Broken tooth? What to do right now
Save any pieces in milk, rinse your mouth with warm water, and cover a sharp edge with sugar-free gum or dental wax. Avoid chewing on that side and use a cold compress for swelling. Then call us on 1800 833 844. Even a chip that doesn't hurt needs a check, because cracks spread.
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Do this now
- Save any pieces in milk. Pop fragments in a small container of milk and bring them with you. Sometimes a piece can be bonded back.
- Rinse with warm water. A gentle rinse clears the area so you can see what's happened.
- Cover a sharp edge. Sugar-free chewing gum or dental wax over the edge protects your tongue and cheek.
- Rest that side of your mouth. Chew on the other side and stick to soft foods for now.
- Cold compress for swelling. A wrapped cold pack on the outside of your cheek, 15 to 20 minutes at a time.
- Call 1800 833 844. We keep room for urgent visits and aim to see you the same day. Even a small chip is worth a check, because cracks spread.
Then call us
We keep room for urgent visits and aim to see you the same day. The first assessment is free.
Enhanced have done a wonderful job of caring for our entire family. Gentle, expedient and so patient. So reasonably priced and always able to squeeze us in
Go to a hospital emergency department if
- The break came from a blow that also caused confusion or any loss of consciousness.
- Bleeding has not stopped after 20 minutes of firm pressure.
- You have trouble swallowing or breathing.
- Swelling is spreading towards your eye or down your neck.
For anything on this list, hospital comes first. Call 000 if someone is struggling to breathe.
What we'll do when you come in
- We check the tooth and take a digital X-ray to see how deep the break goes, including the part hiding below the gum.
- We protect the tooth on the day. Depending on the break, that can mean smoothing a rough edge, bonding, or a temporary cover while a crown is made.
- If the break has reached the nerve, we'll explain options like root canal treatment in plain words.
- You get a clear written quote before any repair starts, and we agree on the plan together.
While you wait
Do
- Stick to soft foods and chew on the other side.
- Keep the area clean with gentle brushing and warm salt-water rinses.
- Keep any fragments in milk and bring them to your visit.
- Take pain relief as directed on the packet if the tooth aches.
Don't
- Don't chew on the broken tooth.
- Don't pick at or wiggle a loose piece that's still attached.
- Don't try super glue or home repair kits on the tooth.
- Avoid very hot or icy food and drinks if the tooth is sensitive.
- Don't skip the visit because it doesn't hurt. Cracks spread, and a small repair now is usually simpler than a bigger one later.
The likely next steps
Quick answers
It doesn't hurt. Do I still need to come in?
Yes, sooner rather than later. A chip that doesn't hurt can still have a crack running under the surface, and cracks spread with every bite. A small repair now is usually simpler than a bigger one later. We'll check it and tell you honestly what it needs.
Can you fix it the same day?
We aim to see urgent cases the same day, and we'll protect the tooth at that first visit. Whether the full repair happens on the day depends on the break. Small chips can often be bonded straight away, while a crown takes more than one visit.
Will I lose the tooth?
Many broken teeth can be repaired, but it depends on how deep the break goes. A crack below the gum line is harder to save than a chipped corner. We'll take an X-ray, show you what we find, and talk through every option before anything starts.
What will the repair cost?
That depends on the size of the break and the fix it needs, so we won't guess. You get a clear written quote before any treatment starts, and if you're in pain, the first emergency check is free.
Locations
Six clinics. Find your closest.
Four across Brisbane. Two on the Gold Coast.
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Don't wait it out. Call us now
Tell us what's happening and we'll find you the soonest spot across our six clinics in Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
or call 1800 833 844