Cracked and Broken Tooth Emergencies in Pembroke, ON

Nearly 50 Years of Experience in Pembroke

Dr. James Munro has been practicing dentistry in Pembroke since graduating from the University of Toronto’s dental program in 1976, giving him close to five decades of hands-on experience treating patients throughout Renfrew County. That kind of longevity means he has likely seen and treated nearly every type of dental emergency, from knocked-out teeth to severe infections, and knows how to move quickly and confidently under pressure. When you’re in pain, you want a dentist who has the experience to diagnose the problem correctly the first time. Call (613) 735-2336 to be seen by a dentist with decades of trusted experience in the community.

Types of Cracks and Breaks: What You’re Dealing With

The treatment for a cracked or broken tooth depends almost entirely on how far the damage goes. Here’s a plain-language breakdown:

• Craze lines. Tiny surface cracks in the enamel. Very common, often invisible without magnification, and typically painless. Usually cosmetic rather than structural. No emergency.
• Chipped tooth. A small piece of enamel has broken off. Sometimes sharp to the tongue, occasionally sensitive. Should be seen within a few days, but rarely requires a same-day call unless there’s significant pain.
• Fractured cusp. A larger chunk of the chewing surface has broken away, often from around an old filling. Causes sharp pain when chewing. Needs prompt treatment, but usually not a middle-of-the-night emergency.
• Cracked tooth. A crack running from the chewing surface down toward the root. This one is trickier. It can cause intermittent pain that’s hard to pinpoint, gets worse when you bite down and then release, and is often invisible on an X-ray. If the crack reaches the pulp (the nerve), pain becomes constant. Needs to be treated before it splits completely.
• Split tooth. The tooth has cracked all the way through into two distinct pieces. Often can’t be saved intact, though sometimes part of the tooth can be preserved. This is a true emergency.
• Vertical root fracture. A crack that starts at the root and travels upward. Often causes few symptoms until infection sets in, which is when it is usually discovered. Extraction is typically required.

Signs Your Cracked or Broken Tooth Needs Emergency Care Today

Call us at (613) 735-2336 immediately if you notice:

• Severe or constant pain, especially throbbing pain that doesn’t ease
• Sharp pain when biting down that lingers afterward
• Visible fracture with exposed reddish tissue (that’s the pulp)
• Swelling in the gum around the tooth
• A large piece of the tooth has broken off
• Sensitivity to temperature that doesn’t fade within a few seconds of removing the stimulus
• Any trauma to the mouth from an accident, fall, or sports injury

What to Do For Your Tooth At Home

Before you get to our office:

• Save any broken pieces and bring them with you. Rinse them gently with water and store them in a small container of water or milk
• Rinse your mouth gently with warm salt water
• Cover any sharp edges with dental wax or sugar-free gum to protect your tongue and cheek
• Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek for swelling and pain: 15 minutes on, 15 minutes off
• Take ibuprofen at the recommended dose for pain and inflammation
• Avoid chewing on the affected side entirely
• Don’t use the broken tooth for anything until Dr. Munro has assessed it

How Dr. Munro Treats a Cracked or Broken Tooth

Treatment depends on the size and location of the crack and how deep it goes. After examining the tooth and reviewing X-rays, Dr. Munro will explain your options clearly.

Dental Bonding

For chips and minor surface fractures, tooth-colored composite resin can be shaped and bonded directly to the tooth in a single visit. Quick, effective, and looks natural. Dental bonding works well for smaller damage that hasn’t reached the inner layers of the tooth.

Dental Crown

A dental crown covers the entire visible portion of the tooth, holding a cracked tooth together and protecting it from the pressure that would cause the crack to spread. This is the most common treatment for a cracked tooth that still has a viable root. Crowns typically require two appointments. A temporary crown is placed right away, then the permanent one once it’s fabricated.

Root Canal Therapy

If the crack has reached the pulp, the inner tissue containing your tooth’s nerve, the nerve needs to be removed before a crown can be placed. Root canal therapy clears out the infected or damaged pulp, seals the root, and sets the tooth up to be restored. Despite the reputation, modern root canals are far more comfortable than people expect.

Tooth Extraction

When a crack extends below the gumline or the tooth has split through the root, there’s no way to save it. Dr. Munro will perform the extraction and walk you through replacement options. Dental implants are typically the closest thing to a natural tooth in terms of function and appearance.

After the Treatment of a Cracked Tooth: Recovery and Care

Caring for a tooth after a chip or fracture involves being careful with the affected tooth.

• Stick to soft foods for at least 48 hours after any procedure on the cracked tooth
• Avoid chewing on that side until Dr. Munro gives you the all-clear
• Take prescribed medications as directed; finish any antibiotics completely
• Rinse gently with warm salt water two to three times daily
• Attend your follow-up appointment, especially if a crown is involved

If you grind your teeth at night, a custom night guard will protect both natural teeth and any restorations from the same kind of stress fractures that may have contributed to the break in the first place.