If your tooth broke while you were eating, playing sport or after a fall, try not to panic. Most broken teeth can be repaired, and what you do in the first few hours can make treatment easier. Here is what to do straight away, how to protect the tooth until you see a dentist, and how dentists fix a broken tooth.
Chipped, Cracked, Broken or Knocked Out?
- Chipped tooth: a small piece of enamel has come off, often from a front tooth. It may feel sharp but usually does not hurt.
- Cracked tooth: a line runs through the tooth. It may hurt when you bite or have something cold.
- Broken tooth: a larger piece has come off. You may see a dark, pink or red area in the middle of the tooth, and it may hurt.
- Knocked out tooth: the whole tooth, including the root, has come out. For an adult tooth, this needs urgent care.
What to Do Straight Away
- Rinse your mouth gently with warm water.
- Keep any broken pieces. Put them in a small container of milk and bring them to your appointment.
- Stop any bleeding by pressing a clean piece of gauze or cloth on the area for about 10 minutes.
- Reduce swelling with a cold pack wrapped in a cloth, held against your cheek.
- Manage the pain. Our toothache home remedies guide covers pain relief and what to avoid.
- Call your dentist to arrange an appointment as soon as you can.
If an Adult Tooth Has Been Knocked Out
A knocked out adult tooth is a dental emergency. The sooner you are seen, the better the chance of saving it. Call us straight away on 08 9527 1093.
- Pick the tooth up by the crown (the white part), not the root.
- If it is dirty, rinse it briefly in milk. Do not scrub it.
- Keep the tooth in milk and bring it with you.
Do not try to put a baby tooth back in. Call us for advice instead.
Protecting the Tooth Until Your Appointment
- If the tooth has a sharp edge, cover it with sugar free chewing gum or dental wax from a pharmacy so it does not cut your tongue or cheek.
- Chew on the other side of your mouth.
- Stick to soft food.
- Avoid very hot, very cold and sugary food and drinks.
- Do not bite on hard things like ice, pens or nuts.
When Is a Broken Tooth a Dental Emergency?
A broken tooth always needs to be checked by a dentist, but some situations need care the same day:
- Severe pain that pain relief does not control
- Bleeding that does not stop
- Swelling in your face or gums
- A knocked out adult tooth
- A large break where you can see pink or red in the middle of the tooth
If you have hurt your jaw, cannot close your mouth properly or have other injuries from an accident, go to a hospital emergency department.
For same day help, see our emergency dental treatment page. Not sure whether your problem is urgent? Read what is considered a dental emergency.
How Dentists Fix a Broken Tooth
The right treatment depends on how much of the tooth is damaged and whether the nerve is affected. Your dentist will check the tooth and may take an X-ray.
Bonding or a White Filling
For small chips and breaks, tooth coloured filling material is shaped onto the tooth to rebuild it. Sometimes the broken piece can be bonded back on.
Crown
If a large part of the tooth has broken off, a crown covers and protects what is left. Crowns can be made from porcelain, metal or a mix of both.
Veneer
For a chipped front tooth, a veneer can be an option. A veneer is a thin layer of porcelain or composite resin bonded to the front of the tooth.
Root Canal Treatment
If the break reaches the nerve, root canal treatment may be needed to remove the damaged nerve and prevent infection. The tooth is then usually protected with a crown.
Removing and Replacing the Tooth
If the tooth cannot be saved, it may need to be removed. Your dentist will talk you through the options for replacing it, such as an implant, a bridge or a denture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Broken Tooth Heal on Its Own?
No. Enamel does not grow back, so a broken tooth needs to be repaired by a dentist.
My Tooth Broke but It Does Not Hurt. Do I Still Need to See a Dentist?
Yes. A broken tooth can still crack further or let bacteria in, even when it does not hurt. Book an appointment soon so it can be checked and repaired before it gets worse.
What If a Piece of My Tooth Broke Off While Eating?
Rinse your mouth, keep the piece in milk, cover any sharp edge and call us for an appointment. Avoid chewing on that side until it has been checked.
Broken Tooth? Call Rockingham Dental Centre
If you have broken a tooth, call us on 08 9527 1093 and we will help you get it seen as soon as possible. You can also book online.
