What to do right now
1. If bleeding, apply firm pressure with clean gauze for 10-15 minutes.
2. Save any broken pieces in milk or saliva — sometimes reattachable.
3. Rinse mouth gently with warm water to clear debris.
4. Cold compress on outside of cheek — 20 min on, 20 off.
5. Ibuprofen 400-600mg + acetaminophen 500-1000mg.
6. Dental wax (pharmacy) over sharp edges to protect tongue.
7. Avoid chewing on that side until evaluated.
8. Call us immediately — fractures worsen rapidly, early repair saves the tooth.
Frequently asked questions
Can a cracked tooth heal on its own?
No. Tooth enamel does not regenerate or repair itself. Once a crack has formed, it can only stay stable or get worse — never heal. 'Waiting to see' with a cracked tooth is one of the most common mistakes patients make. A crack that could be treated with a $900 onlay this week can progress to a $4,500 extraction-and-implant situation in a few months if you bite wrong. Early evaluation saves tooth structure and money.
How do I know if I have a cracked tooth?
Cracked tooth symptoms include: sharp pain when biting that lingers after you release pressure, temperature sensitivity that fades within 5-10 seconds, pain on specific chewing motions (not all chewing), and sometimes a visible crack line. Often the crack itself is invisible to the naked eye and requires transillumination or 3D CBCT imaging to see. A Tooth Slooth bite test localizes the specific tooth and cusp.
Can a broken tooth be saved?
Often yes, depending on how deep the fracture is. Minor chips are repaired with composite bonding ($200-$450). Cusp fractures get an onlay or crown ($900-$1,400). Deeper fractures reaching the pulp require root canal plus crown ($1,900-$3,000). Fractures that extend below the bone level or split the root are usually unsavable and require extraction. The sooner you're evaluated, the more likely we can save the tooth.
What should I do if my tooth broke right now?
First, if bleeding, apply firm pressure with clean gauze for 10-15 minutes. Save any broken pieces in milk or saliva. Rinse your mouth gently with warm water. Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek. Take ibuprofen 400mg plus acetaminophen 500mg. Avoid chewing on that side. Call us at 480-331-4955 immediately for same-day evaluation. If the piece is sharp and cutting your tongue, dental wax from a pharmacy as a temporary barrier is safe.
How much does it cost to fix a chipped or broken tooth?
At Glisten Dental Studio: emergency exam plus X-ray $150-$250. Composite bonding for small chips $200-$450. Onlay for cusp fracture $900-$1,400. Crown for significant fracture $900-$1,400. Root canal plus crown for deep fracture with nerve involvement $1,900-$3,000. Extraction for unsavable tooth $200-$800. Implant replacement if extracted $3,500-$5,500. Most insurance covers 50-80% of basic restorative work.
Will insurance cover a cracked or broken tooth?
Most dental PPO plans cover a portion of basic restorative work after your annual deductible — typically 50-80% of fillings and extractions, often 50% of crowns and root canals. Coverage varies by plan. Cosmetic bonding for a small front-tooth chip may be considered restorative (covered) or cosmetic (not covered) depending on the tooth and plan. We verify your specific benefits on the phone when you call.
Can you repair my chipped front tooth today?
For small chips, yes — composite bonding for a front tooth can typically be done same-day in a single visit, about 45-60 minutes. For larger chips or fractures extending into the pulp, we may do a temporary repair the same day and schedule the definitive treatment (veneer, crown, or root canal plus crown) within the following 1-2 weeks after evaluation. Call before 3pm for same-day availability.