1
Assess the break
The dentist checks how far the fracture extends, whether the nerve is exposed, and takes an X-ray to rule out a cracked root.
Same-day repair appointments
Broken Tooth Repair: Same-Day Bonding, Crowns and Pain Relief
A broken tooth ranges from a cosmetic chip to a fracture that exposes the nerve. The right fix depends on how deep the break goes, and a dentist can usually decide within minutes.
1-855-219-4656 Can a broken tooth be fixed the same day?
In most cases, yes. Call 1-855-219-4656 and we refer you to a partner dentist who can see you today. A small chip is bonded in one visit for about $150 to $500 without insurance. A larger break gets a temporary crown on the day and a permanent one at a second visit. If the nerve is exposed, the dentist treats it first so the pain stops before the tooth is rebuilt.
Most broken teeth look worse than they are. The dentist’s first job is to find out whether the break has reached the nerve, because that single fact decides whether you need a 30-minute bonding visit or a root canal and crown. Either way, the sharp edge and the sensitivity are handled on the day.
When a broken tooth needs urgent care
- A chip or crack that hurts when you bite or release, or when you drink something cold
- A piece of tooth that has broken off and left a sharp edge cutting your tongue or cheek
- A pink or red spot visible inside the break, which means the nerve is exposed
- A tooth cracked in a fall, sports collision or car accident
- A crack running down toward the gum line, especially in a back tooth
A painless chip on a front tooth can wait a day or two, but keep the area clean and avoid biting on it. Any break that hurts, bleeds or exposes the nerve should be seen the same day. See cracked tooth and chipped tooth for first aid.
How an emergency dentist repairs a broken tooth
2
Choose the repair
Small chips: composite bonding shaped and hardened with a light. Large breaks: the tooth is trimmed for a crown. Exposed nerve: a root canal first.
3
Restore and check the bite
The bonding or temporary crown is polished and adjusted so it does not hit early when you bite. Usually 30 to 60 minutes in the chair.
Cost of broken tooth repair
| Type | Without insurance | With insurance (typical) |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency exam + X-ray | $100–$250 | $0–$50 |
| Composite bonding (small chip) | $150–$500 | $50–$250 |
| Temporary crown, same day | $90–$300 | $20–$100 |
| Permanent crown (large break) | $800–$2,000 | $400–$1,000 |
| Root canal if the nerve is exposed | $700–$1,500 | $250–$750 |
Estimates from partner clinic fee schedules. Your dentist quotes the exact fee before treatment. National ranges from partner clinics; city pages show local figures. Insurance often covers part of a crown once the deductible is met. The dental cost guide explains what to expect in your area. See the emergency dental cost guide.
Aftercare after a broken tooth repair
- Skip ice, hard candy and nuts on the repaired tooth for at least 24 hours.
- Bonded teeth can stain, so limit coffee, tea and red wine for the first two days while the material fully cures.
- If a temporary crown feels loose or comes off, keep it and call the dentist. Do not glue it back yourself.
- Mild sensitivity to cold is normal for a week or so. Use a sensitivity toothpaste if it bothers you.
- Keep the follow-up appointment for the permanent crown. Temporary crowns are not built to last.
Find same-day broken tooth repair in your city
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- All states
Related services and guides
- Lost crown and filling replacement
- Emergency root canal
- Emergency tooth extraction
- Pediatric emergency dentist
Related emergency guides: Chipped tooth, Cracked tooth, Dental trauma after an accident.
Broken Tooth Repair FAQ
Need help right now? Call 1-855-219-4656, free, 24 hours a day.
Can a broken tooth heal on its own?
No. Enamel has no living cells and cannot regrow. A small chip may never cause trouble, but cracks tend to spread with every bite until the tooth needs a crown or is lost.
Should I keep the broken piece?
Yes, in a small container of milk or saliva. A dentist can sometimes bond a clean fragment back onto a front tooth, which gives the most natural result.
What can I do about the pain until I am seen?
Ibuprofen, a cold compress on the cheek and avoiding hot, cold and sweet foods. Cover a sharp edge with sugar-free gum or dental wax to protect your tongue.
How much does it cost to fix a broken tooth?
Bonding a chip runs $150 to $500 without insurance. A crown for a large break costs $800 to $2,000, plus $700 to $1,500 if a root canal is needed first.
How long does a bonded repair last?
Composite bonding on a front tooth typically lasts several years with sensible care. Crowns last longer, often well over a decade.
Medically reviewed by Dr. FULL NAME, DDS. Last reviewed . Sources: Mayo Clinic, Broken or knocked-out tooth, ADA MouthHealthy, Crowns. Editorial policy.
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