Is a broken tooth an emergency?

Yes, treat it as one. Even if it does not hurt, the exposed inside of the tooth can become infected within days, and sharp edges cut soft tissue.

Bonding for small chips and corners, in one visit. A crown when a large piece is gone or the tooth is cracked through, so it does not split further.

What if a back tooth broke and I cannot come in today?

Keep it clean, avoid chewing on it, and cover any sharp edge with wax. Temporary filling material from a pharmacy can protect it for a day or two. Call anyway so we can advise.

Urgent · Same-day when possible

A broken tooth is very fixable.

Whether it split on a popcorn kernel or a fall, most broken teeth can be repaired, often the same day. Save any pieces, keep the area clean, and call us. The sooner we see it, the more of the tooth we can keep.

Call (949) 251-0011

We open at 7 am today. Leave a message and we call back first thing.

Broken tooth emergency care at mend dental in Irvine, CA

Emergency time held dailyA person answers

What is usually behind it

Four common causes.

We find out which one at your visit. You do not need to diagnose it yourself.

Biting something hardIce, popcorn kernels, olive pits, hard candy. The classic.

A fall or a hitSports, a trip, a car door. Save the pieces and check for other injuries.

A large old fillingThe remaining tooth around a big filling gets thin and finally gives way.

Grinding at nightYears of clenching weaken teeth until one cracks. A night guard prevents the next one.

Emergency visit for a broken tooth at mend dental

At the visit

Comfortable fast. Then a clear plan.

1Look and X-rayHow deep the break goes decides everything. We check whether the nerve is involved.
2Comfort firstNumbing if the tooth is sensitive or a nerve is exposed.
3RepairSmall break: bonding, today. Larger: a crown, with a temporary today. Nerve exposed: we protect the tooth and coordinate with a specialist to save it.
4Protect the restIf grinding caused it, we talk about a night guard so it does not happen again.

The emergency exam and X-ray are covered by most PPO plans. You hear the cost of any treatment before it starts, and payment plans are available.

From our patients

Broken teeth, fixed fast

Broken tooth questions, answered.

In most cases. Even a tooth broken to the gumline can often be rebuilt with a crown. If the nerve is involved we coordinate with a trusted specialist, and we tell you honestly if the tooth cannot be saved.