Broken tooth
A chipped or broken tooth ranges from a small rough edge to a crack that reaches the nerve. Small chips are often repaired in one visit. A tooth that hurts, bleeds inside or has a large missing piece should be seen soon, because the nerve can be exposed. Only an examination and an X-ray show how deep the damage goes.
Common causes
A rough or sharp edge, usually without pain. Often from biting something hard. Can be smoothed or bonded.
General dentistry: check-ups, cleaning and fillings →Large piece broken offA big part of the crown is missing, often with sensitivity. A crown is commonly needed to protect what is left.
Crowns and bridges →Cracked toothSharp pain on biting and releasing, or with cold. The crack may be hard to see and can run below the gum.
Crowns and bridges →Break reaching the nerveConstant or throbbing pain, or a pink or red spot in the broken tooth. A root canal and crown are usually needed.
Root canal treatment →Broken front toothA chip or break at the front affects appearance and speech. Bonding, a veneer or a crown can rebuild the shape.
Smile design →Tooth broken at or below the gumOnly the root remains. It may be saved with root canal treatment and a crown, or removed and replaced.
Oral surgery and wisdom teeth →Weakened by decay or a large fillingA heavily filled or decayed tooth can break during normal chewing.
General dentistry: check-ups, cleaning and fillings →See a dentist today if you have
- A broken tooth with severe or throbbing pain
- A tooth broken after a blow to the face or head, with bleeding or a loose tooth
- Swelling of the face or gum, or fever
- A sharp edge cutting your tongue or cheek
- A knocked-out permanent tooth: keep it in milk and see a dentist within the hour
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing: go to a hospital now
- Rinse your mouth gently with warm water. If there was a blow to the face, also check for other injuries.
- Keep any broken piece in milk or saline, and bring it to the clinic.
- Cover a sharp edge with sugar-free chewing gum or dental wax until you are seen.
- Hold a cold pack on the cheek for swelling, 10 minutes on and 10 off.
- Take the pain relief you normally use, as directed on the pack, and eat soft food away from the broken tooth.
- Do not bite on the tooth or try to glue it back yourself.
Questions patients ask
Can a broken tooth be repaired?
Often yes. Small chips can be smoothed or bonded. Larger breaks usually need a crown. If the nerve is exposed, a root canal comes first. A tooth broken below the gum may need removal.
Can the broken piece be stuck back on?
Sometimes a dentist can bond a clean, intact fragment back. Bring it with you in milk or saline. Do not use household glue.
How soon should I be seen?
A small chip with no pain can wait a few days, though a sharp edge should be smoothed soon. A tooth with pain, bleeding inside or a big missing piece should be seen the same day if possible.
Will it hurt to treat?
Treatment is done under local anaesthetic when needed, so you should not feel pain during the procedure. Some soreness afterwards is common and usually settles in a few days.
Which dentist will I see?
Dr. Nimisha Pandya examines you first. If the nerve is involved, Dr. Neha Agrawal, our endodontist, does the root canal; if the tooth must be removed, Dr. Ohm Rajani, our oral and maxillofacial surgeon, can do it.
Questions about this treatment?
Send a WhatsApp message or book an examination. The dentist explains the options before anything starts.