What Should You Do If You Crack a Tooth at Night?
Posted on May 29, 2025
The sudden pain and panic of a cracked tooth can be extremely overwhelming, and this situation can feel multiple times worse when it happens in the middle of the night. It is not uncommon to crack your tooth at night, whether it is from grinding your teeth or simply being awake late into the night. Regardless of how you broke your tooth, immediate action is necessary and will help prevent complications and infections. Visiting your nearest emergency dentist in Vaughan will allow you to receive the required care as soon as possible. Contact Mackenzie Dental Centre for experienced care from a reputable dentist in Vaughan.
Identify the Type and Severity of the Crack
Before reaching out to an emergency dentist in Vaughan, you will need to asses your tooth and identify the damage and what type of cracked tooth you have sustained. This will help give your care provider greater context on the situation and will enable them to move forward with your treatment plan, especially in cases where an in-person appointment is not possible.
Take a look at the tooth and determine whether a piece is entirely chipped off or if the remaining tooth is fractured in the mouth. Also, identify any and all symptoms so you can share them with your dentist in Vaughan. Take note of pain, sensitivity to heat or cold, and bleeding.
Take Necessary Precautions
To help prevent infection and improve your comfort, do the following:
- Clean the Area: Use mild water to rinse out the area to remove any tiny tooth fragments or residual saliva or blood.
- Avoid Foods and Drinks: If possible, do not eat anything or drink any hot or cold liquids until you get to speak with your doctor.
- Take OTC Medication: If the pain from your cracked tooth is overbearing, take an over-the-counter pain medication to help.
- Apply a Cold Compress: If the affected area is swollen from the trauma, apply a cold/ice pack to help bring down swelling and provide relief.
Contact an Emergency Dentist in Vaughan
A cracked tooth is an emergency, as there is a risk of infection and severe pain if left untreated. This is why it is best to call your dentist in Vaughan, even if it is the middle of the night. Some offices have special emergency numbers that can be called to ensure that help is available. Ensure that you outline, in detail, exactly what happened to your tooth, your symptoms and the physical state of your broken tooth. This will help the dentist provide you with the proper protocol. If your dentist believes there is a serious problem, they will likely send you to the ER. If not, they’ll instruct you on how to proceed until you can visit them the following day.
Treat Teeth Emergencies at Mackenzie Dental Centre
A cracked tooth can be worrisome, especially if it happens in the middle of the night. However, if you take the right precautions, you can reduce the risk of serious complications down the line. However, as soon as you notice any kind of cracked tooth, it is essential that you contact an emergency dentist in Vaughan so that you can take the necessary precautions. Contact Mackenzie Dental Centre to speak with our experienced dentist in Vaughan for immediate advice.
