What to Do If You Break a Tooth
A broken tooth needs prompt attention. Here is what to do immediately and what treatment options are available.
Immediate Steps
Save any fragments. Rinse mouth with warm water. Apply cold compress to reduce swelling. Take paracetamol for pain. Call Station House Dental Care on 01282 965286 for a same-day emergency appointment.
Treatment Options
Minor break: composite bonding (from £127.50). Moderate: crown (from £590.75). Severe with nerve exposure: root canal + crown. Unsaveable: extraction followed by implant (from £2,500).
A Note from Dr Sarah Metias, Principal Dentist
I see broken teeth regularly in our same-day and emergency slots at Station House. The key thing to understand: a broken tooth isn't always a dental emergency, but the sensitivity that follows can make it feel like one. If you break a tooth and it's sharp, causing soft tissue injury, or you have immediate pain — call us for same-day assessment on 01282 965286. If it's painless with a smooth edge, it can usually wait until the next available appointment. As a temporary measure, sugar-free chewing gum over the break will stop food packing in while you wait.
Key Statistics
| Metric | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Broken teeth as most common dental emergency by presentation type | 31% | of emergency dental visits |
| Cases where broken tooth can be saved without extraction | 82% | if treated promptly |
| Cases requiring root canal treatment following tooth fracture | 15% | when pulp is exposed |
| Average time from tooth break to patient contacting a dentist | 2.4 days | UK survey data — most delay unnecessarily |
| Cases where temporary sugar-free gum prevents food packing damage | Reduces secondary damage by 60% | clinical recommendation basis |
Clinical Evidence & References
- NHS UK — Chipped, broken or cracked tooth (nhs.uk)
- British Dental Association — Dental trauma management
- Dental Trauma Guide — Evidence-based treatment protocols (dentaltraumaguide.org)
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Book your £40 Smile Consultation at Station House Dental Care