Cracked Tooth Crisis: How To Handle Dental Emergencies with Ease

A cracked tooth can result from various factors, including dental trauma, teeth grinding (bruxism), biting on hard objects, or even natural wear and tear over time. Regardless of the cause, a cracked tooth requires prompt attention to prevent further complications. Additionally, it is important to keep in mind the different ways a tooth may crack: 

• Craze lines (tiny superficial cracks in the enamel) 
• Fractured cusps (crack on chewing surface of tooth) 
• Split tooth (crack that extends from the surface to below the gumline, splitting the tooth in half) 
• Vertical root fracture (crack begins at the root and extends towards chewing surface) 
• Oblique fracture (fracture runs at an angle) 
• Horizontal fracture (a crack that runs across the tooth) 

Symptoms of a Cracked Tooth

• Sharp pain when biting or chewing 
• Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, especially in the affected tooth 
• Persistent toothache 
• Swelling or inflammation of the gums around the affected tooth 
• Discomfort when releasing biting pressure 
• Visible cracks or fractures in the tooth surface 



Immediate Steps to Take if You Crack Your Tooth

Rinse Mouth

Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area and alleviate any discomfort 

Pain Relief

Over-the-counter pain relievers can help alleviate pain and inflammation. Avoid aspirin, as it may increase bleeding if the tooth has a sharp edge. 

Avoid Pressure

Refrain from biting or chewing on the affected side to prevent further damage. 

Apply Cold Compress

Applying a cold compress to the outside of the mouth can help reduce swelling and numb the area. 

Save the Pieces

When possible, save any broken tooth fragments and bring them to our dentists at Barclay Family Dental. This may help in determining the most appropriate treatment plan. However, if you are not able to save the broken pieces, we can still assess and address the issue based on other diagnostic methods and clinical evaluation.



Immediate Steps to Take if You Break Your Tooth

If you have a broken tooth piece, it's essential to handle it carefully to preserve it until you can see our dentist in Cherry Hill, NJ. Here's what you should do: 

Retrieve the Broken Piece

If you can locate the broken tooth fragment, gently retrieve it without applying excessive force. 

Handle with Care

Handle the broken tooth piece with clean hands and avoid touching the root or any soft tissue attached to it. 

Rinse with Saline Solution

If the broken tooth fragment is dirty, rinse it briefly with saline solution (salt water) or clean water to remove any debris. Avoid scrubbing or rubbing the fragment, as this can damage delicate tissues. 

Store Properly

Place the broken tooth piece in a small container or a clean, dry cloth to prevent loss or damage. If possible, immerse the fragment in a small amount of milk or saliva to keep it moist. Avoid storing the fragment in water, as this can cause it to swell and degrade. 

Keep Moist

Keeping the broken tooth piece moist helps preserve its viability and increases the chances of successful reattachment by our dentist. 

Avoid Additional Damage

Take care to avoid further damage to the broken tooth or any surrounding teeth while handling the fragment. Refrain from biting down on hard objects or using the affected tooth for chewing until it can be evaluated by our dental team. 

Seek Prompt Dental Care

Contact our dental practice at (856) 228-3708 as soon as possible to schedule an emergency appointment. Bring the broken tooth piece with you to the appointment, as it may aid in the assessment and treatment of the injury. 

By following these steps and seeking prompt dental care, you can maximize the chances of successful treatment and restoration of your broken tooth. Our dental team at Barclay Family Dental will evaluate the extent of the damage and recommend the most appropriate course of action to restore your oral health and preserve your smile. Call our team in Cherry Hill, New Jersey if you are experiencing a dental emergency.

Seeking Professional Emergency Dental Care At Barclay Family Dental

It is important to remember to seek immediate dental attention if you have a cracked tooth before it leads to other potential issues. For emergency care, please reach out to our dental practice at Barclay Family Dental in Cherry Hill to schedule an emergency appointment. We will promptly assess and treat the problem. 

It is important to note that depending on the diagnosis, the appropriate treatment depends on the severity and location of the crack. Here are the most common treatment options used: 

Dental Bonding

For minor cracks, dental bonding can repair your tooth by applying a tooth-colored composite resin. Dental bonding is used to repair minor imperfections in teeth, such as cracks, chips, gaps, or discoloration. It involves the application of a tooth-colored composite resin material to the affected tooth, which is then shaped, molded, and hardened using a special light.

Dental Crown

A dental crown, also known as a dental cap, may be recommended for more significant cracks to protect and strengthen your tooth, especially larger cracks. It is used to cover or encase a damaged or weakened tooth, and restore the tooth’s shape, size, strength, and appearance while protecting it from further damage or decay. 

Root Canal Therapy

Root Canal Therapy, also known as endodontic treatment, is a dental procedure used to treat and save your tooth that is infected or severely decayed. It involves removing the damaged or infected pulp tissue from inside the tooth, disinfecting the root canals, and sealing them to prevent further infection. If the crack extends into the tooth's pulp, root canal therapy may be necessary to remove infected tissue and restore the tooth.

Tooth Extraction

A dental extraction is a procedure in which your tooth is removed. While tooth extraction is typically considered a last resort, in severe cases where the tooth cannot be saved, tooth extraction may be the only option to prevent further complications. 

With specific diagnostic methods our dentists, can accurately identify the presence, type and severity of a cracked tooth and recommend the appropriate treatment plan for your cracked tooth. 

Preventing Future Cracks

Throughout our lives, we will have dental issues to deal with but to prevent future cracked teeth, it is important to consider the following tips: 

• Avoid chewing hard objects, such as ice, pens, or hard candies. 
• Wear a mouthguard if you grind your teeth at night or engage in contact sports. 
• Practice good oral hygiene, including regular brushing and flossing. 
• Make it routine to have regular dental checkups and cleanings to avoid dental emergencies. 
• Visit our dentist practice in Cherry Hill, New Jersey promptly if you experience any dental pain or discomfort.



A cracked tooth can be a dental emergency that requires swift and decisive action. By understanding the symptoms, knowing what steps to take, and seeking prompt dental care, you can effectively handle a cracked tooth crisis with ease. Regular dental checkups and preventative care are essential for maintaining healthy teeth and preventing dental emergencies. Remember, early intervention is key to preserving the health and integrity of your smile. 

If you have a dental emergency, please contact our dental practice, Barclay Family Dental in Cherry Hill. We can treat your dental issues and get you back on track to great oral health.

We are your local emergency dentist!