A chipped tooth does not always hurt, but it still needs a dental assessment. The right repair depends on how much of the tooth has broken and whether the inner tissue is affected.
What to do first
Call a dentist and explain how the tooth broke, whether it hurts and whether you can bite comfortably. If you have the broken piece, the NHS advises keeping it in milk or saliva and taking it with you. A dentist may be able to reattach it.
If a whole tooth has been knocked out, seek urgent dental advice. Do not put a knocked-out baby tooth back into its socket. A serious facial injury or difficulty breathing needs emergency care.
What will the dentist check?
The dentist will examine the tooth and nearby tissues and may recommend an X-ray. A small chip may be smoothed or repaired with filling material. A larger break may need a crown, while damage involving the inner tissue may require different treatment.
A crack is not always easy to see. Mention pain when biting, sensitivity to temperature or a previous injury, even if the tooth looks almost unchanged.
Until your appointment
Avoid chewing hard foods on the affected tooth and take care around any sharp edge. Ask the dental practice what to do if you have pain or swelling. Do not use household glue or try to repair the tooth yourself.
Frequently asked questions
Does a chipped tooth need a crown?
Not necessarily. A dentist will recommend a repair after examining the size and position of the break.
What if my cracked tooth does not hurt?
Arrange a dental assessment anyway. The absence of pain does not show how deep a crack is.
Can the broken piece be saved?
Sometimes. Keep it in milk or saliva and take it to the dentist as soon as you can.
Related reading
Sources and further reading
NHS: Chipped, broken or cracked tooth
Explore Dental services or contact the clinic to ask about appointments. This article is general information, not a substitute for individual medical advice.