A broken tooth can catch you completely off guard—but knowing how to respond can make all the difference between a quick fix and a more serious dental complication.

At Innovation Dental, we’re here for our patients in Oro Valley when dental emergencies strike. Here’s everything you need to know if you’ve chipped, cracked, or broken a tooth, and how we can help restore your smile quickly and effectively.

Step One: Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

If you break a tooth, gently rinse your mouth with warm water and check the extent of the damage. Try to save any tooth fragments in a clean container with milk or saline solution.

If you're bleeding, apply gauze with gentle pressure. Use a cold compress on the cheek to reduce swelling. Then, call our office immediately. As a trusted Oro Valley dentist, we offer urgent and same-day appointments to help manage dental emergencies quickly.

Common Causes of Broken Teeth

• Biting into something hard (ice, candy, etc.)
• Facial trauma or sports injuries
• Untreated tooth decay
• Weakening due to large fillings
• Grinding or clenching (bruxism)

Understanding the cause helps us determine the best treatment and prevent future breaks.

Treatment Options Based on the Severity

Minor Chips

Small cosmetic chips often require dental bonding or contouring. This quick and affordable fix restores the tooth’s shape using tooth-colored resin.

Cracked Teeth

For moderate cracks, we often recommend a crown. Dental crowns restore structure, protect the tooth, and prevent further breakage. This is especially common for molars and teeth that have had previous fillings or root canals.

Deep Fractures

If a crack extends to the pulp of the tooth, root canal therapy may be necessary. Once the tooth is cleaned and sealed, a crown is placed to restore functionality and appearance.

Tooth Loss

In severe cases, the tooth may be non-restorable and need to be removed. If a tooth extraction in Oro Valley is required, we’ll review your replacement options, which may include dental implants, bridges, or partial dentures.

We also perform oral surgery in Oro Valley AZ when extractions are complex or involve impacted teeth.

What to Expect During Your Emergency Visit

We’ll take digital X-rays to assess the full extent of the damage. Your dentist will then walk you through a custom treatment plan and may offer pain management options or oral sedation if needed.

We understand that dental emergencies are stressful. That’s why our team is trained to provide compassionate, fast care to get you out of pain and on the path to recovery.

Clear Aligners and Broken Teeth

If you're in orthodontic treatment with clear aligners in Oro Valley, and you break a tooth, it’s important to notify your provider right away. A fractured tooth may interfere with your aligner fit or cause unnecessary pressure.

We will pause or adjust your treatment as needed until the tooth is restored.

Preventing Future Breaks

While some accidents are unavoidable, many dental emergencies are preventable. Here are some tips:

• Wear a mouthguard during sports
• Avoid chewing on hard objects
• Use a nightguard if you grind your teeth
• Don’t ignore warning signs like pain or sensitivity
• Schedule routine checkups with your Oro Valley dentist

Early intervention can catch minor cracks or weakening before they become bigger problems.

Financing Emergency Care

Unexpected dental problems shouldn’t become financial burdens. At Innovation Dental, we work with a range of insurance providers and offer flexible financing options to make treatment accessible—whether you need a filling, crown, or emergency tooth extractions in Oro Valley AZ.

Your Smile Is in Good Hands

Breaking a tooth is never convenient, but it doesn’t have to derail your life. With prompt care from a skilled Oro Valley dentist, your tooth can often be saved—or replaced with a durable, natural-looking restoration.

Whether you're an existing patient or new to our practice, Innovation Dental is here when you need us most. Reach out today if you’re dealing with a dental emergency or want to learn more about restoring your smile after an accident.