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Broke a tooth? Here’s what to do.

A broken tooth, whether it’s a small chip or a bigger break, needs prompt attention even if it doesn’t hurt yet. Follow the steps below, then call (206) 225-2882.

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Same-day visits when possible
We accept most PPO plans

Broken tooth: what to do right now

A pickleball smash in the mouth while playing at the park, a bike spill, or biting into something harder than expected: broken teeth happen to careful people too.

• 1 Rinse your mouth with warm water.
• 2 If it’s bleeding, apply gentle pressure with gauze or a clean cloth.
• 3 Hold a cold compress against your face to keep swelling down.
• 4 If a piece broke off, save it in a small container of milk.
• 5 Avoid chewing on that side until you’re seen.
• 6 Call us.

Is a broken tooth always an emergency?

Not always, and knowing which situation you’re in helps you know how fast to move:

If the tooth came out completely rather than just breaking, follow the steps for a knocked-out tooth — guide coming soon instead: the first hour matters a lot more there.

• Small chip, no pain: Call to schedule within the next few days.
• Broken with exposed nerve (sharp pain with air or cold): Call today.
• Broken at the gumline: Call immediately.
• Severe pain or visible swelling: Call immediately. Our emergency dentist in Seattle will tell you how urgently to come in.

What can you do to fix it?

What we recommend depends on how much of the tooth is affected:

We’ll examine the tooth, explain your options in plain language, and tell you the cost before anything moves forward.

Minor chip

Often smoothed or repaired with dental bonding in a single visit.

Larger break

Usually rebuilt with a dental crown once the tooth is stable.

Break at the nerve

May need a root canal first to save the tooth, then a crown.

Broken below the gumline or at the root

Sometimes the tooth can’t be saved, and an extraction followed by a dental implant is the more predictable path.

^FAQ

Common questions

Can a broken tooth fix itself?

No. Enamel doesn’t grow back, and a rough or cracked edge tends to get worse, not better, the longer it’s left alone.

How much does it cost to fix a broken tooth?

It depends on the damage: a bonding repair costs less than a crown, and a crown costs less than a root canal plus crown. We’ll give you an exact price after we take a look, and most PPO plans help cover part of it.

What if the broken tooth doesn’t hurt?

Some breaks are quiet at first but still need attention. Waiting can let the crack spread or let bacteria reach the nerve, turning a simple fix into a bigger one.