Broken, chipped or knocked-out tooth: what to do first

If you have broken or chipped a tooth, stop chewing on that side and arrange a dental assessment. A small chip and a tooth knocked completely out of its socket need different responses. Time matters especially after a permanent tooth is knocked out: quick care may affect whether it can be saved.

What if your tooth is chipped or cracked but still in place?

Rinse your mouth gently with water, avoid hard food on that tooth and keep any piece you recover without attempting to glue it back yourself. A cold compress against the outside of your face may ease swelling after an injury as you obtain advice. A crack may extend beyond what you can see, so a prompt examination makes sense even if the pain seems mild.

Never use household glue, a nail file or a home repair kit on the tooth. Avoid rubbing sharp edges with your tongue and ask the dentist how to protect the area safely.

What if a whole tooth came out in an accident?

• For a permanent adult tooth: hold it by the white crown, not by the root.
• If dirty, rinse gently in milk or saline. Do not scrub or dry the root.
• If it can be placed gently back without force and the person is alert and able to cooperate, this may be attempted. Otherwise keep it moist in milk or a tooth-preservation medium and seek emergency dental care immediately.
• For a baby tooth: do not put it back into the socket because this could harm the developing permanent tooth. Seek urgent care.

Following major trauma, loss of consciousness, serious facial injury, breathing problems or bleeding that will not stop requires emergency medical attention first.

What might repair involve?

The extent and location of the damage determine whether a filling, dental crown or another option is considered. Pain intensity alone does not establish whether the tooth can be saved. If a tooth cannot be preserved, our missing-tooth guide sets out discussion points for replacement.

Getting the right assessment

Tell the dentist when the incident occurred, whether biting hurts and if you have saved any fragments. Oral rehabilitation at RR Estudio Dental provides a starting point for restorative assessment, but emergency appointment availability cannot be assumed and procedures must be confirmed with the clinic.

If the whole tooth comes out, it is not just a fracture: see first aid for a knocked-out permanent tooth.

Clinical sources

• American Dental Association: dental emergency guidance.
• NHS: knocked-out teeth.