Broken or Chipped Tooth
A chipped or broken tooth is more common than people realise — biting something unexpectedly hard, a fall, or a knock during sport can all cause it. Getting it looked at quickly usually makes treatment simpler.
Ready to book your appointment?
Send us your details and we'll be in touch — usually within one working day.
Even a painless break is urgent.
Even if a broken tooth doesn't hurt straight away, the internal structure can still be compromised — delaying treatment risks decay setting in or the crack worsening under normal chewing forces.
Straight away: rinse gently with warm water, save any broken pieces if you can (keeping them in milk helps), avoid chewing on that side, and get in touch promptly rather than waiting.
How to tell it's chipped or broken.
The signs vary, but most people notice one or more of these:
- 01A sharp or rough edge against your tongue
- 02Irritation of the cheek or lip
- 03Pain when biting or chewing
- 04Sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet
- 05A visible crack, chip or missing piece
- 06Swelling or throbbing if the nerve is involved
Where it comes from.
The most common culprits:
Don't wait it out.
Speak to your our practice dentist if you're experiencing any of the following — book an appointment as soon as you can:
- —A tooth has chipped, cracked or broken — even without pain.
- —There's a sharp edge cutting your tongue or lip.
- —Biting or chewing on that side hurts.
- —The tooth is sensitive to hot, cold or sweet.
In discomfort right now?
If you're in pain, bleeding, or a tooth has been knocked out, call us straight away — we keep time for urgent appointments and can usually see you the same day.
A plan, not a quick fix.
For minor chips, composite bonding can often rebuild the tooth in a single visit. Where more of the tooth is affected, a crown may be the better long-term solution — and if the break has reached the nerve, root canal treatment may be needed alongside restoration.
