Emergency Treatment for a Broken Tooth in Fairfax, VA

A broken tooth can be painful, sensitive, and vulnerable to further damage. Whether caused by an accident, biting down on something hard, or underlying decay, a broken tooth should be treated as soon as possible to prevent infection or tooth loss. At Dentcare Now, we provide same-day emergency dental care in Fairfax, VA, to restore and protect your smile.

What Happens With A Broken Tooth?

A broken tooth occurs when the enamel and inner layers of the tooth crack, chip, or fracture due to trauma, decay, or pressure. The severity can range from a minor cosmetic issue to a serious dental emergency requiring immediate intervention.

Common causes of a broken tooth include:

  • Biting down on hard foods (e.g., ice, nuts, or hard candy)
  • Sports injuries or accidents
  • Falls or direct trauma to the mouth
  • Weakened tooth structure due to decay or old fillings
  • Teeth grinding (bruxism)

A broken tooth can lead to pain, sensitivity, and difficulty chewing—and if left untreated, it may result in infection or complete tooth loss.

Broken Tooth

How We Can Help

At Dentcare Now, we provide fast and effective treatments for broken teeth. When you visit us, we will:

  1. Assess the severity of the damage with a thorough examination and X-rays.
  2. Relieve pain and sensitivity with temporary treatments if needed.
  3. Restore your tooth using the most appropriate treatment option based on the type and extent of the break.

We offer same-day emergency appointments to ensure you get relief and the best possible outcome for your tooth.

Possible Treatments for a Broken Tooth

A broken tooth occurs when the enamel and inner layers of the tooth crack, chip, or fracture due to trauma, decay, or pressure. The severity can range from a minor cosmetic issue to a serious dental emergency requiring immediate intervention.

Common causes of a broken tooth include:

  • Biting down on hard foods (e.g., ice, nuts, or hard candy)
  • Sports injuries or accidents
  • Falls or direct trauma to the mouth
  • Weakened tooth structure due to decay or old fillings
  • Teeth grinding (bruxism)

A broken tooth can lead to pain, sensitivity, and difficulty chewing—and if left untreated, it may result in infection or complete tooth loss.

FAQs About Broken Teeth

  • Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area.
  • Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
  • If there is bleeding, gently apply gauze to the area.
  • Avoid chewing on the broken tooth and visit us as soon as possible.

No, a broken tooth will not heal without dental treatment. Even small cracks can worsen over time, leading to decay or infection.

Not necessarily. Some minor chips may not cause pain, but deeper cracks or fractures can lead to sensitivity, pain, or infection if left untreated.

It’s best to avoid eating on the affected side and stick to soft foods until you receive treatment. Hard or sticky foods can make the damage worse.

Ignoring a broken tooth can lead to:

  • Increased pain and sensitivity
  • Infection in the pulp or gums
  • Further cracking or tooth loss
  • The need for more extensive (and costly) dental procedures later