Broken Tooth? Get Same-Day Repair in Fort Lauderdale
A broken tooth can happen in a split second. Biting down on an olive pit, taking an elbow during a basketball game, or simply biting into crusty bread the wrong way. The result ranges from a cosmetic annoyance to a genuine emergency, depending on how deep the break goes.
At Emergency Dentist of Fort Lauderdale, we see broken teeth every day. Most can be repaired in a single visit. Call (954) 807-1840 so we can assess the damage and get you fixed up.
Types of Breaks
Minor chip: A small piece of enamel breaks off. Usually painless. The main concern is a sharp edge cutting your tongue or cheek. Dental bonding fixes this in one visit.
Moderate fracture: The break extends into the dentin (the layer beneath enamel). This often causes sensitivity to temperature and sweets. A crown or large bonding restoration is needed.
Severe crack or split: The fracture extends toward or into the root. This causes sharp pain when biting and may involve nerve damage. Treatment depends on how far the crack extends: root canal plus crown if the root is intact, extraction if the tooth is split vertically.
Root fracture: The break is below the gum line in the root itself. This is not always visible but causes deep, aching pain. Extraction is often the only option because root fractures cannot be bonded or crowned.
When Is It Urgent vs. Can-Wait?
Come in today if: you have pain, the break is large, there is bleeding, you can see pink or red tissue inside the tooth, or a sharp edge is cutting your mouth.
Can usually wait 1 to 2 days if: a small chip has no pain, no sharp edges, and is purely cosmetic. But call us regardless because a professional assessment catches problems that are not obvious.
Treatment Options
Dental bonding: Tooth-colored resin is shaped and hardened onto the tooth. Ideal for small chips and minor fractures. Done in one visit, usually 30 to 45 minutes. Costs $100 to $300.
Dental crown: A cap that covers the entire tooth, restoring its shape and strength. Used when the break is too large for bonding. May require two visits: one for preparation and a temporary crown, one for the permanent crown. Costs $800 to $1,500.
Root canal plus crown: If the fracture has reached the nerve, we perform a root canal first to remove the damaged nerve tissue, then place a crown over the tooth. Costs $1,500 to $2,500 combined.
Extraction: When the tooth is fractured beyond repair, particularly vertical root fractures, extraction is the safest option. We discuss replacement options (implant, bridge, partial denture) at the same visit.
First Aid While Waiting
- Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater to clean the area
- If there is a sharp edge, cover it with dental wax or sugarless gum to protect your tongue
- Take ibuprofen for pain and swelling
- If a piece broke off, save it and bring it with you (we may be able to bond it back)
- Avoid chewing on that side
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a chipped tooth a dental emergency?
It depends on the severity. A small chip with no pain or sharp edges can usually wait for a regular appointment. A large chip exposing the inner layer (dentin) or nerve, or any chip causing pain, sensitivity, or a sharp edge cutting your tongue, should be seen the same day.
Can a cracked tooth heal on its own?
No. Unlike bone, tooth enamel does not regenerate. A crack will not heal and will likely get worse with chewing pressure. Early treatment (bonding, crown, or root canal) can save the tooth; delaying treatment often leads to extraction.
How much does it cost to fix a broken tooth?
Dental bonding for a minor chip costs $100 to $300. A dental crown ranges from $800 to $1,500. If the break extends to the root and extraction is needed, that is $150 to $400. We provide a cost estimate before starting treatment.