Our practice directory connects you to verified local offices but does not handle online booking. Calling the provider directly ensures you get immediate care, especially for emergencies where every minute counts.
Paying for Your Emergency Repair
Worried about cost? Don’t let that stop you from calling. Repair costs vary by treatment: bonding is typically the most affordable, while veneers and crowns are more expensive. Most dental insurance plans cover emergency and restorative procedures, and many offices offer payment plans or same-day discounts. When you call to schedule, mention your insurance status and ask about available options. Quick treatment is always more affordable than delayed care. The priority is restoring your comfort, function, and confidence, so you can smile again without pain or worry.
Relief Starts Here
A chipped or broken tooth can happen in seconds, but with the right care, it can look and feel good as new. Find a local emergency dentist who offers fast, gentle, cosmetic tooth repair and get help right away. Same-day appointments. Weekend hours. Restorations that look natural and feel strong.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a chipped tooth a dental emergency?
Yes. Even a minor chip can cut your tongue or allow bacteria to enter the tooth. Call a dentist quickly for evaluation and repair.
What’s the difference between a chip, a crack, and a fracture?
A chip is a small piece of enamel missing. A crack is a split in the tooth. A fracture means a larger break that can expose the nerve.
What should I do with the broken piece of my tooth?
Rinse it gently and place it in milk or saliva. Bring it with you, because your dentist may be able to reattach it.
What will a dentist do to fix my tooth?
Treatment depends on severity. Bonding fixes small chips, crowns restore strength after large breaks, veneers repair front teeth, and root canals treat exposed nerves.
How do I know if my tooth’s nerve is damaged?
Look for sharp, throbbing pain or extreme temperature sensitivity. You may need root canal therapy.
Will it hurt to get my broken tooth fixed?
The dentist will numb the area with anesthesia to ensure a pain-free procedure.
What should I do for the pain right now?
Take ibuprofen or acetaminophen (never place aspirin on the gums). Use a cold compress to ease swelling.
Can I wait to get my chipped tooth fixed?
No. Even a small chip can worsen, causing infection or nerve exposure. Immediate treatment prevents complications.
What if my tooth is loose but not broken?
That’s still an emergency. Call a dentist right away: they may splint the tooth to stabilize and save it.
Related Information
Should You Go to the ER for Tooth Pain? A Quick Guide
Whether you should go to the ER for tooth pain depends on the severity of your pain and what other symptoms you’re experiencing. Read on for help deciding how to find relief.
How to Stop Bleeding After Tooth Extraction: Easy Tips for Immediate Relief
After a tooth extraction, some bleeding at the site is normal and will usually slow down within 2-3 hours. Gentle oozing (think pink saliva) will often continue for the first 24 hours. Below you’ll find tips for helping to stop the bleeding, and how to tell the difference between normal recovery and signs that you should call your dentist.
Why Does My Tooth Hurt at Night? 5 Possible Reasons and What You Can Do Right Now
Dental problems often feel more painful at night because lying down increases blood flow to the head, which heightens pressure and sensitivity. Other common causes include increased sinus pressure and unconscious jaw clenching and teeth grinding. While the long-term solution may require a visit to the dentist, there are measures you can take immediately to get some relief.