A chipped or broken tooth is a serious issue, usually indicating that damage has occurred to the inside of the tooth as well as the outside. Call Lexington Dental for an emergency appointment immediately, and if you cannot see Dr. Eunyoung Shim right away be sure to clean your mouth by gently rinsing with warm saltwater. If the cracked tooth is caused by facial trauma, apply a cold compress to the area to minimize swelling. He will need to take an x-ray to properly diagnose the condition of the tooth to determine the best course of treatment, typically either a crown if no damage has been done to the inside of the tooth, or possibly root canal therapy if it has.