Chipped and Broken Teeth: What You Need to Know

Teeth are designed to be incredibly strong. In fact, tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body. Yet, despite its resilience, it isn’t indestructible. Everyday life brings countless scenarios where a tooth might chip, crack, or even break completely. Something as simple as crunching on an ice cube or biting into an unexpected kernel can cause damage. Accidents and sporting injuries are other frequent culprits, particularly if the tooth is already weakened by decay or wear.

When this happens, the shock is often greater than the pain. Seeing or feeling part of a tooth suddenly missing can cause panic. The important thing to remember is that chipped or broken teeth are common, and modern dentistry offers reliable solutions for every level of damage. At Thousand Smiles, we provide same-day and emergency appointments so you can get the care you need without delay.

Immediate actions for a chipped or broken tooth

What to Do Straight Away if a Tooth Chips or Breaks

Acting quickly after dental trauma can make a significant difference to the outcome. The sooner you see a dentist, the more options you will have to preserve and repair the tooth.

While waiting for your appointment, a few simple steps can protect your mouth and reduce discomfort:

Ease the pain – Over-the-counter pain relief such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage soreness. Rinsing gently with warm salt water also reduces irritation and the risk of infection.
Protect your mouth – If the broken tooth leaves a sharp edge, cover it with dental wax (available in most pharmacies), paraffin wax, or even sugar-free chewing gum. This prevents cuts on your tongue, cheeks, or lips.
Adjust your diet – Stick to soft foods until treatment, avoiding anything hard, crunchy, or sticky. Using the opposite side of your mouth for chewing also helps.

Even if the damage seems small, schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Ignoring it increases the risk of further breakage, infection, and even tooth loss.

Book your visit today and see why patients across London trust Thousand Smile with their care.

020 3773 2280

Professional Treatments for Chipped and Broken Teeth

Not all dental injuries are the same. The correct treatment depends on how much of the tooth structure is affected and whether the inner pulp is exposed. At Thousand Smiles, we assess the severity of the break before recommending one of the following treatments.

1. Dental Bonding or Fillings

For minor chips, a simple dental filling or composite bonding is often enough. Composite bonding involves applying a tooth-coloured resin to the damaged area, then carefully sculpting it to match the natural contour of your tooth. The material is hardened with a special light, leaving you with a seamless repair that blends into your smile. Bonding is quick, minimally invasive, and usually completed in a single visit.

2. Dental Crowns

When a large portion of the tooth is missing, or decay has weakened it significantly, a crown provides a stronger and more durable solution. A crown acts as a protective cap, covering the entire tooth and restoring its strength and appearance. Crowns can be made from porcelain, ceramic, resin, or metal alloys, each with different benefits depending on the tooth’s location and your aesthetic preferences.

Typically, crowns are fitted over two appointments. The first involves preparing the tooth and taking impressions, while the second is used to place the permanent crown. A temporary crown is fitted in the meantime to protect the tooth.

3. Veneers

Front teeth with chips or fractures can often be restored using veneers. A veneer is a thin shell of porcelain or composite resin designed to cover the front surface of the tooth. This approach not only conceals chips but can also improve overall shape, alignment, and colour.

The procedure requires removing a thin layer of enamel, after which impressions are taken. The veneer is custom-made in a lab, then bonded securely to the tooth with dental cement and hardened under a curing light. Veneers are a popular choice for those seeking both repair and cosmetic improvement.

4. Root Canal Therapy

If a crack or break extends deep enough to expose the tooth’s inner pulp, you may experience severe pain or sensitivity. This indicates the pulp may be inflamed, infected, or damaged. In such cases, root canal therapy is necessary. The procedure removes the affected pulp, cleans and disinfects the root canals, and then seals the tooth. Usually, a crown is placed afterwards to restore both function and appearance.

How to Care for a Severely Broken or Knocked-Out Tooth

In more serious cases where part of a tooth is completely broken off, or the entire tooth has been knocked out, immediate action is crucial. Here are a few tips while you make your way to the dentist:

Handle carefully – Pick up the tooth or fragments by the crown (the white part you normally see), not the root.
Clean gently if necessary – Only rinse the tooth if visibly dirty. Do not scrub, dry, or remove any attached tissue.
Keep it moist – If possible, place the tooth back in its socket and hold it with gentle pressure using a clean cloth or gauze. If reinsertion is not possible, store it in milk or keep it inside your cheek. Teeth kept moist have a higher chance of being successfully reimplanted.
Take pain relief – Ibuprofen is recommended for both pain relief and reducing inflammation.

Time is critical. Reimplanting a tooth within 30 minutes offers the best chance of saving it.

Prevention: Reducing the Risk of Chipped Teeth

Reducing the Risk of Chipped Teeth

Wear a mouthguard during sports or physical activities.
Avoid chewing on hard objects like ice, pens, or unpopped popcorn kernels.
Don’t use your teeth as tools for opening packages or bottles.s
Keep up with regular dental check-ups to spot early decay or weakness before it leads to breakage.

Reasons to choose Thousand Smiles dental clinic

Why Choose Thousand Smiles?

Dealing with a chipped or broken tooth can be stressful, but with prompt treatment, most patients enjoy full restoration of both function and appearance. At Thousand Smiles, we offer:

Emergency appointments to provide immediate care.
A wide range of restorative options tailored to your needs.
Modern equipment and skilled professionals committed to patient comfort.
A caring approach that prioritises both health and aesthetics.

Take Action Today

If you’ve chipped or broken a tooth, don’t wait until the damage gets worse. Call Thousand Smiles now on 020 3773 2280 or book an appointment online to get fast, effective treatment.

Your teeth deserve the best care available. Whether it’s a small cosmetic chip or a serious fracture, our team is ready to restore your smile with treatments designed to last. Visit Thousand Smiles today and let us help you regain confidence in your smile.