Overview
Chipping, breaking or cracking a tooth is usually not serious. A dentist should be able to treat it.
Non-urgent advice: See a dentist if you or your child has:
- chipped, cracked or broken a tooth
If a piece of tooth has broken off, put it in milk or saliva (by spitting into a container if it's your tooth, or having your child spit into a container if it's theirs) and take it to a dentist. The dentist may be able to glue the piece of tooth back on.
Do not go to a GP. They will not be able to give you dental treatment.
How to see a dentist in an emergency or out of hours
For urgent dental treatment:
- call a dentist - if they're closed, their answerphone may say what to do
If you do not have a dentist or cannot get an emergency appointment:
- call 111 - they can advise you what to do
- find a dentist near you - ask for an emergency appointment
You may have to pay for your appointment.
What the dentist will do
Treatments for a chipped, broken or cracked tooth may include:
- gluing the fragment of tooth back on
- a filling or a crown (a cap that completely covers the broken tooth)
- root canal treatment for a badly broken tooth where the nerves are exposed
Page last reviewed: 09 January 2025
Next review due: 09 January 2028
Information sourced from the NHS. If you have concerns about your medication or symptoms, pop in or call Hedon Pharmacy - we're here to help.
Read on nhs.uk