A broken tooth can be painful, alarming, and extremely inconvenient — but knowing what to do in the moment can make all the difference. At Robinson Dental in Lynnwood, WA, we regularly help patients through dental emergencies like cracked teeth, fractured molars, or trauma from accidents. Whether the break is small or severe, prompt action is essential to protect your health and preserve your smile.

Common Causes of Broken Teeth

Teeth are strong, but they’re not unbreakable. Here are some of the most common causes we see:

• Biting hard foods like ice, popcorn kernels, or candy
• Sports injuries or trauma from falls and accidents
• Old fillings or restorations that weaken the tooth
• Teeth grinding (bruxism) over time
• Using teeth as tools (e.g., to open packaging)
• Sudden temperature changes in the mouth (like chewing ice after drinking hot coffee)

No matter the cause, broken teeth require prompt attention — even if they’re not currently painful.

Types of Tooth Breaks

Not all broken teeth are the same. Understanding the type of break can help you identify the right next step:

• Craze lines: Small cracks in the outer enamel. These are typically harmless and cosmetic.
• Fractured cusp: A piece of the chewing surface breaks off. Often seen around large fillings.
• Cracked tooth: A crack extends from the chewing surface toward the root. Pain may occur when chewing or releasing bite.
• Split tooth: The crack splits the tooth into distinct segments. This usually cannot be saved without extraction.
• Vertical root fracture: Begins in the root and travels upward. Often hard to detect and may require removal.

If you're not sure what kind of break you have, don't worry — your dentist will assess it for you.

First Steps After Breaking a Tooth

In the moments after breaking a tooth, here’s what you should do:

Rinse Your Mouth

Use warm water to gently rinse your mouth. This helps keep the area clean and flushes away any debris.

Save the Broken Piece (If You Can)

If a piece of the tooth has broken off, try to save it and keep it in a clean container. In some cases, it can be bonded back into place.

Apply a Cold Compress

If there is swelling or pain, apply a cold compress to your cheek or jaw near the affected area. This can help reduce inflammation and discomfort.

Avoid Eating on That Side

Until the tooth is repaired, avoid chewing with the damaged tooth. Stick to soft foods and avoid hot, cold, or sugary items that might aggravate sensitivity.

Take Over-the-Counter Pain Relief (If Needed)

Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage pain while you wait to see the dentist. Avoid placing aspirin directly on the gums, as this can cause irritation.

When to Call an Emergency Dentist

If your tooth is bleeding, painful, or visibly damaged, it’s time to call an emergency dentist. At Robinson Dental, we offer emergency dental care in Lynnwood so you don’t have to wait days for treatment. Here’s when to act immediately:

• Sharp or persistent pain
• Significant portion of the tooth missing
• Bleeding that doesn’t stop
• Swelling or signs of infection
• Broken dental work (like crowns or fillings)

Even if the damage seems minor, it’s still important to have a professional evaluation. Delaying treatment can lead to bigger problems like nerve damage, infection, or tooth loss.

How a Dentist Will Treat a Broken Tooth

Treatment depends on the severity of the break. At our Lynnwood dental office, we offer a wide range of solutions:

Dental Bonding

For small chips or cracks, composite bonding is a fast and effective solution. It’s color-matched to your teeth and shaped to blend seamlessly.

Dental Crowns

For larger breaks or fractures, a crown may be recommended to restore structure and protect the remaining tooth. We offer high-quality dental crowns to restore both function and appearance.

Root Canal Therapy

If the break has exposed the nerve or pulp, root canal therapy may be needed to remove infection and save the tooth.

Dental Implants or Bridges

In cases where the tooth cannot be saved, replacement options like implants or bridges ensure you don’t lose functionality or aesthetics. We offer both restorative and cosmetic solutions to rebuild your smile.

Preventing Broken Teeth in the Future

Once your tooth is repaired, it’s time to think about prevention. Here are a few habits to adopt:

• Wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth
• Use a sports mouthguard during physical activities
• Avoid chewing on hard objects like pens, ice, or fingernails
• Maintain regular dental checkups to catch weak spots early
• Replace worn fillings or crowns before they fail

We also encourage patients to maintain consistent hygiene routines and professional teeth cleanings. Keeping your teeth strong and healthy is the best way to prevent breaks in the future.

Why Choose Robinson Dental for Emergency Care

Our Lynnwood dental team is known for providing high-quality, compassionate care in emergency situations. From dental fillings and crowns to complex extractions and cosmetic restorations, we tailor our approach to meet your needs — fast.

We also offer same-day appointments whenever possible and flexible scheduling to accommodate urgent situations. Our goal is to relieve your discomfort quickly and restore your smile with lasting results.

Don’t Wait — Call Us Today

A broken tooth can’t be ignored. If you're dealing with a dental emergency, reach out to Robinson Dental in Lynnwood right away. Whether it’s a minor chip or a severe fracture, we’re here to help you protect your oral health and restore your confidence.

We proudly serve patients looking for a trusted Lynnwood dentist, whether for emergency services, cosmetic solutions like veneers and teeth whitening, or long-term smile maintenance. Whatever your dental needs, you’re in the right place.