Broken, Cracked, or Chipped Tooth in Naperville, IL
A broken or cracked tooth should be seen by a dentist promptly, because the damage can get worse and expose the inside of the tooth to infection. Call (630) 716-9399 to be connected with a local dental office and ask about a same-day appointment.
Office hours
- Monday
- 9 AM to 5 PM
- Tuesday
- 9 AM to 5 PM
- Wednesday
- 9 AM to 5 PM
- Thursday
- 9 AM to 5 PM
- Friday
- 9 AM to 5 PM
- Saturday
- Emergency only
- Sunday
- Emergency only
What to Do Right Now
These general first aid steps are based on the American Dental Association’s guidance on dental emergencies. They can help until you see a dentist.
- Rinse your mouth with warm water.
- Hold a cold compress on your cheek over the damaged tooth.
- Save any pieces of the tooth and bring them with you.
- If there is bleeding, press clean gauze on the area for about 10 minutes.
- Cover a sharp edge with dental wax from a pharmacy.
- Chew on the other side of your mouth.
What Not to Do
- Do not chew hard foods on that side of your mouth.
- Do not try to glue a broken piece back on.
- Do not put aspirin on the gum, because it can burn the tissue.
When to Go to the ER Instead
Go to the ER if the tooth broke in a fall or a blow that also hurt your head or jaw, or if you have any of the signs below. An emergency room can treat those injuries, but it usually cannot repair a tooth, so you will still need a dentist afterward.
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you have:
- trouble breathing or swallowing
- swelling that is spreading toward your eye, neck, or throat
- bleeding that does not stop after 15 minutes of firm pressure
- a possible broken jaw
- a head injury
Is a Broken or Cracked Tooth a Dental Emergency?
A broken or cracked tooth with pain, bleeding, or a sharp edge should be seen soon, ideally the same day. A small chip without pain can usually wait a day or two, but call to ask.
Chipped Tooth
A chip is a small piece broken off the edge or surface of a tooth. It is often painless, but a sharp edge can cut your tongue or cheek.
Cracked Tooth
A crack is a line through the tooth that may be hard to see. It often hurts when you bite or when you have something hot or cold.
Broken Tooth
A broken tooth has lost a larger piece, sometimes exposing the inside of the tooth. It is more likely to hurt or bleed and should be seen as soon as you can.
What to Expect at the Dentist
Expect an exam and possibly an x-ray, so the dentist can see how deep the damage goes. Depending on the damage, options such as bonding, a crown, or a root canal may be discussed. The dentist decides which treatment fits the tooth and explains it before starting. If a tooth is broken below the gum line, it may not be repairable, and an emergency extraction may be discussed instead.
Call and Office Hours
Call during the office hours shown at the top of this page and ask about a same-day appointment. It helps to say which tooth is damaged, how it happened, and whether you have pain, bleeding, or a sharp edge. The dental office decides scheduling, treatment, and pricing. If the break happens on a weekend, when the office sees emergencies only, here is what to do until you can be seen.
Broken, Cracked, or Chipped Tooth Questions
Can a cracked tooth heal on its own?
No. Teeth do not repair cracks on their own, so a dentist needs to check how deep the crack goes. Until then, chew on the other side of your mouth.
How soon should I see a dentist for a broken tooth?
As soon as you can, ideally the same day if you have pain, bleeding, or a sharp edge. A small chip with no pain can usually wait a day or two.
Is EmergencyDentistNaperville.com a dental office?
No. It is a referral service that connects your call to a local Naperville dental office.
EmergencyDentistNaperville.com is a referral service operated by Zestacor Digital Marketing, not a dental office. We do not provide dental care, diagnosis, or treatment. Calls are connected to a local dental office in Naperville, which decides appointment availability, treatment, and pricing. Read the full Disclosure.