The short answer

A small chip that doesn’t hurt is usually not an emergency, but it should be checked within a few days. A broken tooth with pain, bleeding, a sharp edge cutting your mouth, or a visible pink or red centre needs a dentist as soon as possible, ideally the same day.

When to call straight away

  • Severe pain, or pain that keeps you awake
  • A large piece of tooth has broken off
  • You can see pink or red in the middle of the tooth (the nerve may be exposed)
  • The tooth is loose, pushed out of place or knocked out
  • Swelling in your gum or face

When it can usually wait a few days

A small chip on the edge of a front or back tooth, with no pain and no sharp edge, can usually wait for a regular appointment. Small chips can still let decay in, so it is worth booking rather than leaving it.

What to do right now

  • Rinse your mouth gently with warm water
  • Keep any pieces of tooth in a clean container of milk and bring them with you
  • Cover a sharp edge with sugar-free chewing gum or dental wax
  • Use a cold pack on the outside of your face for swelling
  • Take pain relief as directed on the pack, and avoid chewing on that side

How a broken tooth is repaired

Small chips can often be smoothed or repaired with tooth-coloured filling material in one visit. Larger breaks may need a crown to protect what is left of the tooth. If the nerve is affected, root canal treatment may be needed to keep the tooth.

Your dentist will examine the tooth, take an x-ray if needed, and explain the options and costs before starting.

When to go to hospital instead

Call 000 or go to a hospital emergency department if you have swelling that affects your breathing or swallowing, bleeding that will not stop, or a serious injury to your face or jaw.

Common questions

No. Tooth enamel does not grow back, so a chip stays the same or gets bigger. A dentist can usually repair it with filling material or a crown.

It can be. A crack can spread and let bacteria reach the nerve, even if it doesn’t hurt at first. If you notice pain when biting or with hot and cold, have it checked soon.

Hold it by the crown, not the root. Rinse it gently, put it back in the socket if you can, or keep it in milk, and see a dentist straight away. The sooner, the better the chance of saving it.

This article is general information, not advice for your situation. Please see a dentist for advice about your teeth.